Meng Dongdong. (Photo by Xu Wei/China Daily)
・ Fifth Year: The Liturgical Year; The Theory of the Holy Trinity; Statutes; The Works of St. John; The Epistles of St. Paul; and Catholic Theory.
・ Sixth Year: The Spiritual Teachings of St. Paul; Catholic Social Doctrine; Holy Rituals; and Diocese Management.
Source: The National Seminary of the Catholic Church in China
First Person:Meng Donghui
'The priesthood was like a voice repeating in my mind'
Meng Dongdong, a fifth-year student at the National Seminary of the Catholic Church in China.
I grew up in a house just a few steps away from the church in Taiyuan, Shanxi province.
The Catholic faith in my family can be traced back as far as my great-grandparents. The close proximity of the church meant the local priest lived and ate at our house, and that's how my admiration for the priesthood started. I just saw the priest as a member of my family. As a child, I would follow him around the parish and watch as he helped the parishioners. I also took part in church rituals. I just enjoyed being with the priest, and I learned a lot from him about how to become a better person.
The thought of ordination crossed my mind several times when I was growing up, but the choice may have seemed irresponsible, because I am the only boy in my family and my decision meant my older sister would have to take care of my parents in the future. When I told my parents of my intention, they objected strongly and told me to forget it.
However, when I graduated from college in 2010, the priesthood was like a voice repeating in my mind. Even though I had a job, I was unable to concentrate. Later I got a job closer to my home, but the situation didn't improve. I realized it was time to make up my mind.
I couldn't wait until I got married and then make a decision. That would only cause great regrets for me and even greater pain for my family. I was aware that I had to make my intentions clearer than ever, because all my efforts to talk to my family had been in vain. I resigned from my job without consulting my parents. It was very hard for them, but they finally agreed.
When I arrived at the seminary, I hoped to devote myself fully to studying and praying, but I found there was still a gap between what I could do and what I wanted to do. I wanted to be close to the saints, and I hoped to read more and pray as often as possible, but I found I didn't have enough energy or time.
In my previous life I could only read and memorize the few books that were available, but in the seminary, I am allowed to formulate my own thoughts about theology and the Catholic Church. That has proved very helpful in my reflections about God and my own faith.
