Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hanchung (Agenzia Fides) – His Excellency Bartholomew YU Chengti, Bishop of the Diocese of Hanchung (Hanzhong), in the Province of Shaanxi (China mainland), died on September 14, 2009. His physical conditions were already in a grave state due to stomach cancer, and had worsened in recent months.
The Prelate was 90 years old: born August 17, 1919. He was ordained a priest in 1949, and consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Hanzhong in 1981. He was one of the great witnesses to the freedom of the Church: this was what led him to suffer time of imprisonment and house arrests. Those who knew Bishop Bartholomew Yu, remember him as a good priest and a zealous bishop that dedicated his entire life to evangelization. With his testimony and intense pastoral work, he helped begin the formation of a Christian community around him. He worked intensely for reconciliation within the Church. He was a revered councilor, a reference point for all the priests that came to him for help in living their vocation in obedience to the Church.
The Diocese of Hanzhong today has over 20,000 Catholics, mostly farmers, spread out over a vast area which is separated from the rest of the population by a great valley, far removed from everything. There are 40 priests, some 15 religious sisters of the Diocesan Congregation of the Mother of Good Council. The Catholic Community is very active in social works for the local people (three eye clinics, a rest home, and a residence).
In spite of limitations imposed by civil authorities, the funeral was attended by 27 diocesan priests and many faithful, as well as several priests from the nearby Dioceses of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan. The ceremony was presided by Bishop Luis Yu Runshen, and took place at the rural parish of Yuwangwan, where the Prelate had lived.
With the death of Bishop Bartholomew Yu Chengti, good and faithful servant that with his enthusiasm and simplicity won the esteem of the priests and faithful of the Province of Shaanxi, another witness of fidelity to Christ and the Church has passed on from this life. (Agenzia Fides 21/9/2009)
