Cardinal ends hunger strike for autonomy of Hong Kong Catholic schools
(October 24, 2011) The cardinal of Hong Kong on Friday ended a three-day hunger strike
undertaken as an act of protest against losing a long-standing legal battle with the
Hong Kong government over how aided schools should be run. Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun,
retired bishop of Hong Kong looked fragile but appeared in good spirits despite his
79 years when he ended the fast. He told reporters briefly that he would further
study the school regulations, hoping Catholic education be continued under the school
management system. Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal had earlier rejected Hong Kong
diocese’s appeal against government-directed measures which end the Church's full
control over Church-run schools, by allowing outsiders to be on the school management
boards. Cardinal Zen, who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, noted his
health indicators remained normal during and after the fast. He thanked medical workers
who closely monitored his health condition, as well as local faithful and citizens
for their support and care. During his three-day fast, hundreds of Church school
students, teachers, principals, faithful, local people and politicians visited him
and expressed support and concern. The cardinal stressed on Catholic education values
in schools such as life education, love, sanctity of marriage, respect for human dignity
and morality.