STAMFORD, Connecticut, JUNE 29, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Bishop Guo Wenzhi, the retired underground prelate of Qiqihar, died today after a long illness, a U.S.-based watchdog group said. He was 88.
According to the Cardinal Kung Foundation, the bishop was born in Qiqihar, in the northeastern state of Heilongjiang, in 1918.
He was ordained a priest in 1948, and ordained a bishop in 1989.
He was accused of being a "counterrevolutionary" by the Chinese communist government in 1954, and was sentenced to 10 years work in various labor camps.
After his release from the labor camps, his zealous evangelization greatly revitalized the underground Church in Qiqihar, regardless of hostility from the Chinese authorities.
He was jailed again for several months in 1989-1990 for participating in an underground bishops' conference.
He established many underground Catholic institutions and religious organizations that attracted many religious vocations and conversions. He retired in August, 2000.
ZE06062922 - 2006-06-29
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-16447?l=english
Underground Bishop Guo Wenzhi Dies
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