Mgr Stephen Lee is the new bishop of Macau

The prelate, 59, was until now auxiliary bishop in Hong Kong. Vicar of Opus Dei for East Asia, he studied in Europe (London and Navarre). Fluent in four languages, he was in charge of bioethics and social communications in the diocese, and has been especially involved in pastoral outreach in schools.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis has appointed Stephen Lee Bun-sang as the new bishop of Macao, replacing Mgr José Lai Hung-seng.

Until recently, Mgr Lee served as auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong involved in pastoral outreach, bioethics, catechesis and communications. He has been particularly focused in pastoral outreach in schools.

When he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong, he met the press along with Mgr Michael Yeung Ming-cheung and Mgr Joseph Ha Chi-sing, and spoke about the relationship between China and the Vatican.

On that occasion, he said that Catholics in Hong Kong pray that both sides may engage in dialogue with sincerity, honesty and trust, hoping to find common points. Both, he noted, hope to do good by the Chinese people and believers. He added that he was optimistic about progress in the relationship.

Ordained on 20 August 1988 at the Shrine of Torreciudad (Huesca, Spain), he was incardinated in the Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei. In 2011, he became Opus Dei vicar for East Asia.

On 11 July 2014, Francis named him titular bishop of Novae and auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong, with his episcopal ordination held on 30 August 2014 in Hong Kong Cathedral in a ceremony performed by Card John Tong Hon, bishop of Hong Kong.

As auxiliary bishop, he has sat on several diocesan commissions, including family, school, catechesis, laity education, as well as bioethics, liturgy, and the diocesan Board of Communications.

He speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Spanish.

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