HONG KONG (SE/Agencies): Bishop Melchior Shi Hongzhen was officially installed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tianjin on August 27. Born on 7 January 1929, Bishop Shi Hongzhen was ordained a priest on 4 July 1954.
Father Shi Hongzhen was clandestinely ordained as Coadjutor Bishop of Tianjin on 15 June 1982 by the late Bishop Stephano Li Side of the unofficial Church. He succeed Bishop Li on 8 June 2019.
The ceremony, approved by the Catholic Patriotic Association and the Chinese Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was attended by Bishop Joseph Li Shan, president of the Patriotic Association and vice chairperson of the conference.
During the ceremony, 95-year-old Bishop Shi solemnly pledged to promote national unity and social harmony, demonstrate patriotism and love for the Church, and adhere to the sinicisation of Catholicism.
He also vowed to fulfill his pastoral duties, faithfully preach the gospel, and work alongside the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Tianjin to contribute to the construction of a modern socialist country.
The event was attended by 100 people, including representatives from the Catholic Patriotic Association and the Chinese Catholic Bishops’ Conference, as well as members of the diocese and lay representatives.
