First week in Hong Kong

The first night we went to a parish's feast day celebration, with over 300 people even though it is a small parish. After the first few dishes, we didn't realize that there would still be another 9 or so left (including octopus and jelly fish), which I guess is typical for a banquet. The Maryknoll pastor continually pressured us sing a song, though there were only three of us at that point, and none of us were exactly Frank Sinatra.  Afterwards, they started chanting "Encore" before we could leave the stage, so then we sang God bless America. Yesterday and today we have time to see the city, which is very similar to NY, with even a section called "SoHo" and plenty of Starbuck's, which has been a nice treat.

It has been great to hear from the Maryknoll's about their service here and about stories of the Church in China. Some have been serving here for over 40 years often at parishes.  The Maryknoll's mission was described to me as building up vocations to the Diocesan priesthood in the areas they serve (they are in 30 Asian and African countries) so that they can support themselves.  Once that is accomplished, they move on to other areas of need.  Some work in Hong Kong, which has a different system of laws (including religious freedom) and others work or take trips into the mainland.

Just last week the govt. had another ordained (for the fourth time, I believe) bishop that was not approved by the Vatican and is thus automatically excommunicated. The archbishop that refused to ordain him would normally be taken away by the government, but his priests heroically surrounded the chancery, so their plan was foiled.  Apparently at least three bishops have been taken away who committed this same "crime," and their whereabouts are now unknown.   With these illicit ordinations, the Chinese in these dioceses will have to make decisions on whether or not to participate in official church activities.  According to the NY times (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/world/asia/17vatican.html), In June, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association said it might ordain 40 bishops “without delay,” suggesting a willingness to go ahead without papal approval.  Apparently there is a valid need for more dioceses in China, but the govt. is blatantly undermining Church authority in the way it is going about creating these dioceses.  One of the priests last night said that it seems that this is the most difficult time for the Church in China, and Cardinal Zen said that, at this moment...it's war."  In other words, PRAY.