New Chinese Priest Credits Parents’ Support for His Journey to the Priesthood

A newly ordained priest of the Diocese of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province, north-central China, has credited his parents’ support as a key factor in his journey toward the priesthood, saying their encouragement strengthened his response to God’s call.

Fr. Mark Du shared his reflection after being ordained a priest along with Fr. John Mao Gonggu during a Eucharistic celebration at St. Francis Cathedral in Xi’an on July 9. The ordination Mass was presided over by Bishop Anthony Dang Mingyan of Xi’an, with more than 70 priests concelebrating.

Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained priests, Fr. Du expressed gratitude to God, the bishop, fellow priests, the faithful, and the formation team at Shaanxi Catholic Seminary for accompanying them throughout their vocation journey.

Recalling the early stages of his discernment, Fr. Du said his understanding of faith and priestly life was still developing when he first felt called to the priesthood. He acknowledged that his decision might have been difficult if his parents had not supported him.

“Without their support, I might not have continued toward the seminary,” he said, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices and encouragement. Their acceptance, he added, helped him trust more deeply in God’s providence.

During the ordination rite, Bishop Dang encouraged the two ordinands to remain faithful to their calling, telling them: “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” The two new priests then pledged their commitment to serve the Church and remain obedient to the bishop and his successors.

Following the rite, the families of the newly ordained priests presented their vestments, while Bishop Dang vested them and handed them the chalice and paten, symbols of their ministry in celebrating the Eucharist.

Fr. Mark Du, born in March 1995, comes from Nanzhai Village in Mei County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province. He graduated from Shaanxi Catholic Seminary in July 2025 and was ordained a deacon on January 24, 2026, before beginning his pastoral internship at Xi’an South Church.

Fr. John Mao, born in March 2001, is from Maojia Village in Lintong District, Xi’an. He also graduated from Shaanxi Catholic Seminary in 2025 and completed his diaconal ministry before his priestly ordination.

The Diocese of Xi’an, located in Shaanxi Province, continues to serve one of the historic Catholic communities in inland China, where the Church has maintained its presence for centuries.