"Under the new regulations on religious activities, proposed last September and implemented last February 1st, worship can only be carried out in church, at the times set by the government. Any other place is considered an ‘illegal place’ and those who break such regulations will be subject to prison, fines, expropriation of the building that houses illegal religious activity. Even private homes are now considered an ‘illegal place of worship’"
And not only that, but
- No religious activities (including prayer, instruction or anything else) may be done in any place but the approved church building, and
- No person under the age of 18 is permitted into a church.
So for Catholic Chinese children there will be no religious instruction, prayer, or youth activities of any kind, at any time, anywhere. Sounds like you can't even baptize a child: neither in church nor anyplace else.
The signing of this so-called agreement has been put off for now, but is supposedly going to happen in May. If Pope Francis goes through with this, it will be the worst thing he has ever done. Although there are a lot of things in the running for "worst."
The Chinese Catholics are far better of remaining "underground" and taking their chances.
Pray for an end to this disastrous so-called pontificate.