The Augustinian Recollect Family has closed with an emotional congress in Madrid the first centenary of the Mission in Shangqiu, China. On the 18th and 19th of October, during the cycle of conferences, the lights and shadows of one hundred years of history were explored, focusing on the past, present and future challenges of the Church in China. The event was attended by experts in History and Missiology, as well as testimonies of the current reality of the Church in China: a Spanish diocesan priest established in Shanghai and one of the Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters.
The history of the mission in Shangqiu: riches and sufferings
The commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the mission of the Augustinian Recollects in Shangqiu took place between December 5, 2023 and October 20, 2024, coinciding with World Mission Day (DOMUND). The history of this mission is rich in achievements and deeply marked by suffering, a reality that was reflected in the interventions of the speakers.
The history of this mission is rich in achievements and deeply marked by suffering.
The congress began with a talk by Father Esteban Aranaz, an expert in Church History with extensive experience in China. Aranaz presented a historical overview of evangelization in the country, from the arrival of Nestorian Christianity in the 8th century to the current complex relations between the Patriotic Church and the underground Church. He emphasized how the Chinese Church has withstood periods of extreme repression, including the Maoist regime, thanks to its ability to adapt and the active participation of the local faithful.
The darkest moment of the mission was recalled on the second day of the congress, during the conference of the Augustinian Recollect historian Angel Martinez Cuesta, who detailed the challenges experienced between 1952 and 1978, in the hardest time for Christians in China. In spite of persecution and condemnations to forced labor, the spirit of resistance of the community kept the faith alive and, finally, allowed the “Resurrection” of the Mission from 1979 onwards.
The voices of today’s mission
The congress also addressed the present and future of the Church in China. The Augustinian Recollect Missionary Augustinian Recollect Sisters (MAR) shared their testimony on the restoration of religious life in Shangqiu and the formation of a resilient community since 1989. With their pastoral work in parishes and social projects together with ARCORES, the MARs have managed to maintain an active presence and have found new ways of livelihood through activities such as Chinese-Spanish language translations.
Through their pastoral work in parishes and social projects, the MARs have managed to maintain an active presence.
On the other hand, Esteban Aranaz explained how the Chinese Church still faces great challenges, such as the lack of bishops recognized by the government and the need for internal reconciliation. However, he also highlighted recent achievements, including the recognition of all Chinese bishops by Pope Francis, which has marked a breakthrough in the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese government.
Lessons from the past for the future
José Manuel Romero, an Augustinian Recollect, expert in Missiology, and a great connoisseur of the mission of the Order in China, closed the series of conferences by encouraging the participants to reflect on how the teachings of the past can inspire the present. He emphasized the need for a “Church going out”, open and close, following the style of Jesus. For him, being “Sowers of Hope” implies a humble but constant work, sowing seeds of faith that, in time, will bear fruit.
Missionary conversion: a commitment for the future
The Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Carlos Gonzalez, concluded the congress by calling for missionary conversion. He stressed that knowing history allows us to better understand the present and to love our brothers and the Church more. “One hundred years in China should encourage us to renew our missionary commitment,” he said. This congress was not only a look at the past, but an invitation to look with hope to the future of the Church in China, despite the difficulties.
Knowing history allows us to better understand the present and to love our brothers and sisters and the Church more.
The closing of the 1st Centenary of the Mission in Shangqiu was a reminder of the perseverance and hope of the Church, as well as the importance of a constant renewal of the missionary spirit, especially in a globalized and ever-changing world.