China’s Cardinal Joseph Zen Is a Living Saint

Have you ever met a living saint? I did, in November 2019, when I had the privilege to spend an evening with Cardinal Joseph Zen. The 90-year-old former bishop of Hong Kong, surely China’s most famous Catholic, is now awaiting trial on trumped-up national-security charges following his arrest in the communist-controlled city-state on May 11. Yet what I saw and heard from that humble man gives me confidence that he’s exactly where he wants to be — and hope for the future of Christianity in China.

My wife and I traveled to Hong Kong during the enormous protests over the infamous extradition law, which marked a new level of Chinese domination over the once-autonomous city. We had always wanted to meet Cardinal Zen, and, with the city descending into despotism, we realized our window was closing. As soon as we arrived in Hong Kong, we were taken aback by the outpouring of democratic fervor that surrounded us.

TB

About the Author

Tim Busch

Tim Busch is co-founder of the Napa Institute, a Catholic lifestyle organization.

Featured Tags

Manage following

China

Catholicism

Have you ever met a living saint? I did, in November 2019, when I had the privilege to spend an evening with Cardinal Joseph Zen. The 90-year-old former bishop of Hong Kong, surely China’s most famous Catholic, is now awaiting trial on trumped-up national-security charges following his arrest in the communist-controlled city-state on May 11. Yet what I saw and heard from that humble man gives me confidence that he’s exactly where he wants to be — and hope for the future of Christianity in China.

My wife and I traveled to Hong Kong during the enormous protests over the infamous extradition law, which marked a new level of Chinese domination over the once-autonomous city. We had always wanted to meet Cardinal Zen, and, with the city descending into despotism, we realized our window was closing. As soon as we arrived in Hong Kong, we were taken aback by the outpouring of democratic fervor that surrounded us.