BEIJING- A Catholic bishop who was jailed for 13 years for serving in an underground church in China has been granted two weeks’ release. After this, he had to live alone again. During the New Year’s celebrations in China, Augustine Sei Tai, the bishop of the Xuanhua diocese, has been granted parole. Eventually, he will be arrested again on February 8. Authorities have suggested that he continue to live alone. Augustine Xiao Tai, 69, is a bishop of the Secretariat of China. He was placed under house arrest by the Communist government in 2007.
Although officially appointed by the Vatican, the Communist government refused to recognize Augustine as bishop. During his time in prison, he was forced to work in labor camps. Xi Tai is also a bishop who has reacted strongly to the Vatican-China agreement. There is also a history in which Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Sen praised his strong stand. It is rumored that Augustine Thai will spend the next few days with his older sister.
Currently, the official church of China is a government-controlled society. The Vatican does not approve of this because the appointment of the bishop is not subject to the approval of the Pope. However, in September 2018, the Vatican-China agreement was signed regarding the appointment of the bishop. But to this day, Catholics in the country have not reached agreement. Many communities in China recognize and respect the Pope’s uniqueness. Since they are considered anti-government, a large number of devotees worship in the underground chambers.
