China: Sanyuan Diocese Marks Silver Jubilee of Seven Priests at Historic Tongyuan Parish

The century-old Tongyuan Church in Shaanxi was filled with joy and gratitude on November 22 as the Diocese of Sanyuan, northwestern China, celebrated the silver jubilee of seven priests who were ordained in the same parish 25 years ago.

The celebration, first reported by Faith Press, honored Fr. Dong Bocheng (current parish priest), Fr. Ma Qin, Fr. Jia Shaomeng, Fr. Song Kexun, Fr. Wang Hong, Fr. Zhang Hongshun, and Fr. Chen Moshi—men who have spent a quarter-century in faithful service to the Church in the region.

The seven were ordained in Tongyuan Church by the late Bishop Zhong Huaide, and over the years they have served as “pillars of the Church in Sanqin,” dedicating their prime years to preaching the Gospel and shepherding the faithful.

The celebration began at 10:30 a.m. with clergy and parishioners gathering before the tomb of Bishop Zhong Huaide for a memorial prayer, offering thanks for his life and mission and recalling his role in the ordination of the jubilarians.

During the festive Mass, Fr. Kong Fanning delivered a warm and heartfelt homily that reflected on the graces the priests had experienced throughout 25 years of seminary formation and pastoral ministry. He reminded everyone that the call to priesthood is not a guarantee of an easy journey—there are trials and challenges—but God’s grace remains constant, strengthened by the prayers of the faithful. The “Yes, Lord” spoken decades ago, he said, has shaped a lifetime of mission and service.

In a moment of thanksgiving, each of the seven priests offered personal reflections on their vocational journey, expressing deep gratitude to God, their families, mentors, bishops, and fellow clergy.

The community responded with equal affection, presenting flowers, gifts, and songs as signs of love and appreciation for their pastors’ 25 years of dedicated ministry. The celebration concluded with the Tongyuan Parish Choir's touching rendition of “Father, May God Bless You.”