Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tai Pei (Agenzia Fides) – Over 2,500 faithful attended the ordination of a missionary priest of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), Fr. John LIN Ruo Wang, of Paiwan ethnicity (an indigenous people of Taiwan), with great emotion and joy. According to information gathered by Fides, the ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Paul Shan, Bishop Emeritus of Kaohsiung, on April 17. Together with the Cardinal, concelebrating were 3 Bishops, the Provincial Superior of the Chinese province of the Society of the Divine Word, 80 diocesan and religious priests, and 4 deacons. Along with a hundred religious sisters, there were also representatives of all the indigenous groups in Taiwan and from each diocese on the island. The liturgy was enriched by elements of the culture and tradition of the Paiwan ethnicity, arousing great enthusiasm among the natives present. The new priest confirmed his total commitment to the universal mission in the spirit of the Divine Word and the footsteps of all the SVD saints. Other factors have highlighted the unique character of the ordination: the date selected for the ordination coincides with the birthday of Pope Benedict XVI. Also, the vestments that the parents presented to the new priest after ordination were embroidered by the mother and feature designs from the Paiwan ethnicity, symbolizing the full donation of their son to the Lord. The new SVD priest, Fr. John LIN Ruo Wang, age 35, began his vocational journey at the age of 19 in the seminary of Tai Nan. After military service, he joined the Regional Seminary of Tai Pei. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 11/05/2010)
