Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Taipei (Agenzia Fides) – On March 21, just days after celebrating the 54th anniversary of his priestly ordination, Cardinal Paul Shan published his autobiography: “Living Love – The Story of Cardinal Paul Shan,” Cardinal Shan's autobiography. He tells of his long battle with cancer, the great pastoral tasks undertaken with the strength from prayer...In this autobiography, Cardinal Shan truly opens his heart to his flock. All the proceeds from the book's sales will go towards the construction of the “Beatitudes Park for the Evangelization of Asia,” an initiative that the Cardinal has been making every effort to promote. It includes a Seminary, a Child-Care Center, a Home for the Elderly, a Center for Indigenous People, and a Pastoral Center.
Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi, S.J., Bishop emeritus of Kaohsiung (Taiwan), was born on 3 December 1923 at Puyang, Hopeh, in China (Diocese of Taming). He entered the Society of Jesus on 11 September 1946 in Beijing, where on 12 September 1948 he took his first vows. He studied philosophy in China and the Philippines, where he was ordained a priest on 18 March 1955. He was appointed Director of the Chinese Section of Sacred Heart School in Cebu City in the Philippines and worked there from 1957-59. From 1959-61 he undertook studies for a doctorate in spiritual theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was sent to Vietnam from 1961-63 and from 1963 to 1970 served as Master of Novices and Rector of Manresa House in Changhua, Taiwan. From 1970-76, he worked as Rector of St. Ignatius High School, Taipei. He was elected President of the Catholic Schools’ Association in Taiwan (1972-76), and was appointed President of the Kuangchi Program Service, Taipei (1976-79). In 1976 he was named Episcopal Vicar of Taipei, and on 15 November 1979 he was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Hwalien. On 14 February 1980 he was ordained to the episcopate and took possession of the Diocese of Hwalien. On April 7, 1987 he was elected President of the Bishops’ Commission for Evangelization within the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference (CRBC) and reelected for many years, up until his resignation upon having reached the age limit. On March 4, 1991, he was appointed Bishop of Kaohsiung. John Paul II created and proclaimed him Cardinal in the Consistory of 21 February 1998 . On January 5, 2006, the Holy Father accepted his resignation from pastoral government. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 24/03/2009)
