A new academic year is beginning in the seminaries from Beijing to Shanghai, in the province of Hebei, in Shaanxi, and in the province of Jilin.

In September, 15 new seminarians and 12 religious sisters (who are completing a dedicated formation course) were enrolled at the Shenshan Seminary in the diocese of Shanghai. The 2025/2026 courses began on September 6. In his address, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai, who also serves as Rector of the Seminary, praised the results achieved last year and recalled three qualities that all participants should possess: strong faith, clarity of mind, and chastity. All were also encouraged to broaden their cultural horizons and utilize the richness of Chinese culture to better bear witness to the Gospel in contemporary China. In conclusion, he encouraged the students to cultivate a life of prayer, to faithfully observe God's commandments, to serve the mission the Lord has entrusted to each one, and to live in communion with all people.

Father Fang Buke, Vice Rector of the seminary, emphasized that since its founding, the Sheshan Seminary has always pursued the dual mission of forming outstanding pastors for the Church, called to bring the light of the Gospel to all. In particular, the seminarians of Sheshan are called to always cultivate their spiritual formation, to observe the rules of the seminary, and to walk in communion with one another. In this way, they will be members of the "Mystical Body of Christ" and proclaim the love of Christ on Chinese soil.

The Seminary of the Diocese of Beijing was the first to open the academic year on September 5, in the presence of Bishop Joseph Li Shan of Beijing and Auxiliary Bishop Matteo Zhen Xuebin. Bishop Li Shan delivered a homily centered on the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, encouraging the seminarians to continue their vocational journey and to ask the Holy Spirit for the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord.

Also in Beijing, at the opening of the National Seminary on September 9, Bishop Joseph Li Shan reiterated that seminaries, as the "heart" of the Church, have the fundamental task of forming the future priests of the Catholic community in China. Only by preserving the health and vitality of this "heart" can the Church's mission bear fruitful results. Bishop Li Shan encouraged all seminarians to cultivate their vocation through prayer and study, at the service of the entire Church in China.