ASIA/TAIWAN - The Pope accepts resignation of Bishop of Taichung and appoints Successor

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on 25 June 2007 accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Taichung (Taiwan), presented by Bishop Joseph Wang Yu-jung in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1.
The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI appointed Rev. Martin Su Yao-wen of the clergy of Taichung, director of "campus ministry" at Providence University Taichung, Bishop of Taichung (Taiwan).
The Bishop elect Martin Su Yao-wen was born in Kaohsiung on 9 November 1959. After attending Holy Spirit minor seminary in Taichung he entered Taipei major seminary and studied philosophy and theology at Fu Jen University. He was ordained a priest on 8 June 1989 and has since ministered as follows: 1989-1990: Administrator of Changhua parish; 1990-1993: parish priest at Hoh-sing, Chutang, Lotsu and Yuanlin; 1993-1997: He was sent to study for a year at St. Louis University, San Francisco, U.S.A., for a diploma in Religious Education. He then studied at Fordham University, New York, for a Licentiate in Religious Education; spiritual father for youth groups at Our Lady of China parish, in New York; 1997-2006: Dean for general affairs at Providence University, Taichung. Since June 2006 director of Campus Ministry at the same university.
The diocese of Taichung, suffragan of Taipei, was created in 1962. It has an area of 7,836sq km and a population of 4,134,000 including 36,836 Catholics, gathered in 65 parishes, assisted by 74 priests (29 diocesan e 45 religious), 122 women religious and there are 3 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 25/6/2007; Righe 19; Parole 248)