The Passion Begins.... For the Underground Church in China

Bishop Guo of the underground church
allegedly refused to concelebrate Easter Mass
with excommunicated bishop.

Bishop Guo, underground bishop of Mindong, was arrested yesterday along with his diocesan chancellor. It seems appropriate that this terrible situation is taking place during passion week! 

What is especially tragic, however, is the part the Vatican is playing in the persecution. The headlines below highlight the betrayal of the poor, persecuted Catholics of China who have risked much to continue praying in the underground Church that remained faithful to the Holy See. In today's modern Church, it seem no martyrdom goes unpunished. The real bishops are being asked to step down so government-appointed bishops of the faux Catholic Patriotic Association can take their places. Is Et tu, Brute the proper reaction or Do you betray your master with a kiss? Perhaps both.