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.