Where there is unrest

They say that the ocean is so big that it's always in motion, even when it appears to be calm.  It would seem also that the Church is always in various states of peace and challenge.  Even from the relative peace of these shores, there have been reports in recent days of clashes between the officials in China and the recognized Church authorities in that country.

According to the most recent details, there are eight (that's 8) Bishops in China who are recognized by the Church of Rome to have the necessary authority to rule in union with the Successor of Peter.  Because the civil government in that country continues to defy the authority of the Church, there are (from time to time) reports of ordinations of bishops there which take place without the necessary permissions from the Eternal City being granted.

Today, the Vatican Press Office issued a declaration relative to the supposed Episcopal Ordination conferred on Reverend Joseph Huang Bingzhang, who was reportedly ordained to the Episcopacy (but without the letter of permission being granted by the Holy Father).  This action has incurred a grievous penalty for Father Bingzhang and is only one of a number of such challenges to the Church's unity and authority which has been staged in recent months.

I wonder how often we pause to give thanks that we live in a part of the world that does not have to undergo such strife, much less to be aware of those who suffer daily in such locales because of their faith.