Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Xin Zhou (Agenzia Fides) – Nearly 1,000 faithful from the Catholic community of Xin Zhou, of the Province of Shan Xi, celebrated the 25th anniversary of ordination, of their beloved 80-year-old pastor, Fr. Peter Cao Shi Shan. According to information that reached Agenzia Fides, six priests concelebrated the Mass held on November 4 in the parish where Fr. Cao continues his priestly mission today.
In the homily, the priest recalled his own vocation and renewed his love for the Lord and for the mission of evangelization, calling for his parishioners commitment to bearing witness to the faith. Those present also heard the story of an extraordinary and persevering vocation. In fact, due to the known political occurrences in China, Fr. Cao and other seminarians in the 1950s were forced to abandon their theological studies. However, this did not stop him as it did other seminarians and novices at the time. He held on to his vocation with perseverance, until he could continue on, in spite of the difficulties and prejudices of others. Many others present in the jubilee celebration recalled this unique experience of Fr. Peter Cao, presenting him as a vocational example for all priests, young and old, for the seminarians who are living this Year for Priests with great intensity, for the youth, and for Christian families today, that they may all respond to their vocations by following his example.
Fr. Peter Cao Shi San entered in the Preparatory Seminary of Tai Yuan in September 1945. He was sent to study in Beijing at the Catholic Higher Learning Institute of Geng Xin. He returned to Tai Yuan and studied Theology in Yu Ci, until he had to abandon his theological studies to study medicine and work in a hospital, as a result of the Chinese political situation. With the reopening of the Seminary in August 1983, he entered the National Seminary in Beijing to finish his studies. After his ordination, he was sent to carry out his pastoral ministry in the Xin Zhou area, where he continues ministering to this day. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 07/11/2009)
