Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tianjin (Fides Service) - The auxiliary Bishop of Tianjin Joseph Shi Hongchen, died on March 3 in Tianjin. The Bishop suffered an ictus in 2001 which left him in a wheel chair but lucid in mind. Joseph Shi Hongchen was born on 27 February 1928 and ordained a priest on 11 August 1957. From 1958 to 1966 he was forced to work in a factory which produced plastic. During the Cultural Revolution he underwent a period of ‘re-education’ and then eight years of prison 1971 - 1979. After his release he engaged in pastoral activity and evangelisation and was made Bishop of Tianjin.
The diocese of Tianjin, situated in northern China 200 km from the capital with the Yan mountains in the north and Bohai Sea to the east, has an area of 11,918 sq. km. In 2000 the population was 10 million, (880 persons for every sq. km) 7 million living in Tianjin city. Tianjin is an industrial area and one of the largest ports in China and the capital’s sea gateway. There diocese has a number of churches including a majestic cathedral which can seat 2000 people. There are about 100,000 Catholics looked after by 30 priests, 15 seminarians, 34 Sisters of Charity. The parable of the leaven in the flour which causes it to rise is repeated. The body of Bishop Shi Hongchen lay in state for a day in the Cathedral of XiKai and his funeral was celebrated on March 5. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 22/4/2005 - Righe 20; Parole 316)
