Peter Peng

The year saw the passing of a number of individuals who defended the freedom of the Church, people like Mgr Luke Li Jinfeng and Fr Sun Zhenhua. It also saw Mgr Ma Daqin’s U-turn and his return to the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, and action to stop the demolition of a church in Wangcun. Above all, it was the year of 97 priestly ordinations in the official Church and a certain number in the underground community, a year of “difficulties and challenges” but also “opportunities and hope".