Taichung, Dec. 12 (CNA) A Spanish Catholic priest who has spent more than three decades in Taiwan recently received a citizen's national identity card.
Father Ramon Santacana (沈拉蒙), a chaplain and teacher at Taichung's Providence University, was granted citizenship by Taiwan's government, in recognition of his commitment to education and spreading the Christian faith, the university said in a statement Monday.
A native of Barcelona, Santacana first came to Taiwan in 1991 to serve with the Taichung Catholic Diocese.
He joined Providence University in 2004, where he began offering courses in Chinese-Spanish translation, business ethics, and international economics, the university said.
He is currently an associate professor at the Department of Spanish Language and Literature.
During his time in Taiwan, Santacana received a Ph.D in economics.
"I never thought I would become a Made in Taiwan priest," he said, adding that he has long identified himself as Taiwanese and will continue to love this country.
Providence University President Lin Si-ling (林思伶), meanwhile, thanked Santacana for his devotion to Taiwan, his care for the people, and his contributions to education.
He is also an avid artist, having donated about 28 of his paintings with the proceeds to be used to fund the construction of the school's Our Lady of Providence Chapel.
(By Chao Li-yen and Ko Lin)
