Bishop Guo of China Dies

DATONG, China, JAN. 21, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Bishop Thaddeus Guo Yingong of Datong, in mainland China, has died after a long illness, according to the Fides news agency. He was 88.

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Thaddeus Guo Yingong was born in 1917 at Xibu in the district of Datong, to non-Christian parents. At age 12 he asked to be baptized and at 16 he entered the minor seminary in Xiwanzi, Hebei.

In 1939 he went to Suiyuan major seminary at Hohhot and completed his studies for the priesthood at Datong seminary. He was ordained a priest Aug. 4, 1946.

Before 1980 he suffered persecution and spent 13 years in “re-education camps.” After his release he was appointed director of Shanxi major seminary and in 1990 he was made bishop of Datong.

Known for his humility and life of poverty, he even refused a bookcase for his many books.

Bishop Guo founded the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the first congregation established in Datong Diocese.

His funeral was held last week.

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