Chinese mourn bishop who died in detention

Hundreds of Catholics from both the ‘open’ and ‘underground’ communities of Handan (Yongnian) diocese gathered to pray at the grave of Bishop John Han Dingxiang of Yongnian, on the third anniversary of his death on Sept. 9. Father Zhang Lushi, diocesan administrator of one of the two local underground communities, led laypeople and a number of priests in prayers for the bishop, who died in detention in 2007. They also prayed for the release of two more underground bishops from Hebei province - James Su Zhimin of Baoding and Cosmas Shi Enxiang of Yixian - who have been detained without formal arrest or open trial since 1997 and 2001 respectively. In Chinese custom, the third anniversary of a death is remembered and mourned with particular solemnity. The late bishop was detained for eight years following his arrest in 1999. He was reportedly cremated and his remains were buried in a public cemetery by government officials within six hours of his death. A commemorative service for Bishop Han, who is honored as a martyr, also took place on Sept. 5, when Father Shi Shuangxi, leader of the other underground community, presided over a requiem liturgy. This was attended by 12 priests who wore red stoles instead of the usual requiem purple, to signify sacrifice. Following the liturgy, the priests and congregation moved to a church to celebrate Mass. Prayers were offered for all Catholics to follow the martyrs’ example in defending their faith. Though police officers restricted the numbers allowed into the cemetery, they did not conduct an overt surveillance of the proceedings. It is said that government officials only consulted Church leaders about the scope of the activities and the expected number of participants. Related reports Catholics in Hebei remember ‘martyr’ Bishop Han Yongnian Catholics Mourn Late Bishop, Grateful For Vatican Condolences ‘Underground’ Bishop Han Dingxiang Of Yongnian Dies In Detention CH11156.1618

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