The Chinese Communists keep on arresting bishops and priests who refuse to join the schismatic Patriotic Association, which calls itself “Catholic.” Two other bishops from the Hebei province who “disappeared” years ago have never been heard from. Their strategy is to arrest the Catholic bishops, submit them to brainwashing “reeducation” programs then release them at a very old age, curtailing their activities. The Catholic bishops in China who are loyal to the pope are slowly dying out. They need Rome’s permission to consecrate other loyal bishops. It is unknown if they have gone ahead and done so secretly, so the true Church survives.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews/UCAN) – Leo Yao Liang, the underground bishop of Xiwanzi, was set free shortly before the Chinese new year. He had been taken away by the police on July 30, 2006. Government officials have nonetheless warned him that he may not perform his office as bishop, or preside at large-scale Church activities. Full article here.
