Bishop Joseph Li Liangui of Cangzhou (Xianxian) is the Chinese
Catholic Person of 2010 following a first ever vote by readers of CathNews China, the Chinese-language service of ucanews.com.
The 46-year-old prelate won with 23 percent of the vote, narrowly
edging out Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun by just three votes, ucanews.com
reports.
Bishop Li, who was once missing, was taken to a “study session” in a
guesthouse after he returned to the diocese on Dec. 17.
He was ordered
to write a letter of repentance for “unauthorized departure from duty,”
by not attending the government-sanctioned National Congress of Catholic
Representatives in early December. He has now returned to the diocese.
Authorities have also threatened to end his role in the provincial
Political Consultative Conference and remove him as Cangzhou’s bishop,
if he does not repent for his “wrongdoings” and the “negative impact he
has caused,” sources have told ucanews.com.
Many voters agreed that Bishop Li is a good role model for Chinese
Catholics, especially to other bishops, and is a pillar in the China
Church.
They praised his bravery as a young “open” bishop who did not join
the congress, and understood that he was forced to participate in an
illicit episcopal ordination in Chengde in November.
Cardinal Zen, retired bishop of Hong Kong, meanwhile was described by
many voters as a prophet who dares to speak for truth and justice.
The outspoken prelate not only presided over prayer services for the
China Church and religious freedom, he also published articles defending
Church principles on controversial issues in 2010.
“He understands well the need and direction of the Church in China,” one voter said.
“His voice is a source of strength for the mainland clergy and faithful in guarding pure faith.”
The week-long vote
in early January, saw voting not just from mainland China but also from
Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Argentina, Britain, France, Singapore and the
United States.
The Hebei seminarians were among those candidates who got higher
votes. Those who elected them appreciated their bravery in fighting for
the good of the Church.
Voters for Archbishop-elect Hon felt proud of his appointment as the first Chinese to take up a senior post at the Vatican.
Supporters of the Catholic nuns
and volunteers said they see from them charity and perseverance in
serving quake victims against averse climate and environment.
Despite his cancer, Cardinal Shan’s promotion on culture of life has also earned respects from some voters.
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