Archbishop Joseph Li Shan of Beijing has called on all Catholic clergy in the capital to strengthen their faith, observe Church precepts, and renew their moral discipline during the city’s annual five-day spiritual retreat, which began on October 20.
The retreat, themed “Observing the Precepts and Renewing One’s Character,” seeks to deepen priests’ commitment to holiness and pastoral service while promoting the comprehensive governance of religious life in the archdiocese.
It forms part of broader efforts to advance the Sinicization and legalization of Catholicism in Beijing.
Auxiliary Bishop Zhen Xuebin delivered a lecture on frugality and upright conduct, while Bishop Wu Qinjing led a formation session centered on holiness, encouraging priests to rediscover their vocation and renew their pastoral zeal.
According to the Beijing Catholic Church, the retreat represents a proactive effort to strengthen self-purification and promote the healthy inheritance of the faith.
Participants expressed their resolve to use the program as a starting point to deepen their faith, raise moral standards, and advance the Church’s mission in Beijing.
