Sheshan Notre Dame Cathedral in Shanghai's Songjiang District
In his highly regarded May 2007 letter to the Catholics of China, Pope Benedict XVI began by greeting the followers of Christ with the words used by St. Paul when he wrote to the Colossians nearly 2000 years earlier: We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven (Col 1:3-5).
In China I have often heard Catholics discuss the life of the Church, occasionally including references to the Vatican and the role of the Pope. The Chinese appreciation for the Bishop of Rome is focused on the symbol of unity that he represents. There is very little need in China to debate the papal view on any issues that are being discussed. It is assumed that the Pope has the wisdom and the experience to make good decisions and that as a person of deep faith, he has the good of the Church in his heart in all that he does.
The letter from Pope Benedict to the Catholics in China was deeply appreciated because it was received by many people who had experienced difficult times, people who know what it is to have their Christian faith tested to the limits. Towards the end of that long letter, Pope Benedict recommended that May 24th each year be known as World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. Catholics in China saw this as an important affirmation of their place within the universal Church, people of faith across the world now encouraged to give particular attention to its needs once a year.
While accurate statistics are not available, it is assumed that the Catholic population in China is less than 1% of the overall population, a small number among more than one billion people. Despite its small presence in such a vast land, I meet people in various part of China whose lives are a reminder that God gently supports the Church in the ways that are needed for each generation. This ranges from poor families living in the simplest apartments in big cities to congregations of religious sisters who care for the most vulnerable members of society as they provide life-long care for those who are born with disabilities.
During his 12-year pontificate, Pope Francis also saw the importance of the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. During his Angelus address on Sunday May 24th, 2020, he said, “Dearest Catholic brothers and sisters in China, I wish to assure you that the universal Church, of which you are an integral part, shares your hopes and supports you in your trials of life. She accompanies you with prayer for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.”
The day of prayer is dedicated to the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai. Located on top of a hill which is the highest point of the immense city of 25 million people, it is also the most popular place of Christian pilgrimage in China.
News of the recent death of Pope Francis was closely followed by the Catholics of China, as well as by many people in wider society. The selection of Pope Leo XIV has also held the attention of the people. In an interesting development, the Chinese government acknowledged the selection of Pope Leo. In its official statement it noted that, “it is hoped that under the new pope’s leadership, the Vatican will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with China and conduct in-depth communication on international issues of mutual concern.”
With this year’s day of prayer for the Church in China arriving so soon after the start of the new papacy, Catholics in China will pay close attention to whatever Pope Leo might say on this special day. A day of prayer that now spans the lives of three popes is already providing its unique contribution to the Church in China. Perhaps it is an appropriate time to acknowledge that the prayers of people around the world are gradually bearing fruit, quietly opening new horizons of hope in China, showing once again that God remains faithful to all people.
Columban Fr Dan Troy lives and works in China.
Comments (0)