Vatican praises faithfuls’ defence of pastors in China
On Saturday the Holy See issued a statement regarding the illegitimate Episcopal ordination
that took place in Shantou mainland China on Thursday. In the statement the Vatican
states the priest in question, Reverend Joseph Huang Bingzhang, has incurred the sanction
of excommunication, having been ordained without papal mandate. Furthermore, the
Holy See expresses its appreciation to all the priests, religious and lay faithful
“who have defended their pastors, accompanying them by their prayers at this difficult
time and sharing in their deep suffering”
Listento Emer McCarthy's report:
Below the
full text of the statement:
Holy See Statement on Episcopal Ordination in
the Diocese of Shantou
The following clarifications are issued with
reference to the episcopal ordination of the Reverend Joseph Huang Bingzhang which
took place on Thursday, 14 July 2011:
1) The Reverend Joseph Huang Bingzhang,
having been ordained without papal mandate and hence illicitly, has incurred the sanctions
laid down by canon 1382 of the Code of Canon Law. Consequently, the Holy See
does not recognize him as Bishop of the Diocese of Shantou, and he lacks authority
to govern the Catholic community of the Diocese.
The Reverend Huang Bingzhang
had been informed some time ago that he could not be approved by the Holy See as an
episcopal candidate, inasmuch as the Diocese of Shantou already has a legitimate Bishop;
Reverend Huang had been asked on numerous occasions not to accept episcopal ordination.
2)
From various sources the Holy See had knowledge of the fact that some Bishops, contacted
by the civil authorities, had expressed their unwillingness to take part in an illicit
ordination and also offered various forms of resistance, yet were reportedly obliged
to take part in the ordination.
With regard to this resistance, it should be
noted that it is meritorious before God and calls for appreciation on the part of
the whole Church. Equal appreciation is also due to those priests, consecrated persons
and members of the faithful who have defended their pastors, accompanying them by
their prayers at this difficult time and sharing in their deep suffering.
3)
The Holy See reaffirms the right of Chinese Catholics to be able to act freely, following
their consciences and remaining faithful to the Successor of Peter and in communion
with the universal Church.
The Holy Father, having learned of these events,
once again deplores the manner in which the Church in China is being treated and hopes
that the present difficulties can be overcome as soon as posssible.