Vatican newspaper: Chinese Catholics sure bishop still prays for them

Published: 2006-07-19

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Although the Catholic faithful of Qiqihar, China, were forbidden to celebrate a funeral Mass for retired Bishop Paul Guo Wenzhi, they are certain that he "continues to pray for them and for all those who made him suffer in life and in death," the Vatican newspaper said. Bishop Guo, a founding member of China's underground Catholic bishops' conference and the retired head of the Apostolic Prefecture of Qiqihar in Heilongjiang province, died June 29 at the age of 88. L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, published the bishop's obituary July 19, praising his fidelity to the Catholic Church and to the pope, his service to his people and his dedication to the priesthood despite decades in prison and forced labor. "The prelate, ill for many years, was forced to use a wheelchair lately, but always spent the time given him to live with joy and trust in the Lord," the newspaper said.

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