Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Taipei (Fides Service) - “A ‘watchman for Jesus’ : 60 years of ministry never for his own interest but for the will of the Lord” said Bishop Joseph Wang referring to Cardinal Paul Shan in his homily during a Mass to say farewell to the Cardinal in Kaohsiung Cathedral on 14 January.
According Taipei archdiocese bulletin Christian Life Weekly Kaohsiung said farewell to the Cardinal who has resigned its Bishop after 60 years of service, as a Jesuit, 51 years a priest, 26 a Bishop and 8 as a Cardinal.
Almost all the Bishops of Taiwan and 60 priests were present and concelebrated. Bishop Joseph Wang addressed Cardinal Shan: “In 18 years as president of the Bishops’ Conference you have always encouraged the faithful to hold high the flame of mission organising two congresses for evangelisation. You made Taiwan’s voice heard in the international community, speaking to the media, publishing articles, announcing the truth of Christ. You promoted the Gospel as leaven for culture and society and thanks to many visits to Rome you explained the importance of diplomatic relations between the Republic of China and the Holy See. Nevertheless you remained a humble man of faith ”.
The new Bishop of Kaohsiung Peter Liu, thanked the Cardinal on behalf of the diocese for pastoral and missionary growth of the local Church in Taiwan. At the end of the Mass Cardinal Shan said: “I thank the Lord for lifting me from the dust... I wanted to be a country priest...I am happy to have been a spiritual watchman” and he assured his successor of his full moral and spiritual support. (Agenzia Fides 24/01/2006 Righe: 25 Parole: 276)
