Shen Liming Funds Millions to Compile the Shen Clan Genealogy

On April 1, a completion ceremony for the Shen Clan Genealogy was held in Xinying Village, Zhao'an County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. Members of the Shen clan gathered at the Shen Ancestral Hall to celebrate this familial activity that honors ancestors and connects past and future.

The day before the ceremony, Shen Liming led clan members in ancestor worship, paying respects to their 16th-generation ancestor Zhiliang Gong despite stormy weather. He explained that the Xinying Shens were originally Hakka people who migrated to the area six hundred years ago. The Qingming ancestor worship embodied remembering roots and showing filial piety while preparing for the genealogy ceremony.

The event was organized by the Shen Clan Genealogy Compilation Committee, inviting relatives from various branches for a grand clan gathering. Community philanthropist Shen Liming attended and delivered a speech.

At the auspicious hour, Daoist Master Ye Jiansheng conducted blessings for the genealogy. The ceremony included traditional offerings and rituals, such as eight massive dragon incense sticks symbolizing the clan's flourishing lineage. Clan members performed kneeling ceremonies to their ancestors before placing three permanent sets of the "Shen Clan Genealogy" in the ancestral hall.

The compilation was initiated and generously funded by Shen Liming, who contributed millions in sponsorship. Expert Sun Xiaoman oversaw the two-year project, which involved verifying numerous historical materials. The printing produced 300 sets (2,100 books) distributed to each branch.

Shen Zhiming, Standing Vice President of the Genealogy Committee, praised Shen Liming's contributions, noting his previous donation of 913,000 RMB to build "Tianxi Road" in his hometown. He emphasized that the genealogy preserves ancestral virtue and cultural inheritance.

Shen Hongda, Vice President of the Zhangzhou Hakka Culture Research Association, delivered a congratulatory speech celebrating the genealogy's completion.

In his address, Shen Liming stressed the genealogy's importance: "Having ancestors is like water having a source. Our Shen clan has a long history, and remembering our roots is our traditional virtue." He believes compiling the genealogy clarifies origins, promotes clan harmony, honors ancestors, and strengthens moral education and unity.

The revised genealogy includes nearly 500 historical records and 160,000 words. It also documents village history and honors, preparing for a local heritage hall. Shen Liming hopes descendants will continue this work, upholding family traditions and achieving greatness.