ASIA/CHINA - Shen Yang Seminary renders homage to John Paul II on China’s traditional day for commemorating the dead

Friday, 15 April 2005

Shen Yang (Fides Service) - Seminarians and teaching staff at ShenYang seminary in northern China, rendered homage to Pope John Paul II on China’s traditional day of commemoration of the dead, which fell a few days after the Pope’s passing. The Seminarians began the day with morning prayer at 6.20am with special prayers for the dead, followed by Mass. In his homily the Rector Rev. Guo Ling kai reflected on the life of the late Pope and told the students to follow the Holy Father’s example working hard at their studies, so as to build firm foundations for their faith and their service of the Church in the future. After Mass many remained to pray quietly in front of a large photograph of the Pontiff. The Rector said that in communion with the universal Church there would be a series of services to commemorate Pope John Paul, a model of priestly life.
Shen Yang Seminary dates back to 1880. It re-opened in 1983 and is now the centre of formation for priests from the north east provinces of Hei Long Jiang, Liao Ning and Ji Ling. In these 22 years it has trained 130 priests today involved in pastoral work and evangelisation all over China, some of whom had the opportunity to study abroad. At present there are 69 seminarians from 15 different dioceses. Among various other activities the seminarians also publish their own Seminary Magazine.
(Agenzia Fides 15/04/2005 Righe: 26 Parole: 284)


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