Zhen Yuan

As a priest he spent 21 years in prison. He was ordained underground bishop, acknowledged by the Holy See, and then recognized by the government. The faithful remember his great commitment to evangelization and formation of priests and nuns.

The bishop has visited with his curia families who support the priests and seminarians of the diocese. He tells AsiaNews: "As bishop, I want to unite priests and revive evangelization. We must focus on new ordinations”.

The government bans use of Episcopal insignia and title of "Bishop", being a pastor of underground Church. Bishop Yao spent 30 years in prison for refusing to join the Patriotic Association, which wants to build an independent Church from the pope. No message from the Vatican.

Although the area is under heavy snow, thousands of faithful are expected for the funeral. The government bans display of Episcopal insignia, prohibits the publication of obituaries and allows only three priests to attend the ceremony. In 2009, 7 Chinese bishops died. In China only 94 pastors remain.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Jesuit missionary’s death, Catholics should be inspired by his way of life: faith in God; love for Chinese culture; respect for teachers and friends. Education cannot just be a market-oriented business; faithful should work and study hard, instead of spending time on TV or computer. “Arrogance and prejudice” of Church leaders and Chinese authorities have slowed evangelization in China.

Ordinary Bishop of the diocese since 20 December. His pastoral program: formation of the faithful, welcoming non-Christians. At Christmas there will be some baptisms, and many non-Christians will visit churches, spurred on by curiosity and the festive atmosphere.

The document of the Vatican Secretary of State is "encouraging." Underground priests and nuns have begun to study the letter in groups. Others hope that the Vatican will give more precise information. A young bishop: We too need to be trained". Among the problems: priests too distracted by the Internet and a lack of educators in seminaries.

Mgr. An Shuxin says he was not pressured by the Vatican for his choice. In front of the division created in the diocese of Baoding, priests and experts are asking the Vatican and China to free the ordinary Bishop Su Zhimin, , in prison for the past 13 years.

Mgr. An confirms that he has joined the Patriotic Association "for the good of the Church." Underground priests and experts from the China-Vatican dialogue concerned about the situation of tension and confusion in the diocese. But also puzzled by choices of the Vatican.

The government replaces Zhou Ji with Yuan Guiren, and the decision unleashes the popular demands for a new course in schools in the country. A researcher: "It's time to restore religion to education."