Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kweiteh (Agenzia Fides) – On Wednesday, September 16, Bishop Nicholas Shi Jingxian, OAR of the Diocese of Kweiteh (Shangqiu), in the Province of Henan (mainland China), passed away. His physical conditions had worsened quickly in past months. The Bishop was 88 years old, having been born in 1921. He was ordained a priest in 1948. In the period in which he was prohibited from all pastoral action, he worked in an eye doctor's clinic, later being condemned to three years of forced labor in a “re-education” camp and another two years of prison. His warmth of character and enthusiastic faith even impressed his guards.
Following the Cultural Revolution and the reforms of Deng Xiaoping, in 1979, Fr. Nicholas Shi obtained a “rehabilitation card” and was assigned work as an English teacher, which he did until 1986. During this time, he continued visiting Christians in their homes and assisting them in living the faith with celebrations and various initiatives.
Upon his return to Shangqiu, he dedicated himself completely to pastoral labor and obtained the restitution of Church goods that had been confiscated in 1948. His dialogue with authorities, amidst strict control and serious limitations, allowed him to open various Churches in his diocese, as well as a religious congregation with feminine and masculine branch.
For his exemplary work and dedication, on May 8, 1991, he was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Shanqiu, which had been without a Pastor for 39 years. Bishop Shi Jingxian was a person with a profound spiritual life, a steadfast faith, and outstanding intelligence. Although he never left China, he wrote with great precision in Latin, English, and Spanish. Thanks to his capacities, he was able to translate various official Church documents into Chinese. Everyone remembers him as a fine priest and a zealous Bishop who dedicated his life to evangelization, as well as someone who nurtured priestly and religious vocations wherever he went.
The Diocese of Shangqui today has over 20,000 Catholics, 10 priests, 30 religious sisters of the Congregation of Missionary Augustinian Recollects, 2 parishes, a new Cathedral, and 3 grade schools. His funeral services were held on September 22, in the Cathedral of Shangqui, and were widely attended by clergy and faithful. Bishop Nicholas Shi has played a special role in the history of the religious community he belonged to, the Order of Augustinian Recollects, and the Catholic Church in China. His person, his discretion, profound faith, and great prudence allowed him to always have an open, sober, and respectful relationship with the Authorities. His testimony led many of his compatriots to Christianity and the religious life. (Agenzia Fides 25/9/2009)
