Melchior Zhang Kexing

Melchior Zhang Kexing was born into a wealthy family in Xiwanzi of Zhangjiakou, Chahar province, on 6 January 1914. He was ordained a priest on 18 March 1939. He became Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Xiwanzi on 3 November 1949. On 24 May 1951, Bishop Leon-Jean-Marie De Smedt of Belgium held a consecration ceremony for him. On 24 November 1951, Bishop Leon-Jean-Marie De Smedt died in the prison of Zhangjiakou, and Melchior Zhang Kexing took over as Bishop. The Communist government also arrested Melchior Zhang Kexing, who was sentenced to 10 years of forced labour camp for opposing the triple autonomy of the churches, which involved breaking ties with the Holy See. In 1979, still a prisoner, he was transferred to Baoding as an interpreter, which significantly improved his living conditions. In February 1985, he lived with his sister in Xuanhua District, where he died on 6 November 1988.