Bishop Guo Xijin of Mindong: I am a man and not a monkey who favors all the wishes of others

Mindong (AsiaNews) - "I am a man and not a monkey": thus Msgr. Vincenzo Guo Xijin justifies his decision not to participate in the dedication ceremony of the new cathedral in Mindong, after the government prohibited him today from presiding over a mass for the religious professions of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. In recent weeks, Msgr. Vincenzo Guo Xijin, withdrew his request for recognition in order not to submit to the bodies that support the "independence" of the Church, namely the Patriotic Association and the United Front. Here is the message he sent to his priests to explain his decision (translation by AsiaNews).

My dear priests:

Peace in Christ!

With a sorrowful heart I want to give you some unpleasant news: a month ago, Bishop Zhan told me: "For scheduling reasons, I cannot celebrate the profession of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, I ask you to celebrate it for me and explain the situation to the sisters. Yesterday, Bishop Zhan communicated the directives of the security forces: postpone the celebration by 28 days and Bishop Zhan is to preside". At 10 pm I contacted the Ningde police for more information: "Tomorrow there will be the profession of nuns and the day after tomorrow the inauguration ceremony, what does it mean that now you decide instead not to allow me participate". He replied: "This is what the government has decided". Me: "I agree, I will not participate".

After what happened last night, I have decided not to go to the ceremony even if they come to collect me in a sedan chair. I am a man and not a monkey who favors all the wishes of others. I had thought of not saying anything, but some brothers said that everyone has the right to know the truth, and what I can do is therefore communicate my decision to you. Thank you!

Note: please general secretary Xu publish my decision.

Guo Xijin

06/28/2019