Msgr. Michael Yeung Ming-cheung to suceed Card. John Tong
The announcement made yesterday evening, at the closing ceremony of the Jubilee in the Cathedral. Gratitude to Cardinal John Tong and Joseph Zen, "two large trees under which to enjoy a little 'shade."
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis has appointed the current auxiliary bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung, coadjutor bishop of Hong Kong. The announcement was made by the Holy See yesterday at 12 noon and in Hong Kong at 7pm, while the closing of the Holy Door of the Jubilee of Mercy was being celebrated in the Cathedral.
Msgr. Yeung, 71, succeeds Card. John Tong, current ordinary bishop of Hong Kong, who is 78 years old. Card. Tong turned 75 in 2014, the canonical age for retirement, but the pope has extended his responsibility for another three years, until 2017.
Towards the end of the Mass, Msgr. Ante Jozic, Head of the Holy See Study Mission in Hong Kong (see photos), made the official announcement, pointing out that Msgr. Yeung has served for some time the diocese of Hong Kong with "renewed dedication and love for the Church of Christ", "with ever greater responsibility", aiding Card. Tong in his duties.
After the announcement, Msgr. Yeung knelt in front of Card. Tong and then in front of Card. Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong. Rising, he embraced both, along with the auxiliary bishop Msgr. Joseh Ha.
Addressing the faithful, Msgr. Yeung (photo 1) confessed to having many defects and thanked the Pope for the trust given to him. He also thanked the two cardinals, who had taken him in about 44 years ago when he entered the seminary. He said Card. Zen has always supported him and from him he has learned not to allow difficulties stop him. From Card. Tong he has learned to be kind and magnanimous, full of love for the culture, the people and the Chinese Church. In a society as diverse as that of Hong Kong, he said, the two cardinals are like two big trees, under which he can enjoy a little 'shade. And while obeying the pope's appointment, he cannot help but follow in their footsteps.
Msgr. Yeung was born in Shanghai on 1 December 1945 into a Catholic family and arrived in Hong Kong when he was four. He worked in import-export, before entering the seminary in Hong Kong at 26 years of age. He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1978. He completed studies in communication (Syracuse, USA) and in philosophy and education (Harvard, USA). Since August 2003 he has been head of the local Caritas and Vicar General since 2009. He was ordained auxiliary bishop in August 2014.
(Lucia Leung collaborated)
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03/01/2019 09:54
