China: Shanxi Diocese Welcomes Three New Deacons in Solemn Cathedral Ordination

The Catholic Diocese of Changzhi in Shanxi Province, China, celebrated the ordination to the diaconate of three religious on February 1, 2026, at the diocesan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Changzhi.

The newly ordained deacons are Zhang Haoran (Peter), Wang Jin (John), and Liu Xiaoheng (Peter). The ordination Mass was presided over by Bishop Ding Lingbin of Changzhi and concelebrated by 11 diocesan priests.

Several religious brothers and sisters, family members and friends of the ordinands, and more than 500 faithful gathered to witness the solemn celebration.

In his homily, Bishop Ding reflected on the origins of the diaconate in the early Church and highlighted its enduring mission. He stressed that deacons are not only servants of the Church but also proclaimers of the faith and guides of the faithful. Assisting the bishop and the presbyterate, deacons share responsibility in the ministry of the Word, the liturgy, and works of charity, becoming servants to all.

The bishop reminded the newly ordained that, strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, they are called to serve at the altar, proclaim the Gospel, prepare the gifts, and distribute the Body and Blood of the Lord. He exhorted them to remain firmly rooted in faith, to live with humility, and to manifest Christ’s love through preaching and service. He encouraged them to be reliable collaborators of the clergy and close companions to the people entrusted to their care.

Bishop Ding also appealed to the faithful to continue supporting vocations in the diocese, urging constant prayer for priests, deacons, and future vocations so that the Church may never lack shepherds to guide and care for the community.

During the ordination rite, Bishop Ding laid hands on each candidate in silence, invoking the Holy Spirit and entrusting them with the Church’s mission. The new deacons were vested with the stole, a sign of service, and received the Book of the Gospels as the bishop exhorted them: “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” The bishop and priests then offered them the sign of peace and congratulations.

Following their ordination, the new deacons assisted the bishop at the altar and distributed Holy Communion, marking the beginning of their diaconal ministry.

At the conclusion of the Mass, family representatives presented flowers to the bishop and the newly ordained deacons in thanksgiving and joy.

The ordination marks an important milestone in the faith journeys of the three deacons and stands as a testimony to the Diocese of Changzhi’s commitment to nurturing vocations and living out the Gospel through service and charity.