Sponsored by the
Xaverian Missionaries
Issue #6 - June 2008
The Chinese Catholic Church shows us we can never take faith for granted...
Last September, Bishop Joseph Wu Qinjing of Zhouzhi (pictured above), who was 38 at the time, was taken by force from his cathedral compound and held by government officials for five days. The bishop, who is approved by the Holy See but is only acknowledged as a priest by the government, suffered a concussion when he resisted the officials as he was shoved into the car. During his captivity, he was forced to sign papers saying he would not function as a bishop.
More... Letter of Benedict XVI to the Chinese Catholic Church
The unity of the Church in China and its independence from political power, i.e. respect for religious freedom so that the Church can carry out her mission of evangelization. This is the main concern of the "Letter of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to the bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the People's Republic of China," published today. From this main concern stem the search for "dialogue" with the government, the denial of any role or legitimacy of the Patriotic Association, the idea of a necessary "normality" of the Chinese Church, with the invitation to bishops and faithful to overcome divisions and to display their faith publicly and the abolition of the extraordinary norms conceded to date to the Church in China.
More... Missionary to the Far East
Fifteen years ago, Xaverian Missionary, Father Joseph Matteucig (top of photo) left the US for Taiwan and China on a mission, determined to keep a large, decades-old promise – several long-standing promises, really. “Our community, the Xaverian Missionaries, was founded to serve in China,” told Fr. Matteucig, who left for East Asia in 1993 with other Xaverian priests to mission to the Taiwanese and Chinese people. “From the time we were founded in 1895 until 1948, China was our only mission. After the missionaries were expelled, they went on to carry the Gospel of Jesus to other countries and now we are present and serving in 20 countries around the world. Help with Earthquake Relief in China
"Most of the children who lived in the temporary tents were [sitting] idle; they had nothing to do. Though they had shelter and received something to eat, nobody was taking care of their secondary needs. They need clothes, basic living essentials. The tents are scattered and not many of the volunteers are professionally trained in counseling," said a partner staff member of Catholic Relief Services.
Icons of the Celestial Kingdom
One important dimension of Chinese art in the first half of the 20th century was an emphasis on individualism which emerged in the context of nationalist fervor. At the same time, together with an increased exposure to foreign ideas, there was a sense of identification with the culture of the past. These characteristics came together in a Chinese Christian school of painting which arose in Beijing between the two world wars at the Catholic University of Beijing.
More... |
Issue #6 - June 2008
When faith matters, how will you help shape the world?
Links on the Church in China Interfaith Youth Opportunities
Church Teaching on Global Mission
Global Mission Links
News from the Missions Worldwide
Provoke believes the desire for social justice has long been a central theme, not only of our own Roman Catholic tradition, but of all the world religions. Provoke starts with that desire and engages you from the vantage of your own faith. As we explore issues of social justice and ethics, we do so within the context of inter-religious dialogue, and in the process, discover a rich treasure of common values.
Consider dedicating your life as a missionary priest, brother, or sister. Click.
NO BORDERS:
PASSION FOR CHRIST - Contact:
Fr. Carl Chudy, SX
Issue #5 | Issue #8 |
Become a Partner in Global Mission
