Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Ningbo (Agenzia Fides) – The liturgical rite of admission of candidates to the priesthood is not only a celebration of the diocese, but also an opportunity of witness to young people. Thus, the Diocese of Ningbo decided to celebrate two separate solemn liturgies for admission, both presided over by Bishop Francis Xavier Jin Yangke. The two liturgies were celebrated on Thursday, July 11th and Monday, July 14th. During the rite, four diocesan deacons responded to the Lord’s call to the priesthood with faith and charity before their bishop, receiving the faculty to exercise the ministries of acolyte and lector.In his homily, Bishop Jin emphasized that “the ministry of reading the Word consists not only in reciting the Word, but also in being witness to the Word. The acolyte invites seminarians to learn humility and fidelity in serving the altar and their brothers.” Furthermore, the Bishop encouraged the deacons to prepare themselves to exercise the diaconal and priestly ministry with pastoral care when they receive their diaconal and priestly ordination, according to the Lord’s will.”Vocation,” the Bishop of Ningbo insisted, “is not a journey one undertakes alone. There is always a need for dialogue between the soul of the person and the Lord.” The Bishop also invited each baptized person and the entire community to accompany and support the future deacons and priests on their journey, sharing with them their joys, responsibilities, and even difficulties.Many young people from the diocese also took part in the two liturgies. This was a comforting sign for the entire diocesan community, in the hope—as one parish priest emphasized—that even in these circumstances, the seed of new vocations may silently fall in the hearts of many. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 17/7/2025)
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