China: Xinxiang Diocese Celebrates Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Li Jianlin

The Catholic Diocese of Xinxiang, located in Henan Province, central China, celebrated a significant moment in its ecclesial life with the episcopal ordination of Bishop Li Jianlin on December 5, 2025, at Nammenli Catholic Church in Weihui City. The liturgy drew clergy, religious, and the faithful from across the province, marking a new chapter for the local Church, Faith Press reported.

The ordination was presided over by Bishop Joseph Li Shan of Beijing, who also serves as Chairman of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and Vice Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China. Concelebrating bishops included Bishop Wang Yuesheng (Zhengzhou), Bishop Zhang Yinlin (Anyang), and Bishop Jin Lugang (Nanyang).

During the ceremony, Fr. Yang Yu, Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference, read the conference’s official letter approving Bishop Li’s appointment. More than 20 priests from various dioceses in Henan, together with over 200 religious sisters, brothers, and laypeople, joined in prayer and celebration.

Born on July 9, 1975, in Huixian, Henan Province, Bishop Li, christened Francis, pursued his priestly formation at Hebei Catholic Seminary, where he completed his studies in philosophy and theology from 1993 to 1999. He was ordained a priest on July 23, 1999.

Bishop Li has served the Church in Henan in various leadership roles, including as Deputy Director and Secretary General of the Catholic Administrative Commission of Henan Province beginning in 2011. He was elected Diocesan Administrator of Xinxiang on November 15, 2013.

On April 30, 2025, he was formally appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Xinxiang, a step now solemnly affirmed through his episcopal ordination.