UCA News
Contribute

Bishop Emeritus of Xuzhou dies

Bishop Emeritus of Xuzhou dies
Published: March 25, 2013 08:22 AM GMT
Updated: March 24, 2013 10:18 PM GMT

Bishop Emeritus Thomas Qian Yurong of Xuzhou, eastern Jiangsu province, died last Friday at the age of 99. Ordained to the priesthood in 1945, he was one of the two surviving “self-elected and self-ordained” bishops from 1958-63, a period of conflict between the Communist government and the Vatican, before Church activities were banned by the Cultural Revolution of 1966-76.

Bishop Qian was succeeded by Bishop John Wang Renlui in 2011. Both of them had to deal with disunity within the diocese, as the status of both bishops was regarded as illegitimate until they received papal recognition: Bishop Qian in 2007 and Bishop Wang in 2012.

Bishop Wang told ucanews.com: “It has not been easy for the diocese to overcome all the difficulties. The pressure of being a bishop is huge.”

Bishop Qian’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia