Chinese Catholics welcome ordination of 40-year-old coadjutor bishop

Published: 2007-09-11

HONG KONG (CNS) -- The ordination of Coadjutor Bishop Paul Xiao Zejiang of Guizhou, China, was seen as part of a smooth transition in the diocesan leadership. More than 3,000 Catholics attended the ordination of the 40-year-old priest Sept. 8 at the cathedral, or North Church, in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency. The ordination, with the approval of both the Holy See and the Chinese government, marked the first ordination of a bishop since Pope Benedict XVI issued his open letter to mainland Chinese Catholics June 30. Father Long Chengzhong, Guizhou vicar general, told UCA News Sept. 10 that all the diocese's priests are glad to have a young bishop and expect a smooth transition of the diocese's leadership. As coadjutor, Bishop Xiao will automatically succeed 89-year-old Bishop Anicetus Wang Chongyi, who is still active, upon the elderly prelate's death or retirement. The newly ordained bishop told UCA News Sept. 10 that he would learn how to manage diocesan affairs from Bishop Wang.

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