Chinese bishop, in custody since defying officials, resumes blog posts

July 17, 2012

Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin, who has been held in custody in a Sheshan seminary since his ordination as auxiliary bishop of Shanghai, has posted a new entry on his blog—his first public statement of any kind since he dropped from sight on July 7.

The bishop’s new post included a picture and poems by an 18th century Jesuit priest. The poems, characterized by themes of sadness and isolation, seemed to convey the mood of the bishop in detention. Shortly after the post appeared, Bishop Ma’s blog received dozens of responses from loyal Catholics assuring him of their prayerful support.

Bishop Ma incurred the wrath of officials when he announced during his ordination ceremony that he was dropping his membership in the government-backed Patriotic Association. During that ceremony he also pointedly avoided sharing Communion with a bishop who was ordained illicitly, without the approval of the Holy See. Chinese officials have announced that the new bishop is being investigated for violations of the code of conduct set forth by the Chinese bishops’ conference, a body that the Vatican does not recognize.

 

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Further information:

• Mgr Ma Daqin, auxiliary bishop of Shanghai, restarts his blog (AsiaNews)
• Chinese authorities 'investigating' bishop who renounced Patriotic Association membership (AsiaNews)