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On February 21, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle discussed Terri McNichol's article, "Leadership lessons from landscape painting East and West: Cultivating a spiritual eco-imagination." "Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains," Zhao Mengfu, ca. 1276 Terri, a prior Book Circle participant as well as art historian and founder of Ren Associates , drew participants into the details of Chinese and American landscape painting. Themes included the relationship between humanity and nature, the therapeutic benefits of the practice of calligraphy, and the virtues of sincerity and authenticity. Through connections made over the course of the discussion, Chinese and American artistic traditions were brought into dialogue with such Catholic voices as St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Francis de Sales. Our next Book Circle discussion will be held on March 21, 2026, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 9 PM Chinese Standard Time. We will be discussing chapters 1–3 (pages 1–94) Dan Wang's book, Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future . If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, please invite them to sign up for Book Circle email updates  today ! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to read about our upcoming 30th International Conference . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On February 21, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle will discuss Terri McNichol's article, "Leadership lessons from landscape painting East and West: Cultivating a spiritual eco-imagination." A long-time Book Circle participant, Terri is an award-winning artist, a Chinese art historian, and president of Ren Associates — a consulting firm dedicated to the creative re-imagining of business education. Her article is available to Book Circle participants along with a separate document of the visual images referenced in the article.  "Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains," Zhao Mengfu, ca. 1276 As participants read and prepare for the January 31 discussion, they are invited to consider the following discussion prompt from Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: Terri's article approaches the issue of leadership in the context of our ecological crisis through her deep knowledge of American and Chinese landscape art. As you enter the deep layers of the article, what phrases or sentences command your attention and invite a response? You will have an opportunity to directly interact with Terri at our next meeting. In the meantime, I share with you the following passages that I find particularly powerful and my questions associated with them: 1) Terri quotes Paul Crowther on page 58: "If the world is not to one's liking, we would do well to model the artist who through the beauty of art, transforms base matter and makes visible emergent ideas, that rise above the ordinary and create a reality heretofore unimagined." How does Terri's article help us understand the close affinity between nature, art, creativity, and leadership? How similar is leadership to art? 2) In comparing traditional Chinese landscape art with 19th-century American landscape art, Terri notices a "shared sensibility of the sacredness of place" (p. 50). Do you have a favorite piece of landscape painting that similarly evokes a sense of the sacredness, enchantment, power, and awe of the universe? 3) Speaking of the aesthetic power of Chinese landscape (wenrenhua) paintings, Terri remarks that "both painter and viewer were able to see what is not there--the invisible" (p. 56). She further explains the effect of this seeing: "the ability to bring forth with an embodied sincerity, the quintessential trait of a true individual of the Way, the one who hits the mark without effort. For it is sincerity that enables humans to live in social harmony with the world." "Sincerity" in this context is a Confucian virtue of foundational importance. How do you understand its significance in relation to creativity, aesthetic power, spiritual cultivation, and the role of leadership? The discussion will be held virtually via Zoom at 6AM PT / 7AM MT / 8AM CT / 9AM ET / 10PM Chinese Standard Time. If you have not yet joined us for a Book Circle discussion, please sign up for Book Circle email updates  today , and invite your friends to do the same! ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

Happy Lunar New Year from the USCCA! In this Year of the Fire Horse, may we continue to grow in friendship and dialogue with our brothers and sisters in the United States, in China, and in the whole community of the saints. Visiting the families of priests and religious sisters is one of the ways in which the Church in China celebrates the Lunar New Year. This tradition expresses appreciation and fellowship. We invite you to read more about this tradition at the Agenzia Fides website . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

Today is the Feast Day of St. Paul Liu Hanzo. Born in 1778, Liu tended sheep before he was ordained as a priest; he later worked and posed as a merchant by day in order to administer the sacraments under cover of night. We invite you to read more about St. Paul Liu Hanzo on the Asia Harvest website . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

by Daniel Lindbergh Lang During the Jubilee Year of Hope, 2025, I reflected on returning to the States after an extended time serving in Asia. I returned to America last summer from Asia, where I had remained for three years of service and sojourn. The call to mission remains, however. As Pope Leo XIV reminded us last fall, missionary life continues in our daily lives. In my present role, I am a graduate student in international relations among civil servants and aspirant diplomats. In my new parish, where our pastor preaches to civil servants, I heard in a homily how we are ambassadors of Christ in every place to everyone. The lessons I learned in China and Mongolia likewise color how I approach my place and studies. World Mission Sunday in Arlington, Virginia, October 2025 Mission continues through quiet witness at home. Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong spoke of vocation as relational, the way we dwell with others. Since returning, I’ve experienced that truth in many ways. Here’s one way. A fellow Catholic, whom I met years ago when discerning graduate programs, moved to the same city where I now study. We reunited, and I shared my time in Asia. Shortly thereafter, when a friend of his wanted to learn more about the Church in Mongolia, he connected us. Our cardinal of Mongolia happened to visit D.C. around that time. Therefore, this fall, I got to help my newfound friend learn about the Church in Mongolia. Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 2025 Meanwhile, this fall, a colleague from the Southeast Asia mission reached out, asking me to counsel someone discerning service on mission to Hong Kong. Providentially, our call fell on World Mission Sunday. I felt delighted to become in a small way a part of her journey. Every day, grace characterizes my other experiences back in America. I still wear a cross that accompanied me overseas. Simply wearing it has opened conversations about the faith. In one instance, shortly after I reached our nation’s capital for school, I needed new vaccinations. I awaited my appointment in a Pennsylvania Avenue CVS and wound up having a wonderful conversation with a local retiree waiting there. By our conversation’s end, she penned a couple of notes for my wife and me that read, “God Loves You.” My wife keeps hers on her desk, with mine in my wallet. Notes from the Encounter in Washington, DC, August 2025 As crisp air rustles what leaves remain on their branches, my new music ministry group sang its last “Pilgrims of Hope” hymns of the Jubilee Year. Members appreciated how I came even amid midterms and final exams. In the new encounters and gentle reunions, I feel calmed by and grateful for God’s constancy. I continue to serve through study, song, and friendship. In 2026, I look forward to singing more with community ministries. I hope to volunteer more with our Knights of Columbus as well. Whether on foreign soil or newly familiar streets, the Spirit calls us forward together. Music Ministry, October 2025 I close with one last surprise of this year. I received an invitation from my graduate school to return to Southeast Asia for the first time since the mission. I reconnected with people I walked with then and online in the four years since. I shared a reflection with those I learned were discerning to go on mission in Asia. Our pilgrim journeys continue. Daniel Lindbergh Lang is a missionary, graduate student, and contributor to the USCCA blog. In 2021, Daniel was also an enthusiastic participant in the 28th USCCA International Conference at Santa Clara University. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On January 31, 2026, the US-Catholic China Association Book Circle discussed Terri McNichol's article, "Re-attuning to Nature's Rhythms: The Chinese Art of Being, Relating, Acting." "Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains," Zhao Mengfu, ca. 1276 Terri, a prior Book Circle participant as well as art historian and founder of Ren Associates , led our discussion with an informative and insightful exploration of painting's connection with the natural world, especially as it has historically been understood in Confucian thought. As Terri's mentor, Henry Rosemont Jr., once explained: The problem of using the ru (Chinese Confucian scholars) as background 'students' is that for all of them the 3 Perfections (calligraphy, poetry and painting) were all part of a spiritual discipline, not merely means to become cultivated persons." Through landscape paintings like the one shown above and through beautiful depictions of the "Four Gentlemen" — the plum, the orchid, the chrysanthemum, and the bamboo — Terri taught us about deep meanings of historic Chinese painting on individual, social, environmental, and spiritual levels. Our next Book Circle discussion will be held on February 21, 2026, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 10 PM Chinese Standard Time. Terri has generously volunteered to lead that upcoming discussion, as well! We will be discussing her article entitled "Leadership Lessons from Landscape Painting East and West: Cultivating a Spiritual Eco-Imagination." If you know anyone who might be interested in our Book Circle discussions, we invite you to sign up for Book Circle email updates  today ! For in-person opportunities to learn about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to read about our upcoming 30th International Conference . ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

by Sister Niu Life is enriched by “movement” "Life lies in movement". Life becomes a stagnant backwater without movement. For a time, I stepped out of my familiar routine, setting aside the busy demands of hospital work to participate in a month-long study exchange organized by Leuven Verbiest Foundation in Belgium. Although it was only a short-term program, it opened new perspectives in my life and brought about a profound inner transformation. When I received the superior's notice assigning me to pursue studies, my first reaction was: With so many tasks at the hospital, how could I possibly leave? I immediately turned inward to examine the unease and anxiety within me. As I quieted my heart before the Lord and journeyed into my inner self, I realized my deep longing to study—because I need to recharge, unlock my potential, and enhance my professional competence. More importantly, I yearn to study because I need to challenge my own attachments, my inability to surrender completely, and my habitual tendency to keep everything under my own control. Thus, I readily accepted the superior's assignment and came to participate in the program. Gratitude and Surprise: A Release from Within First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Superior for giving me this invaluable opportunity. It allowed me to go abroad, appreciate foreign landscapes, experience different cultures, and rediscover the wonders and beauty of nature. Through this, I gained a deeper appreciation of the infinite mercy and glory of God. Secondly, I am also grateful that I dared to let go of being busy with tasks at the hospital: duties, meetings, patients, reports, and worldly wisdom, etc. When I truly stepped away, I realized that "leaving" did not mean loss. Instead, it allowed me to rediscover a different way of living: releasing pressure, relaxing my mind, and seizing the day. One month of study and experience in Leuven poured new colors into my life, making me find a long-lost vitality. From Anxiety to Surrender: A Shift in Faith Perspective As a nursing sister, daily life is often filled with high levels of tension. But in Leuven, I was reminded once again: we are only vessels cooperating in God's hands, and our work is part of His plan of salvation. We need only to strive diligently and surrender the results to God's will. This shift in perspective freed me from being trapped by "results" and allowed me to focus more on experiencing God's guidance in every "process," thereby attaining a greater freedom. The Power of a Role Model: The Inspiration of Companions In Leuven, I had the privilege of spending time with several vivacious fellow travelers: Father Jeroom Heyndrickx: Though advanced in years, he remains passionate and energetic about serving the Kingdom of God in a foreign land. His steadfast dedication and fervor moved me deeply, rekindling the original passion for my own vocation. Father Gong: With fatherly care and gentleness, he showed me the merciful face of God. His joyful and attentive way of caring for each of us sisters touched me profoundly. He truly lives up to his name! Sister Yang: Loving, patient, genuine, and humble, she accompanied us each day like a joyful angel. Her teaching was not only down-to-earth, but she also embodied the joy of the Gospel through her daily life. These three friends embody the unity, harmony, communion, and radiance that have touched everyone who encounters them. They make people feel that faith is not a theory, but a living hope, love, and joy. The Impact and Personal Development from the Course Sister Yang taught "Our Journey Together"; the classes were full of energy, dynamic and captivating. Moving words made everybody participate actively and interact. Well-chosen examples made it easy to understand and relate them to daily life. This course rekindled my passion for catechesis and inspired a strong desire to return to my parish and share the beauty of faith with the community. Father Gong taught "Catholic Social Teaching of the Church." He transformed abstract and seemingly dry content into lively and understandable lessons through his humor and logical clarity. He helped clarify a previously vague point for me: Church and society, faith and life, are not separate but an interconnected whole. God is not only present in the Church but also reveals Himself in every corner of society and nature. These days, I have begun actively seeking out the encyclicals issued by Popes throughout history and engaging in deep study and reflection on them. I benefited greatly from his insights. Father Lin’s “Introduction to the Bible" instruction deepened my understanding of Scripture. The Bible is not a distant text but a guide for faith and life. Its essence lies in "loving God and loving people," and its mystery unfolds through continual reading, meditation, and putting it into practice. The answers to biblical challenges are found not only from others, but through humble, persistent reading and enlightenment. A Pilgrimage of Heart and Soul We were also blessed to make pilgrimages to several holy sites: Banneux, Lisieux, and Lourdes, as well as Notre-Dame de Paris. Setting foot on the sacred land where the Virgin Mary appeared and participating in the Eucharistic celebration allowed me to truly experience the holiness and reverence of these places. Joining the ranks of pilgrims in praise and pilgrimage felt like heaven on earth. Especially in Lisieux, I received a clear inspiration: I established a small "Thérèse Memorial Hall" in our hospital after returning to China. I will edit and laminate the photos I took in Lisieux, mount them as display boards, and simultaneously restore the statue of St. Thérèse in our hospital to express our devotion to her. Our hospital is named "Thérèse Hospital," a name personally given by our former bishop. He hoped we would, like St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, scatter showers of roses to the world—serving others through small deeds, healing the sick, and spreading God's merciful love. The bishop also gifted the hospital a statue of St. Thérèse in recent years, for various reasons; no special devotion to her had been maintained. Now, upon returning, we have decided to revive this devotion on the occasion of her feast day. Currently, every sister is diligently reading the book “Story of a Soul” and actively participating in setting up the memorial hall. We hope that this is not only an exhibition space, but a corner for spirituality, where people can pause from their busyness, engage in contemplation, and follow the Little Way of St. Thérèse. Sister Niu is a contributor to the USCCA blog. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

On January 31, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle will discuss Terri McNichol's article, "Re-attuning to Nature's Rhythms: The Chinese Art of Being, Relating, Acting." A long-time Book Circle participant, Terri is an award-winning artist, a Chinese art historian, and president of Ren Associates — a consulting firm dedicated to the creative re-imagining of business education. Her article is available to Book Circle participants along with a separate document of the visual images referenced in the article.  "Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains," Zhao Mengfu, ca. 1276 As participants read and prepare for the January 31 discussion, they are invited to consider the following questions: 1) The Chinese art of the brush trains the intuitive recovery and expression of the heart-mind (see page 9). How important is the recovery of the heart-mind in your own spiritual cultivation? Have you had any experience with the brush or any other artistic medium that helps you understand this part of the article? 2) Terri quotes Schneider on page 20: ". . . only through hearing could people once again come to realize their true position in the cosmos and the meaning of the flowing order within their deepest consciousness." She shows the importance of hearing/listening in the cultivation of relationships through the story of the friendship between Boya and Ziqi (pages 15-16). The art of hearing/listening inspires great friendship. It even helps us realize the fact that we are co-creators of the universe (17). How have you practiced deep hearing/listening in your own life? Does art play a role in your practice?  3) Acting well in an ambiguous and stressful situation is no easy matter. Terri tells the story of the Confucian artist and statesman Zhao Mengfu (25-29), whose artistic genius informs and expresses his moral ingenuity in dangerous political times. How does this story help you conceive the relationship between art and moral discernment?  4) What questions or comments do you have for Terri? The discussion will be held virtually via Zoom at 6AM PT / 7AM MT / 8AM CT / 9AM ET / 10PM Chinese Standard Time. If you have not yet joined us for a Book Circle discussion, please sign up for Book Circle email updates  today , and invite your friends to do the same! ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

We are glad to share that Board Chair Peter Tan and Executive Director Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang are organizing a group tour of China scheduled for April 17–27, 2026! For a fraction of the typical rate for such a trip, the tour will be visiting five beautiful Chinese cities rich with history, culture, and faith. We invite you to learn more by downloading the brochure for details on the daily itinerary, registration process, and other important information. This tour's registration deadline is January 30, 2026 . We look forward to seeing you in Beijing (北京)! Peter Tan has many years of experience organizing and leading such tours. It will be a wonderful cultural experience of China's most interesting cities. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

We are closing in on the end of the US-China Catholic Association's  Annual Appeal . We are encouraged and emboldened by the generosity of supporters like you, who continue to make our mission of peace and friendship possible. To learn more about our latest work, we invite you to read the Appeal Letter  written by our Executive Director, Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang. Thanks to four generous contributors, donations that we receive before the end of the year will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum matched amount of $20,000! By making your tax-deductible donation today, you can maximize the impact of your gift to the USCCA. All contributions to our mission—financial and spiritual—are deeply appreciated. Thank you for accompanying us in 2025—and may you enjoy a Happy New Year in 2026. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

by Fr. Joseph Ruan of Holy Rosary Church, Staten Island, New York From August 25–29, 2025, Chinese-speaking Catholic priests serving across the United States gathered in Chicago for five days of fraternity, reflection, pastoral sharing, and spiritual renewal. Hosted generously by the Congregation of the Mission (CM), the gathering strengthened the bonds among priests, offered space for honest conversation and learning, and opened new horizons for future collaboration in service to the Chinese Catholic community. Day 1 — Arrival and Welcome On August 25, priests arrived at the CM residence in Chicago, where they were warmly welcomed by the Vincentian community. After dinner, Fr. Shu-xin Zhang facilitated introductions and open conversation. The atmosphere was relaxed and fraternal, allowing everyone to begin the gathering with trust, joy, and renewed companionship. Evening gathering and sharing session on the first day. Day Two – Mission Reflection and City Exploration The morning of August 26 featured a presentation by Fr. Hugh, CM, who has accompanied Chinese priests and religious sisters for eight years. He invited participants to reflect deeply on three pastoral questions: What is good to keep? What is good but needs improvement? What is still missing? He also encouraged priests to revisit their own vocation through two personal questions: What do you love in your priesthood? What unique gifts does your Chinese community contribute to your parish? In the afternoon, the group enjoyed a relaxing tour of downtown Chicago, including a river-and-lake cruise and a visit to Millennium Park—an opportunity to rest, converse, and delight in the beauty of the city. Priests enjoying fraternity on the Chicago River cruise. That evening, Fr. Chun-xiang Zhang led a rich session on “The Four Dimensions of Priestly Growth”: human formation, spiritual formation, intellectual formation, and pastoral formation. Day Three – Pastoral Exchange and Pilgrimage On the morning of August 27, priests shared openly about parish life, pastoral challenges, and personal experiences. At 11 a.m., Passionist Father Rob C. introduced the US Chinese Catholic Association and explored future collaboration with Chinese-speaking parishes and communities nationwide. After lunch, the group made a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Thérèse, followed by Mass at St. Thérèse Church at 4:30 p.m. Priests gathered after celebrating Mass during the pilgrimage. In the evening, Chicago priest Fr. Francis Li led a reflection on the Parable of the Sower, highlighting the priest’s threefold identity as disciple, shepherd, and steward. He emphasized synodality—walking together, recovering the original fire of vocation, and embracing leadership grounded in generosity and pastoral charity. Day Four – Seminary Visit and Archdiocesan Encounter On August 28, the group visited Mundelein Seminary, experiencing one of the country’s most historic and vibrant centers of priestly formation. In the afternoon, the priests met with Cardinal Blase Cupich and toured Holy Name Cathedral—a meaningful encounter that expressed the Archdiocese’s support for Chinese ministry. Group photo of priests meeting with Cardinal Blase Cupich. Before dinner, the group enjoyed informal social time with the CM community. In the evening, Fr. Yong-qiang Xu guided a session of reflection and planning. Participants shared their impressions—light, open, joyful, enriching, and fraternal. They confirmed several decisions: an annual in-person gathering, quarterly online meetings, and maintaining continuity in the leadership team. Day Five – Sending Forth On August 29, the final Mass concluded the gathering in a spirit of gratitude and renewed mission. After heartfelt farewells, priests returned to their parishes refreshed and strengthened, carrying with them the joy of fraternity and a deeper commitment to serving the People of God. Shared meal and joyful fellowship among priests. Words of Thanks The success of this gathering rests on many generous contributions: Deep gratitude to Fr. Hugh and the Congregation of the Mission (CM) for their support, hospitality, and many years of dedication to Chinese priests and sisters. Warm thanks to the entire Vincentian community for offering a home where fraternity and renewal could flourish. Special appreciation to Fr. Francis Li of Chicago for his tireless planning, coordination, and gracious hosting throughout the gathering. May God bless all who serve the Chinese Catholic faithful in the United States. May our shared mission continue to grow in communion, hope, and charity. Reverend Guozhang (Joseph) Ruan is a Chinese Apostolate (In Residence) of Holy Rosary Church in Staten Island, New York. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.

There are only 9 more days left of the US-China Catholic Association's  Annual Appeal ! By making your tax-deductible donation today, you can help us carry our mission of peace and dialogue through 2026 and beyond. For more information about our work, we invite you to read the Appeal Letter written by our Executive Director, Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang. Thanks to four generous contributors, donations that we receive before the end of the year will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum matched amount of $20,000! Thank you for considering how you might make a positive impact through your support of peace and dialogue among the people of the United States and the people of China. ---------------------- The USCCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Your donations  are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of people like you.