China awaits ordination of bishop, appointed by Vatican in 2013

November 09, 2016

Chinese Catholics are eagerly preparing for the ordination of Msgr. Peter Ding Lingbin as Bishop of Changzhi, the AsiaNews service reports.

The ordination, scheduled for November 10, marks a breakthrough for the diocese. Msgr. Ding was appointed by the Vatican in 2013, but has been serving as apostolic administrator of the diocese since that time, until the government finally gave permission for his ordination.

Since 2000, the Chinese government has recognized Bishop Andrea Jin Daoyuan, who was ordained without permission from the Holy See, as the head of the Changzhi diocese. However Bishop Jin—who had sought reconciliation with the Vatican—is now retired at the age of 87, and the installation of Bishop Ding will be recognized as the leader of the diocese.

Local officials are seeking to restrict attendance at the ordination ceremonies, AsiaNews reports. But the large Catholic community in Changzhi may thwart those efforts.

 

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Further information:

• Changzhi: Everything ready for the ordination of former doctor Msgr. Peter Ding Lingbin (AsiaNews)
• China allows ordination of Vatican-approved bishop (CWN, 10/24)