Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – In 1991, the affectionate embrace between Pope John Paul II and his Cardinal “in pectore” announced in the Consistory of 1979, His Eminence Ignatius Kung Pin-Mei, Bishop of the Diocese of Shang Hai, touched the entire world. Cardinal Kung was, in fact, considered a symbol of fidelity to the Successor of Peter and to the Church, as well as a witness to the faith of the Chinese people. Even now, 10 years after his death, his exemplary witness of a holy life is alive and very relevant today. In fact, the Chinese Catholic world is preparing the commemoration of this anniversary, which falls on March 12, with a Eucharistic celebration, a conference and various initiatives. Some media organizations have also discussed opening his cause for beatification. It is hoped that the Diocese of Shang Hai, the only Church structure that could take the initiative in starting this process, will have the strength and ability to initiate and carry forward, at the diocesan level, the cause for beatification of his beloved pastor.
Cardinal Ignatius Gong Pin Mei was born in Shang Hai on August 2, 1900, into a Catholic family. He was ordained a priest in 1930 and appointed Bishop of Shang Hai in 1950. He was arrested on September 8, 1955, along with 200 diocesan priests and faithful, and imprisoned for 33 years, having been sentenced to life imprisonment for "counter-revolutionary activities." He was later released in July of 1985 and placed under house arrest until 1987. During this period, he was able to meet Cardinal Sin, then Archbishop of Manila. The testimony of his fidelity to the Pope and the Universal Church reached the world and the Holy Father himself. In 1987, he obtained permission to enter the United States for medical care. In the Consistory of 1979, Pope John Paul II announced his elevation to the College of Cardinals, as a Cardinal “in pectore,” whose name was only made public, even to him, in 1991. On March 12, 2000, Cardinal Kung died of stomach cancer. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 04/03/2010)
