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The Holy See has pronounced automatic excommunication on Father Paul Lei Shiyin of Leshan, who was ordained a chinese bishop without papal mandate last week.
A priest and Church observer outside China who asked not to be named said the move was taken for the good of the Church and followed a stern warning by the Holy See in a statement issued on July 4.
This is the best way of handling an illegitimate ordination, as the Holy See did what it should do, the observer said, adding that he hoped the clear message will prompt the other bishop candidates who may also receive episcopal ordination without papal mandate to reconsider.
After thorough investigation and a clear warning to Father Lei, as well as informing the Chinese government, the Holy See has determined that Father Lei has violated canon law deliberately, the observer added.
A canonist who also declined to be named agreed that a declared excommunication was necessary. If illicit episcopal ordinations were to continue, the Catholic Church in China “would not be only with ‘Chinese characteristics’ but would become a state church established by the government.”
It is clear to everyone “who the main actors are,” the canonist said, as the bishops and the so-called bishops’ conference are not free to act in such purely religious matters, the canonist said.
The Catholic bishops and priests are exposed to excessive coercion, with only a few daring to oppose the political pressure or even to challenge it.
Father Lei, a leading figure in the Sichuan “open” Church community for many years, helped the local Church to restore its properties and expand its social influence, the observer said; thus, some priests and parishioners tend to think they need such capable leaders for the good of the Church from a secular perspective.
Rumors are already circulating about another illicit ordination in Shantou diocese, southern Guangdong province, on July 14.
Sources
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News category: World.
