Chinese Catholics-- even in 'underground' Church-- respond to Jubilee Year
December 14, 2015
In China, the beginning of the Jubilee Year has seen Holy Doors opened in many urban cathedrals, the AsiaNews service reports. But the divisions and confusions within the Chinese Church have been illustrated as well.
In dioceses headed by “official” bishops approved by the government, some Holy Doors are decorated with the insignia of the Catholic Patriotic Association, which the Vatican refuses to accept. Meanwhile the “underground” Catholic Church, having no approved church buildings, has considered opening “Holy Doors” in private homes, to enable the faithful to gain the plenary indulgence offered during the Jubilee Year.
Chinese Catholics have obtained and studied the papal bull announcing the Jubilee and offering the plenary indulgence. Even the government-controlled media in China provided coverage of the Pope’s opening of the Jubilee—while giving heavy emphasis to the fears of terrorism in Rome.
In Beijing, Bishop Joseph Lishan opened the Holy Door on December 12. But in Shanghai, where Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin has been under house arrest for almost three years, there was no ceremony.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
