A seminarian from China has arrived at the SVD’s Dorish Maru College in Melbourne to undertake Theology studies and complete his formation for priesthood.

Ling Shuang Niu (Francis), who arrived earlier this month, will first engage in English language studies as he begins the journey of learning the Australian way of life.

Francis was born and raised in Taiyuan city in Shanxi province, China.

“My village is called Xiliuling and it has a deeply religious atmosphere,” he said.

The call to become a religious missionary came during a retreat when he was still of school age, and attending the local minor seminary.

“When I was in fourth year of minor seminary, in a retreat at the beginning of the semester, I had a personal experience with God’s love that made me clearly know that I would follow Jesus and be a missionary,” he said.

While later studying at Jinling Seminary as a diocesan seminarian, he met some Divine Word Missionaries and learnt more about the charism of the Society of the Divine Word.

In June 2024 having decided to join the SVD, he started his novice year and took his first vows on July 5, 2025.

Francis had already completed his philosophy degree while at the Jinling Seminary and was due to begin his Theology studies when he was requested by the Zhonghua SVD provincial council to continue his studies and formation in Australia.

“When I was in China I heard from our confreres who studied in the Australia Province about this community,” he said.

“The decision to come here came from the Zhonghua provincial council, but I absolutely accepted this decision for me.

“I hope in this new community that I can try my best to improve my English skills and prepare a good foundation for Theology learning.”

After his English language course, Francis will study Theology at Yarra Theological Union, University of Divinity, in Box Hill, Melbourne.

His formation will also include intercultural living with the students of Dorish Maru College, who come from a range of different countries, as well as pastoral placements in various SVD parishes and ministries throughout the Australia Province. He will experience different aspects of Australian life and culture, including First Nations cultures and will also share his own cultural background with those he meets and ministers with.