HONG KONG (UCAN): Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin of the unofficial Church in Mindong, Fujian province, was taken from his home on March 26, according to AsiaNews. 
The 59-year-old bishop received a call from the local Administration for Religious Affairs on March 26 asking to meet at his office. 
 
After least two hours of talks, the bishop returned to his home at 7.00pm where packed his bags before being taken away at 10.00pm.
 
The priest who is the bishop’s secretary was also taken away.
 
A source said authorities did not want the Bishop Guo to celebrate Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday because it signifies communion with the whole priesthood and would validate his episcopacy.
 
The source noted that authorities were more civilised than on previous occasions and were prepared to hold discussions.
 
Just before Easter last year, the bishop was similarly detained and did not return for 20 days.
 
On the eve of Easter last year, Bishop Guo was also taken away and did not return until 20 days later. He was unable to celebrate his first Chrism Mass and was forced to participate in a brainwashing class.
 
It was recently reported that the Vatican would sign an agreement with China on the appointment of bishops. 
 
Bishop Guo promised to step down, saying, “we can only obey the pope’s decision.”
 
Fujian province has a Catholic population of around 370,000. The majority of the estimated 80,000 of Catholics in the dioces of Mindong belong to the unofficial Church.