Catholic Mission,
Si-She-Ku, Beijing,
Hebei, China
Archbishop Joseph Li Shan was born into a devout Catholic family in March 1965. He was consecrated a bishop at the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady Cathedral in Beijing, which is also known by the name Nan Tang (South Church), on September 21, 2007, at the age 42. His father and his elder sister attended the ordination mass, which witnessed the participation of more than 800 Catholics.
Bishop John Fang Xing Yao of Linyi, Shandong province, and six co-ordainers consecrated the new Vatican-approved bishop. More than 30 nuns, 50 priests and a few state and local government officials too attended the ordination mass.
The cover of the ordination Mass booklet presents Bishop Li's motto from 1 Corinthians 9:22, "Omnia Omnibus" (all things to all people), on his coat-of-arms, depicting a shield as background to guard the pure faith of the Church.
The coat-of-arms displayed "A" and "M," the initials of Ave Maria, denoting Our Lady's blessing to the Church, and a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. It also showed an image of Beijing's Temple of Heaven and an olive branch, implying that the Church takes root in Chinese culture and hopes to build a harmonious society with all Catholics and citizens of China.
Archbishop Li was elected to take up the position left vacant after the death of Bishop Michael Fu Tie-shan of Beijing, who was the president of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA).
Previous Ordinaries:
Thomas Tien Ken-sin, S.V.D. (Apr 11, 1946 Appointed - Jul 24, 1967 Died)
