SW News: On May 24, the solemnity of Mary, Help of Christians, which is also observed as the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, Hong Kong’s senior-most prelate Cardinal Joseph Zen prayed for the faithful in mainland China while offering Mass. The 90-year-old cardinal offered Mass in one of the city’s churches and it was attended by 300 believers. It was also live-streamed on his Facebook page with thousands of viewers in less than 24 hours.

He celebrated Mass after returning from a court appearance during which he pleaded not guilty to failing to register a humanitarian fund with the police. During the Mass, he made a special mention of believers in mainland China where COVID restrictions have been imposed in Beijing and Shanghai forcing them to remain indoors and be left without Mass and sacraments.

He also made a reference to the Holy See’s pact with the Chinese Government dating back to September 2018. He said that it was not wise on the part of the Vatican to enter into such an agreement with the communist authorities and grant legitimacy to bishops appointed by the Patriotic Association.

AFP reported Zen as saying, “There is an urge to unify those above the ground and those underground but it seems that time is not ripe yet.” The cardinal also said that maybe the Vatican might have acted out of good faith, but the decision was an unwise one.

The cardinal also made a mention of the hardships facing the Church in mainland China. “Martyrdom is normal in our Church,” Zen said. “We may not have to do that, but we may have to bear some pain and steel ourselves for our loyalty to our faith.”

The top prelate, who is a critic of Beijing’s communist government, has been accused of not registering the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund with the police. The fund was used to provide legal aid and cover the medical expenses of people who took part in the 2019 pro-democracy protests. However, his actual trial will start on 19 September.

It was on February 11, 1961, that Zen was ordained a priest. On September 13, 1996, he was appointed coadjutor bishop of Hong Kong and he received episcopal consecration on December 9 of the same year. It was on October 20, 2002, that Bishop Zen assumed complete charge of his diocese. Four years later, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the Sacred College of Cardinals. He is known for defending human rights, political freedom, and religious liberty.