New Diaconal Ordinations in Beijing

On Monday, the North Beijing Cathedral hosted the ordination to the diaconate of Felipe Wang, along with two other seminarians from the Diocese of Beijing. The ceremony was presided over by the titular bishop of the diocese, Bishop Joseph Lishan, together with the coadjutor bishop, Bishop Mathew Zhen, in a celebration that filled the cathedral with religious sisters, seminarians, and numerous faithful who had come from throughout the diocese to accompany the new deacons on a decisive step toward the priesthood.

Felipe Wang, in addition to his calling to the priesthood, is a musician and organist. Visibly moved by the ordination, he spoke on behalf of his fellow ordinands, delivering a speech in Mandarin. At the end of his speech, he surprised those present by adding a few words in Spanish—a simple gesture that was warmly received and drew smiles and applause from the assembly.

A Celebration for Priests, Too

The day provided an additional reason for celebration: Father Martin Pan and Father Joseph Chen, along with three other colleagues, celebrated the seventh anniversary of their ordination to the priesthood. The coincidence of these two events—the new diaconal ordination and the priestly anniversary—enhanced the atmosphere of celebration and fellowship among the clergy of the Diocese of Beijing, who participated in full force in the celebration and brought the liturgy to life.

Wang and the priests celebrating their jubilees were trained at the Bidasoa International Ecclesiastical College (Pamplona), a fact that shows how the land of St. Francis Xavier continues to bear fruit in China.

Following the religious ceremony, the entire community gathered for a fraternal meal that brought an intense day—marked by joy, prayer, and shared gratitude among priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and the faithful—to a close.