An estimated 20,000 people gathered on Monday at the Cathedral of Biancun (Hebei) in China for the funeral of Bishop Raymond Wang Chnglin of Zhaoxian.
The bishop, who died at the age of 88, had spent 21 years in prison for his loyalty to Vatican.
Mgr Wang was an underground bishop, but in 1988 was recognised by the Chinese government, although he never wavered in his allegiance to Rome.
Throughout the funeral ceremonies, hundreds of policemen were evident but this did not deter the massive crowd who turned out for the funeral Mass, which was attended by more than 70 priests.
Fr Simon Gao Baojin presided, while Fr Guo Jinjun of Shunde gave the homily. "The pastor is now in the [eternal] pastures but we hear his call. He is the servant and messenger of the Lord and he is not afraid,” Fr Gao said.
The second part of the funeral took place with the transport of the remains to the prelate’s home village, Yuejiazhuang, where there was a moment of prayer, with the participation of tens of thousands of people.
Finally, the coffin arrived at the cemetery for priests in Zhujiazhuang, about 35 km from Biancun, where the body was interred in the presence of a huge crowd of Catholics, along with all the priests and religious of the diocese.
