Father Joseph Guo Fude was born on May 28, 1919, and was ordained in 1945 in the Diocese of Yanzhou, Shandong Province, before the Communist takeover of China in 1949. His ordination was into what was then the “diocesan” Catholic Church, distinct from the state-controlled Catholic Patriotic Association established later.
Father Guo lived through the tumultuous times of the Cultural Revolution and other periods of intense anti-religious campaigns in China. His faith was tested as he faced persecution for his refusal to join the Catholic Patriotic Association, which was seen as a compromise with the communist government.
He spent a total of 25 years in detention or re-education camps, with his first arrest in 1958. Despite these hardships, Father Guo remained steadfast in his faith, even celebrating Mass secretly during his imprisonment.
After his release, he continued to serve his community covertly due to the ongoing restrictions on religious practice. He was known for his simplicity, humility, and dedication, living a life of poverty and service. Even in his old age, he maintained his priestly duties, often walking to remote villages to administer sacraments.
Father Guo’s life was celebrated at his funeral on January 9, where Bishop John Lu Peisen spoke of his exemplary life of love, sacrifice, and service. His commitment to his faith under extreme adversity served as a beacon for other Chinese Catholics. His story is seen as one of the most inspiring examples of perseverance in faith within the Chinese Catholic community.
Father Guo passed away on December 30 at the age of 105. His funeral was attended by many from the local Catholic community, reflecting the impact he had on those around him. His death was not just the end of a long life but was also seen as the closing of a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in China.
His life story is emblematic of the underground Catholic Church in China, where priests often risked their freedom and lives to practice and spread their faith without state approval. Father Guo’s endurance and dedication have left a lasting legacy on the Catholic Church, particularly in how it navigates its existence under a tyrannical government that has historically been hostile to Christianity.
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