Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – China at present is a country with truly unique characteristics, blending a centuries-old culture, with extremely ancient spiritual traditions and philosophical thought, with state-of-the-art technological advancements that have presented grave challenges to social and spiritual values. There is a simultaneous presence of contrary experiences, where the youth are obviously in search of spiritual values, especially Christianity, and yet, they are also caught up by the charm of a hedonistic materialism that has taken hold of many of them.
The Catholic Church has experience serious tensions over the course of this century. One of the most serious and painful, on a structural level, has arisen from those who would like to establish a national Church and those who have worked and suffered for a church with Chinese characteristics, but one that would enter in full communion with the Universal Church and the Pope. The present situation, of a single Catholic Church in China, is not without its difficulties, however there are also many signs of hope.
Considering this context, the Holy Father has expressed his desire that the Catholics, both consecrated and laity, may live their lives as instruments of reconciliation and peace in China today. It would not benefit anyone to dig their heels in the sand of the problems that belong to the past and enclose themselves in a kind of defensive attitude. The Catholic Church in China must understand that “called to be a witness of Christ, to look forward with hope, and – in proclaiming the Gospel – to measure up to the new challenges that the Chinese People must face” (Benedict XVI, Letter to Chinese Catholics, 3). The Pope expresses his desire to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The Church wishes to offer a disinterested service, however she can, to all Catholics and all the inhabitants of the nation. The Church, which cannot be mistaken for a political community and is not linked to any particular political system, is at the same time sign and safeguard of the transcendence of the human person. Maintaining this criteria, “the solution to existing problems cannot be pursued via an ongoing conflict with the legitimate civil authorities; at the same time, though, compliance with those authorities is not acceptable when they interfere unduly in matters regarding the faith and discipline of the Church. The civil authorities are well aware that the Church in her teaching invites the faithful to be good citizens, respectful and active contributors to the common good in their country, but it is likewise clear that she asks the State to guarantee to those same Catholic citizens the full exercise of their faith, with respect for authentic religious freedom” (ibid, 4).
The tensions and divisions lived within the Church, which the Holy Father has spoken of in his letter to Chinese Catholics (cf. no. 6), call for a true Evangelical attitude of forgiveness towards those who have done wrong, of forgetting the pain suffered. These attitudes are necessary for healing the wounds and increasing communion in the Chinese Church.
The Bishops, priests, religious, and laity should live in such a way that they become testimonies of reconciliation and peace. The Paschal Mystery of Jesus is the source of all forgiveness. He has destroyed the wall of separation that man had established with his sin. Jesus is the love and mercy of the Father. That is why, John Paul II told Chinese Catholics: “My ardent desire is that you will respond to the interior promptings of the Holy Spirit by forgiving one another whatever needs to be forgiven, by drawing closer to one another, by accepting one another and by breaking down all barriers in order to overcome every possible cause of division. Do not forget the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: 'By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another' (Jn 13:35)” (John Paul II, Message to the Catholic community in China, 8/12/1999).
We should give thanks to God for the many martyrs that lived in China and shed their blood in testimony of their fidelity to Christ and the Catholic Church. May they intercede for the Church in that country, so that in the midst of their difficulties, they may reach reconciliation and that testimony of unity may generate and strengthen a fruitful missionary activity in the community. (Agenzia Fides 2/3/2009)
