Chinese Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin Arrested For Celebrating Mass Without State Approval

Chinese Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin arrested for celebrating mass without state approval. Wenzhou, China – March 6, 2025
Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin, 61, of Wenzhou, was arrested by officials from China’s National Security Office for refusing to pay a fine of 200,000 yuan (approximately US$27,000).

The fine was imposed after he celebrated a Mass on December 27, 2024, attended by over 200 faithful, to mark the opening of the Holy Jubilee Year. Authorities claim the gathering violated Article 71 of China’s Religious Affairs Regulations.

Bishop Shao, appointed Coadjutor Bishop by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and who succeeded the late Bishop Vincenzo Zhu Wei-Fang in 2016, has consistently refused to join the state-sanctioned Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.

His rejection of the fine is based on his position that the celebration of Mass was a lawful religious activity.

As of this report, Bishop Shao’s location remains unknown, and his detention is expected to be prolonged. Due to his refusal to align with the Patriotic Association, Chinese authorities do not recognize him as the legitimate bishop of Wenzhou, instead declaring the episcopal seat vacant and endorsing Fr. Ma Xianshi—a government-approved priest—as the diocesan administrator.

Bishop Shao has faced repeated arrests over the years. The Wenzhou Catholic community, considered part of the “underground” Church loyal to Rome, has launched a prayer campaign for his release and safety.

Notably, shortly before his latest arrest, on February 25, 2025, Bishop Shao publicly requested prayers for Pope Francis.

Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin

In addition to his arrest, reports indicate growing interference in Church activities across the region. A planned pilgrimage by the Cangnan parish was recently obstructed by local authorities, and children are increasingly barred from entering churches.

Surveillance and restrictions on priests have also intensified, with some clerics prohibited from celebrating Mass.

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Source: Shalom World News.

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu Celebrates Tinubu At 73 Says “My Knight In Shining Armour”

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu celebrates Tinubu at 73 says “My knight in shining armour”. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated her husband, President Bola Tinubu as he turns 73 years old, describing him as “my knight in shining armor”.

The first lady in a personal message felicitating her husband on Saturday, expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness in the life of the president over the years.

Oluremi Tinubu Celebrates Tinubu At 73

“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life over the years. I celebrate your courage, strength, and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today.

May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace, and prosperity. Happy Birthday Mr President, My knight in shining armour,” the first lady said.

FG To Implement SSP In Aviation Sector

FG to implement SSP in aviation sector. SSP is an integrated set of regulations and activities designed to enhance safety in civil aviation.

The federal government says it will implement the State Safety Programme (SSP) to integrate safety activities and regulatory requirements.

Capt. Chris Najomo, the director- general, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said this at the closing ceremony of the ICAO-West and Central Africa (WACAF) regional office of the African and Indian Ocean (AFI) Regional Plan -SSP in Abuja on Friday.

SSP is an integrated set of regulations and activities designed to enhance safety in civil aviation. It is required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and unique to member states.

The SSP also ensures the effectiveness of safety performance elements and addresses identified aviation safety risks.

Mr Najomo, who said that Nigeria would provide required human and financial resources toward SSP implementation, added that the assistance mission of ICAO-WACAF had helped Nigeria to notice and implement the gaps in the draft SSP document.

“It is my utmost privilege to host the Regional Officer Safety Implementation for five days on the State Safety Programme (SSP) Mission Assistance that started on Monday and is ending today.

“Nigeria has initiated its SSP processes and has made tremendous progress towards the full implementation. Nigeria had published the safety management regulations in the Part 20 of the Nig. CARs., developed the draft document for the SSP manual.

“Also publish the draft of its National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP), several guidelines for both the industry and the CAA inspectors on the assessment and continuing surveillance of service providers’ SMS,” he said.

Mr Najomo said that Sonia Freitas, a delegate from WACAF, had reviewed the gap analysis and SSP implementation Plan that was presented by Nigeria with regards to its compliance with the state safety requirements.

NCAA

“Just as detailed in Annex 19 and had provided further guidance to both the NCAA and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NISB) on the activities it has to establish and implement to ensure full implementation of the SSP.

“The executive director, BAGASOO, Ms Jailza Sylvia, had also provided assistance on the procedures to be included in certain documentations that are required to ensure SSP implementation,” he added.

Speaking, the director general, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh, commended  the assistance mission, underscoring regional commitment towards enhancing aviation safety across Africa.