UCA News
Contribute

Chinese Bishop Zhang, who defied government, dies at 90

Prelate refused to work with Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association
Chinese Bishop Zhang, who defied government, dies at 90

A priest sprinkles holy water on the coffin of Bishop Zhang Huaixin of Anyang. (Photo supplied)

Published: May 09, 2016 09:11 AM GMT
Updated: May 09, 2016 09:55 AM GMT

Bishop Thomas Zhang Huaixin of Anyang, who only accepted government recognition on the basis that he did not have to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, died May 8. He was 90.

Coadjutor Bishop Joseph Zhang Yinlin, 45, automatically succeeds him, according to canon law. The young prelate was the first Chinese bishop with dual approval from China and the Vatican since 2012.

Due to the elderly Bishop Zhang's stance, when Bishop Zhang Yinlin was ordained in 2015, all bishops involved in the ceremony were Vatican-approved; there was no pressure to allow an illicitly ordained bishop to take part, as has happened at some other episcopal ordinations in China.

The late bishop was lauded as a teacher and role model for Chinese Catholics.

"I was most impressed by his teaching on money and women," Father Li Jisheng of Anyang told ucanews.com. "He used to remind us clergy that there will be no problem with our clerical life as long as the ledger is clear, having little desire on wealth, and keeping a distance from women."

The funeral Mass for Bishop Zhang Huaixin will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Anyang on May 14.

"The late bishop had suffered from diabetes and a heart problem for years. He was rushed to hospital on May 6 after he complained of dizziness," Father Li said.

Father Li said he visited Bishop Zhang Huaixin the day before he died, showing him archived photos of him as a young seminarian.

"He had a clear mind when we visited him on May 7 … He could recognize his classmates and the seminary rector," he said.

Bishop Zhang was born on May 23, 1925 and was ordained in 1950. He was deemed a "rightist" by the government in 1958 and suffered for his faith during the political turmoil that lasted for decades until 1978.

After his rehabilitation in 1980, he was secretly ordained bishop of Anyang the following year and lived and worked without government recognition.

In 2004, once he was certain he could accept government recognition without joining the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association he agreed to be openly installed as bishop, AsiaNews reported at the time.

Anyang Diocese developed well under the leadership of Bishop Zhang and now has 30 priests and 129 nuns from St. Joseph Convent serving 50,000 Catholics.

Bishop Zhang Yinlin is the second bishop to die in 2016 after Bishop Thomas Zeng Jingmu died April 2, bringing the total number to 110 bishops, including active and retired.

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