The priests of the Diocese of Liaoning
gathered Friday in the house of the bishop of Shenyang to protect him
from being forcibly deported.
The bishop, Mgr. Paul Pei Junmin, it was
in fact ordered to go to ordain Fr. Joseph Huang Bingzhang in Shantou on
14 July, in an ordination without papal mandate. It is possible that
Mgr. Pei will be dragged by force to attend.
Some sources also cite the 15 or July 17 as the date of the ordination. If it occurs, it will be the first case after the latest statement from the Holy See on excommunications related to the Leshan ordination of June 29.
Bishop Pei of Liaoning, is in communion with the pope and is recognized by the government. He was also forced to participate in the illicit ordination of Chengde, in November.
The government's pressure on bishops in China is very strong. Another young bishop, who preferred anonymity, told AsiaNews that he feels tired, like "having a stone on his chest", especially in having to cope with an increasing number of illegitimate ordinations.
Some sources also cite the 15 or July 17 as the date of the ordination. If it occurs, it will be the first case after the latest statement from the Holy See on excommunications related to the Leshan ordination of June 29.
Bishop Pei of Liaoning, is in communion with the pope and is recognized by the government. He was also forced to participate in the illicit ordination of Chengde, in November.
The government's pressure on bishops in China is very strong. Another young bishop, who preferred anonymity, told AsiaNews that he feels tired, like "having a stone on his chest", especially in having to cope with an increasing number of illegitimate ordinations.
"I live in fear
and trepidation every day - he said - of receiving the order to
participate. I'm really exhausted, "
On Friday the priests of Liaoning spread a message asking for prayers for their dioceses facing unprecedented difficulties, including the fact that their bishop is forced to participate in the illegal ordination of Fr Huang, who was elected last May 11.
All the priests of the diocese gathered in the bishop's house for an emergency meeting and to discuss the problem. They have signed a joint declaration criticizing the Chinese authorities for forcing their bishop to attend the Shantou ordination.
At the moment they are protecting the bishop from being taken away by force by government authorities. The statement also explains that the priests hope the Lord will give the government authorities the sufficient grace to recognize the truth.
On Friday the priests of Liaoning spread a message asking for prayers for their dioceses facing unprecedented difficulties, including the fact that their bishop is forced to participate in the illegal ordination of Fr Huang, who was elected last May 11.
All the priests of the diocese gathered in the bishop's house for an emergency meeting and to discuss the problem. They have signed a joint declaration criticizing the Chinese authorities for forcing their bishop to attend the Shantou ordination.
At the moment they are protecting the bishop from being taken away by force by government authorities. The statement also explains that the priests hope the Lord will give the government authorities the sufficient grace to recognize the truth.