Leaving home at a young age The path of dedication is long
Bishop Zhu Weifang was born on December 10, 1927, in Yang’ao Village, Yongjia County, Wenzhou City. He grew up in the urban area of Wenzhou with his family. From 1934 to June 1939, he attended Wenzhou Zengjue Primary School, graduating with excellent results. Influenced by his family and the faith atmosphere of the parish, he developed the idea of leaving home to pursue a religious life.
At the age of thirteen, the bishop left home to enter the Zengjue Minor Seminary in Ningbo, beginning his long journey of dedication. Due to the turbulent political situation, he studied at seminaries in Ningbo, Jiaxing, and Fuzhou, finally graduating from the Shanghai Xuhui Sacred Heart Seminary in July 1955.
On October 6, 1954, he received the priestly ordination at the St. Ignatius Church in Shanghai. Although Bishop Zhu’s path was fraught with difficulties, through God’s protection and his unwavering perseverance, he finally attained the priesthood. At the time of his ordination, his parents could not afford the travel expenses due to their poverty, and Auxiliary Bishop Su Xida was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness. When his uncle, Father Zhu Xi, arrived specially, it brought him great joy.
Twice imprisoned Enduring hardships
In July 1955, Auxiliary Bishop Su Xida of the Wenzhou Diocese assigned the newly ordained bishop to assist Father Fang Weizheng in pastoral work at the Qianku Catholic Church in Pingyang. Due to the tense political atmosphere, the bishop had to leave his flock after only four months.
From November 1955 to March 1971, the bishop was arrested for the first time. After his release, he continued to be “reformed” as a member of the four categories in Yang’ao Village, Yongjia County. He was imprisoned again during Easter in 1982.
During the time outside of his two imprisonments, the bishop continued his pastoral work: he established sixty study groups in Wenzhou City. Together with Auxiliary Bishop Wang Yijun in Cangnan and Pingyang, he laid a solid foundation for the flourishing of church affairs in these areas today.
In those difficult years, the church on Jinbao Mountain resembled the underground catacombs of Rome. Whenever Mass was held at the church on the mountain, the faithful would keep watch all the way to the foot of the mountain. In such an environment, Bishop Zhu frequently went to Jinbao Mountain to celebrate Mass, strengthening the faith of the believers. Later, whenever Jinbao Mountain was mentioned, the bishop humorously referred to it as his “revolutionary base.”
In April 1988, Bishop Zhu’s father, Mr. Zhu Renzhai, was critically ill. After repeated pleas from relatives and with the strong assistance of Father Cai Shuyi, the bishop was allowed to return from the labor reform team to be with his father in his final moments. In July of the same year, the bishop was released nine months early.
The two imprisonments are significant gaps in the bishop’s entire pastoral career. Through toil and sweat, he dedicated this life’s helplessness to God, becoming a fragrant offering accepted by the Lord.
Traveling everywhere Caring for the flock
On June 3, 1992, Auxiliary Bishop Wang Yijun was finally released after ten years in prison. He returned to the diocese to a warm welcome from the faithful. Thus, Bishop Zhu and Bishop Wang once again joined forces to begin vigorous missionary work in the Cangnan and Pingyang areas. Summer catechism classes for children, the Rosary Society, youth evangelization meetings… Each of these missionary efforts reflected the bishop’s deep love for the flock entrusted to him.
On October 8, 1995, Father Cai Shuyi, the pastor of the cathedral, collapsed at the altar. On the 11th, Bishop Zhu visited him and, at Father Cai’s request, began assisting with church affairs at the cathedral. From then on, he led a pastoral life, shuttling between the Wenzhou Cathedral and Cangnan.
Inheriting the past and ushering in the future Supporting the elderly and nurturing the young
Bishop Zhu entered the Shanghai Xuhui Seminary in 1952 when Bishop Jin Luxian was serving as the rector. This began a teacher-student relationship. Bishop Zhu held great respect for Bishop Jin and often took time to visit him and listen to his advice, even as he himself grew older.
He also held great respect for his predecessor, Bishop Lin Xili, especially in his later years, showing great concern for his well-being.
The bishop placed great importance on vocations, always showing care and concern for the seminarians. He frequently visited the seminary to check on their lives and studies. He led by example, teaching the seminarians to balance work and rest, often taking them out for relaxation.
Whether with young priests or with the faithful, his optimistic and cheerful demeanor, along with his humorous and straightforward conversation, made people feel refreshed and at ease.
The bishop was also very concerned about the Little Teresa Sisters of the Diocese. Since the end of 1996, he has served as the guiding priest for the congregation. In addition to presiding over the sisters’ profession ceremonies and the congregation’s elections, he frequently visited the sisters, leading retreats or sharing his own religious life, guiding and supporting the congregation’s various works.
Ascending to the episcopate Aspiring to great heights
On January 20, 2009, Bishop Zhu was consecrated as a bishop. The following year, on December 23, he held his inauguration ceremony and ascended to the episcopate. From then on, the aging bishop began to bear a heavier burden, working passionately for the Lord.
Despite his age, he tirelessly convened and participated in various meetings of the diocese. As a bishop and a member of the Wenzhou Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, he always did his utmost to uphold the legitimate rights and interests of the church. Aware of his aging and declining health, he wisely passed on the leadership to the younger generation in a timely manner, ensuring that the church’s work could proceed in an orderly manner. This wisdom and integrity command great respect.
Respected Bishop Zhu has now left us, returning with a smile to his heavenly home. Reflecting on his life, it can be said that he experienced “two imprisonments and numerous hardships, a life of storms over ninety springs and autumns.” As a shepherd, it can be summarized as “shepherding Wenzhou with care for the flock, with a heart devoted to the salvation of the world.”
In summary, Bishop Zhu’s life was simple yet very rich; it was fraught with trials yet filled with peace and joy. As St. Pio said: The Christian life is a constant struggle with oneself; without the nourishment of suffering, the soul cannot bloom beautiful flowers.
Look, this is our great priest, who delighted God throughout his life and fully followed justice. Respected bishop, as you arrive at the eternal blessed homeland you have longed for, please continue to pray for your diocese and your children!
Dear Bishop Zhu, we deeply remember you in our prayers!