Eugenia Zhang

After someone broke into three tabernacles and desecrated the Eucharist, the bishop launched a novena of prayer. Police and public security stopped it, possibly for fear of the 4 June anniversary. The village where the incident occurred was surrounded and priests told not to leave home.

For Mgr Vincent Zhu Weifang, from the official Church, the campaign of destruction is increasing social instability. It is real persecution against the Christian faith. The bishop apologises for failing to intervene sooner. He was hoping that the campaign would end quickly. Catholics and Protestants suffer injuries as they attempt to defend their sacred buildings. For priests in Wenzhou, the campaign is unfair and touches buildings that have all the right papers. Such "stupid acts" by the government are undermining social harmony.

A group of 9-democracy activists held a demonstration in Hong Kong to protest against the house arrest inflicted on the Nobel Laureates’ wife. Voices from mainland China join the protest via Twitter and demand justice and freedom for those who struggle for human rights and democracy in the country.

The initiative to donate "Moon cakes" to prisoners has raised € 4 thousand more than expected . The extra funds will be allocated to works of Pope’s charity. Campaign is held every year during the Moon Festival , celebrated on September 19 throughout China .

More than 10,000 'moon cakes' will be handed out to prisoners to show them support and encouragement during one of the traditional holidays on the Chinese calendar. At the invitation of the Card Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of the diocese, the pope sent the prisoners a birthday card long with a donation to buy moon cake.

During a solemn Mass of thanksgiving for the election of a new pope, Cardinal Tong describes the highlights of his meeting with Francis: "He kissed my hand to show his love for and devotion to our Church, a gesture that moved me deeply. I gave him a statue of Our Lady of Sheshan which is now in his room. "Thanks to Benedict XVI: "He paved the way for reconciliation."

News of the Pope’s resignation provokes "shock" and "disbelief". China and the territory pray for his health. Card. Tong asks for prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and the future pope. John Tong will be the first Hong Kong Cardinal to participate in a conclave.

Church officials and pro-human rights activists oppose mainland interference. Controversy rages over Article 23, which regulates anti-subversion activity and security of Hong Kong. Critics slam police for excessive use of force. Catholic groups promote education as a tool against repression.

Before Mass at St. Margaret's Catholic Church, 200 people recited the rosary in front of the China Liaison Office, calling for the release of jailed bishops and priests. Card Zen, who slammed the government for its unwarranted interference in religious affairs, also criticised Church officials who become slaves to benefits and rewards.

The protest was held outside the office of the central government in Hong Kong, for the release of Msgr. Ma Daqin, auxiliary bishop of Shanghai and all Chinese Catholics. Ordained on 7 July, the prelate has been confined to the seminary of Sheshan for days for his resignation from the Patriotic Association. Beijing censors Church websites with information concerning the ordination of Msgr. Ma

Some protesters who took to the streets to protest against the visit of Hu Jintao, the new government of the Territory and the erosion of fundamental rights, tell AsiaNews: "We have waited for 15 years, now they have to listen to us." The Catholic community in prayer before the march for democracy and the rule of law in China.

Even a pro-Beijing deputy demands inquiry into death. According to the Chinese authorities, the Tiananmen dissident, now blind and deaf from torture in prison, "committed suicide". Two days ago he was cremated and buried. One demonstrator: Attempts to stiffle the democratic movement just like 23 years ago in Tiananmen.