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In news from the Church in China, a new Auxiliary Bishop of Shanghai was consecrated on October 15, 2025. Rev. Ignatius Wu Jianlin, who has served the church in pastoral and administrative roles since his 1997 ordination, was appointed by Pope Leo XIV on August 11, 2025. Shanghai, China As Vatican News reports , Bishop Jianlin's ordination was approved "within the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China. We invite you to read more at Agenzia Fides . For more opportunities to learn about the life of the Church in China, we invite you to read about our upcoming 30th International Conference . USCCA programs like the Book Circle and International Conferences are made possible by supporters like you; even if you cannot participate directly, we ask that you please consider how you might contribute to our mission by way of our Annual Appeal . In service of our mission of mutual understanding, friends of the US-China Catholic Association are welcome and invited to share stories and reflections about history, theology, and the life of the Church in China. To submit your story, please email us at communications@uscatholicchina.org . ---------------------- 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.

October 19 and October 20 marked celebrations of the Feast Day of St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the religious order known as the Congregation of the Passion (also known as the Passionists, abbreviated as "CP"). As the University of Notre Dame's FaithND reports , When he was 26 years old, Paul experienced a vision during prayer in which he heard God calling him to establish a new religious community dedicated to Jesus’ passion. In the vision, he saw himself clothed in the habit that his community would wear: a long, black robe with a white symbol stitched in the center—a white cross above a white heart that held the words, “passion of Jesus Christ.” The new community was grounded in poverty and solitude and had a mission to encourage people to meditate on the suffering and death of Jesus. The Feast Day of St. Paul of the Cross is celebrated on October 19 in most countries; in the U.S., it is celebrated on October 20. To learn more about the history of the Passionists and their history of missionary work in China, we invite you to visit the Passionist Historical Archives website . In service of our mission of mutual understanding, friends of the US-China Catholic Association are welcome and invited to share stories and reflections about history, theology, and the life of the Church in China. To submit your story, please email us at communications@uscatholicchina.org . ---------------------- 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 October 18, 2025, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle gathered to discuss the section entitled "Technology and Christian Culture: An Oriental View" (p. 147–157) in John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality . More than fifteen participants gathered for this virtual discussion of Eastern and Western approaches to technology and humanism. Image from Angelico Press Writing more than 60 years ago, Wu observed distinct approaches to technology in Eastern and Western cultures, each of which might inform Christian ways of living: My own observation is that the Western mind...is capable of pursuing knowledge for the sake of knowledge, of isolating the means from the end and studying intensely its nature and structure as though it were really independent of the end. In this way it comes to know more potentialities of the means than it would be possible to know if the end were always kept in view. In the Oriental mind, the end seems to dominate. To it, knowledge must minister to Wisdom, so that to pursue knowledge for its own sake would seem to be sheer insanity...The question for us Christians is how does our profession contribute to our sanctification, or more plainly, how can we make our profession a special means and mode of expressing our love of God and neighbor? (p. 153) Book Circle participants also remarked on Chinese technological advances before and since the time in which Wu was writing; from the invention of gunpowder to modern infrastructure projects, the history of Chinese technology and its applications attests to the potential compatibility and mutual reinforcement of knowledge and wisdom. Through the course of the conversation, participants brought further technology-related insights gathered from other writers such as Dan Wang , Ananda Coomaraswamy , and Joseph Needham . These modern perspectives were complemented by reflections on the Chinese sages from whom Wu himself drew great inspiration. As the discussion concluded, participants reflected on chapter 80 of the Daodejing , which paints an idyllic image of a small happy community that prefers simplicity to the sophistications of technology. "Peach Blossom Spring," by Ming dynasty artist Qiu Ying, portrays a peaceful community. We invite you to read more in the Baidu Encyclopedia article on Section 80 of the Daodejing . The next Book Circle discussion will be held via Zoom on November 8, 2025, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 10 PM China Standard Time. We will be discussing the section entitled "Christianity, the Only Synthesis Really Possible between East and West" (pp. 159–172) in John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality , which is currently available from Angelico Press  for 15% off with the discount code wu15 . 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! 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 . USCCA programs like the Book Circle and International Conferences are made possible by supporters like you; even if you cannot participate directly, we ask that you please consider how you might contribute to our mission by way of our Annual Appeal . ---------------------- 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.

John C. H. Wu was a jurist and scholar whose life spanned a remark-able period in the history of China and it relationship with the West. ​ In a lecture sponsored by the China Association and given at Santa Clara University in April 2019, Professor Robert Gimello spoke about the contributions of this ambassador between cultures and traditions. ​ Vincent Wu, grandson of John C. H. Wu, and Managing Director of the John C. H. Wu Institute , joined the event. Prof. Gimello's talk and an overview of the insightful writings of Wu may be found below. The dao In Chinese thought the Dao is the inner principle of all things, present in all but transcending each and every. In the Gospel of John, the Logos is the Word, spoken by God, by which God constitutes all that is. What do these lines of thought have to do with one another? Is one right and the other wrong? Are they saying the same thing but with different imagery? ​ In his day, renaissance scholar John C.H. Wu was able to explore the underlying points of contact between Chinese and Western spirituality, as well as the differences that allowed one to illuminate the other. A great figure of twentieth century thought during an important period of encounter between China and the West, his insights continue to inspire us today. In his reflections on John Wu, famed international scholar Robert Gimello provides an introduction to his life and work. More, in a day when many increasingly find differences threatening and divisive, Gimello draws on John Wu to show what Christians can learn from Chinese thought. Rather than difference being a threat, it can open up new perspectives within one’s own tradition. About John C.H. Wu (吳經熊) Born in 1899, during the last years of the Qing Dynasty, John C. H. Wu (吳經熊) is best known as the principle author of the Constitution of the Republic of China. A convert to Catholicism, he also served as China’s first ambassador to the Holy See. Wu translated one of the most famous and challenging of Chinese philosophical works, the Dao De Jing, and provided commentary to make it accessible for a Western audience. He also wrote about the spirituality of Therese of Lisieux, as well as the convergences between Chinese and Western spirituality. A true renaissance man, John C. H. Wu’s life and thought spanned whole eras and cultures. About Robert Gimello Robert M. Gimello is Professor Emeritus of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, and a Fellow of the Liu Institute for Asia & Asian Studies. Most known for his study of medieval and early modern Buddhist thought, Gimello’s contributions have informed Catholic theological perspectives on Buddhism. He has taught at Harvard University, Dartmouth, the University of Arizona, UC Santa Barbara, and even several Buddhist universities abroad. When Professor Gimello was an undergrad at Seton Hall University, he was a student of John C. H. Wu. In regard to giving this talk, Professor Gimello writes, John Wu “was for me a crucial formative influence on my development as a scholar, a model of Chinese learning, and an inspiring example of the ways in which learned respect for Asian thought and religion can be combined with faith in Christ. My debt to Wu cannot really be repaid, but I am glad of the chance to make at least a gesture in that direction by offering a lecture in your new series.” The Presentation lected Works by John C. H. Wu (吴经熊) Beyond East and West (1951, new edition 2018) This is John C. H. Wu’s spiritual autobiography. It describes his conversion in 1937 and early years as a Catholic. Upon its publication, it became an instant bestseller, compared to Thomas Merton’s Seven Storey Mountain and even the Confessions of Augustine. Beyond East and West reveals the development of Wu’s thought and the progress of his growth toward love of God, arriving through experience at the conclusion that the wisdom in all of China’s traditions, especially Confucian thought, Taoism, and Buddhism, point to universal truths that come from, and are fulfilled in, Christ. Profound, thoughtful, and beautifully written, this book offers nourishment for those travel paths of spirituality in a our contemporary, multicultural world. The 2018 edition includes a foreword written by Wu’s son John Wu, Jr. Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality (1965, new edition 2017) In the essays collected here, John C. H. Wu (1899-1986), the prominent 20th-century scholar of both Chinese and western law, philosophy, literature, and spirituality, illustrates with striking originality the harmonious synthesis of Chinese humanism (especially the wisdom of the ancient sages) with Christian spirituality as articulated in the Bible and the writings of the saints, mystics, and such modern spiritual writers as Therese of Lisieux. They display the depth and breadth of Wu's thought, which led him to the conclusion that the wisdom in all of China's traditions--especially Confucian thought, Taoism, and Buddhism--points to universal truths that originate from, and are fulfilled in, Christ, and that the "marriage" of the East and the West in Christ is the key to a future concordant understanding. The Four Seasons of Tang Poetry (1972) "Stretching out my hand I feel the pulse of the stars," wrote Li Po, one of the most famous of the T'ang dynasty poets. This superlative study of the Golden Age of Chinese poetry, based on nearly 50,000 poems written by more than 2,000 poets, captures not only the pulse of that period but also the spirit and soul. Of this Tang blossoming, Dr. Wu says that for nearly thirteen centuries after Christ, poetry in Europe, with the exception of Juvenal, kept a death–like silence. It hibernated so long that when it woke up again in the person of Dante, the last poetic voice it could remember was that Virgil. It seems though Mother Earth purposely rocked Europe to sleep for some time that she might teach Asia to sing. Golden Age Of Zen: Zen Masters Of The T'ang Dynasty (1975) This book gives a fascinating survey of the early years of Chinese Zen (Chan) Buddhism, staying focused on the movement of Buddhism to the land where Taoism and Confucianism flourished. Wu's survey, combined with interesting translations from these earliest Zen masters, reveals a time of spiritual vibrancy and powerful personalities that help explain the later developments of Zen with which western readers are more familiar. The Interior Carmel: The Threefold Way of Love (1954) Upon his conversion to Christianity early in his life, John C. H. Wu found the writings of Saint Therese of Lisieux and her "little way of love" a profound source of inspiration. In this volume he takes up the three-fold path of Carmelite spirituality in a lucid and inviting way. Wu holds out the way for growth in sanctity for the ordinary person in the midst of life. This work is a gem, currently out of print. However, the Dr. John C. H. Wu Institute is working to publish a new edition in the near future. Tao Teh Ching (1961, reissued 2006) This spiritual and philosophical classic, written centuries before the birth of Christ, and attributed to the sage Lao Tzu (Lao Zi) teaches the way of inner peace and authenticity. In our day, Lao Tzu’s words are as useful in mastering the arts of leadership in business and politics as they are in developing a sense of balance and harmony in everyday life. To follow the Tao or Way of all things and realize their true nature is to embody humility, spontaneity, and generosity. John C. H. Wu’s translation of the Tao Teh Ching (Dao De Jing) renders a subtle and difficult text accessible for a contemporary Western audience. Merton & the Tao: Dialogues with John Wu and the Ancient Sages (2013) In addition to critical essays that explore the harvest of new insights provoked by Merton’s encounters with the ancient sages, Merton; the Tao presents the complete and carefully annotated correspondence between Thomas Merton and John C. H. Wu. Though Merton and Wu only met once, through their correspondence as fellow Christians, poets, and spiritual thinkers they were able to collaborate on a remarkable “rendering” of the Daoist classic The Way of Chuang Tzu into English and into the context of the 20th century. This study of world religions through the lens of Thomas Merton’s inclusive religious interests presents his timeless vision of all persons united in a hidden ground of love. And it reflects the mentoring of John Wu, who was perhaps the most important influence on Merton’s understanding of Eastern spirituality. Dr. John C. H. Wu Institute & Archives The heirs of Dr. John C. H. Wu have established an institute in his memory to promote the republication of his works. For more information or to offer your support, please contact Mr. Vincent Wu, Managing Director, at vlwujr@comcast.net . For information about the John C.H. Wu Archive hosted at Seton Hall University, please visit the SHU blog > Seton Hall University also hosted a symposium on the legacy of John C. H. Wu. You can find more information here >

With the approaching holiday season come opportunities for gift-giving. Have you considered the gift of an artist's perspective of the life of the Church in China? Such is Lu Nan's On the Road , a book of photographs documenting the lives of Chinese Christians from over 100 churches. Photo from Ignatius Press On the Road is now available for purchase from Ignatius Press . We invite you—our supporters—to use the discount code USCCAOnTheRoad20 for a 20% discount on your purchase. For more opportunities to learn about the Church in China, we invite you to join us for our upcoming 30th International Conference . Even if you can't make it to our conference, we invite you to support our efforts of dialogue and mutual understanding through a gift in support of our mission . ---------------------- 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.

About a month ago, Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang—in partnership with the Board of Directors—published the US-China Catholic Association's Annual Appeal letter for 2025 . In that letter, Dr. OuYang introduced himself as the USCCA's new Executive Director and outlined some of our upcoming opportunities to get involved, such as the Book Circle and 30th International Conference . Dr. OuYang (pictured below) also invited our community of supporters to contribute financially to the mission of the USCCA. Dr. Benjamin T. OuYang We are grateful for the stream of support which has flowed toward the USCCA's mission in the weeks that have followed the Annual Appeal's publication. So far, we have raised 27% of our target amount of $100,000 for the year! This is a significant accomplishment on the part of supporters like you. Nonetheless, we intend to reach our goal of $100,000 in order to continue in our mission of bridge-building, and that means that we are just getting started! We invite you to play a part in this fundraising effort by spreading the word about the USCCA to your friends, family, and colleagues. Everyone can benefit from a world where the people of the U.S. and the people of China learn together in peace, friendship, and dialogue. Any gifts of support to the USCCA—big or small—are deeply appreciated. In celebration of our crossing the 25% mark towards our goal, we invite you to make a donation today . ---------------------- 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.

Upon reading Pope Leo XIV's recent exhortation, 'Dilexit te,' we are reminded of the importance of the corporal works of mercy as a ministry of the global Church: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead. To learn about how the Church in China helps make social services such as these available to the people of God, we invite you to watch these videos on the topic from our 2024 International Conference: Social Services in Rural and Urban China Social Service Outreach in China Panelists in session on "Social Service Outreach in China." From left: Dr. Georges Enderle, Dr. Brent Fulton, Andrea Lee, and Tom McGuire In one memorable segment of the session on "Social Services in Rural and Urban China," Dr. John Worthley recounts Mother Teresa's visit to Shanghai in 1993: Bishop Jin brought us to his basilica in Sheshan, and when we approached, on the top of the basilica—as you may know—is a very unique image of the Blessed Mother holding the baby Jesus over her head for the world to see...When Mother saw that, it pierced her heart. The Holy Spirit just struck her—you could see it on her face—because her mantra had always been "to Jesus, through Mary," and that statue, artistically, was her prayer. And so she asked Bishop Jin for a statue of Our Lady of Sheshan. He gave us one. She put it in the pocket of her saree. It never left her side. To learn more about the life of the Church in China, we invite you to read about our upcoming 30th International Conference . Conferences are made possible by supporters like you; please consider donating to our Annual Appeal campaign so that we might continue to foster peace, friendship, and mutual understanding among the people of the U.S. 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.

The next USCCA Book Circle discussion will be held virtually on October 18, 2025, at 6 AM PT / 7 AM MT / 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET / 9 PM China Standard Time. We will be discussing the section entitled "Technology and Christian Culture: An Oriental View" (p. 147–157) in John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality , which is currently available from Angelico Press  at 15% off with the discount code wu15 . Image from Angelico Press Book Circle participants are invited to consider the following discussion prompts, shared by Book Circle facilitator Dr. Kathy Stout: For our next meeting, we will read the chapter titled "Technology and Christian Culture: An Oriental View" (pp.147–157). This is a timely piece as we are currently on the cusp of another technological revolution via AI. Please consider the following questions as you read: 1) Wu begins the chapter by describing the difference between the Eastern and Western mindsets on technology. Based on your observation on what is going on in different parts of the world, would you say that the difference still holds? Do China and the US, for instance, approach technology in different ways? 2) The tension between technology and Christian culture is ultimately a tension between our other-worldly aspirations and this-worldly obligations. Have you experienced or observed such a tension in your own professional life? 3) Does this chapter offer some inspiration as we continue to wrestle with the challenge of AI? If you have not yet joined us for a virtual Book Circle discussion, please sign up for Book Circle email updates today , and invite your friends to do the same! 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 . USCCA programs like the Book Circle and International Conferences are made possible by supporters like you; even if you cannot participate directly, we ask that you please consider how you might contribute to our mission by way of our Annual Appeal . ---------------------- 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.

The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, women who have dedicated their lives to Jesus and to the Church, have extended an invitation to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Joseph's Hospital. This hospital, a Franciscan mission, was established in 1925 in Jinan, a city in China's Shandong province. Photo from the Hospital Sisters Archives In the image above, we invite you to meet the original group of Sisters who served at this Franciscan mission in China. Standing in the back row are Sister Engelberta Beyer, OSF; Sister Euphrosine Fischer, OSF; and Sister Octavia Doernemann, OSF. The Sisters seated in front are Sister Evangelista Sanders, OSF and Sister Wilhelma Broeskamp, OSF (Superior). The 100th anniversary of St. Joseph's Hospital will be celebrated on October 11, 2025, at the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, 4849 LaVerna Road, in Springfield, Illinois. For more information and to RSVP, contact the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis . This event is being hosted by Sister Maureen O’Connor, Superior, and Sister Pacis Bao, OSF. The USCCA extends its thanks to the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis for this invitation to celebrate the anniversary of their mission. To learn more about the history of the Church in China, we invite you to join us for our 30th International Conference , to be held in Houston, Texas, on July 31–August 2, 2026. To learn about how you can support our mission of dialogue and mutual understanding, we invite you to donate via our Annual Appeal . ---------------------- 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.

From the bottom of our hearts, US-China Catholic Association wishes you a joyous Mid-Autumn Festival! A Chinese holiday also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival presents an opportunity to celebrate the harvest season. Lanterns and mooncakes are a couple of the traditional symbols of this seasonal celebration. Today is also the birthday of Venerable Matteo Ricci (1552–1610), founder of Catholic missions in China. We invite you to read about his contributions to the Church in our blog post on the legacy of Matteo Ricci . To learn more about Chinese culture, history, and the life of the Church in China, we invite you to join us for our 30th International Conference , to be held in Houston, Texas, on July 31–August 2, 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. John Li, priest from a northern diocese in China Xia Pi Village in Fu'an (福安) City was home to Chen Zidong (陈子东), who later became known as ‘China's First Virgin Flower’. At the age of 12, her parents betrothed her to the Zhao family in Xitian Village, Fu'an City. However, influenced by her Catholic mother, Chen was baptized as a child and vowed virginity. At 18, she formally pledged her virginity to God. However, her fiancé insisted on the engagement and even imprisoned her for seven months to force her to marry. Chen eventually returned to her parents' home and persuaded her father and entire family to become Catholics. From then on, she lived a life of chastity and asceticism at home. According to research by Sabine Sha in his "History of Christianity in China", the earliest practice of consecrated virginity in China was introduced by the Dominican Order to the Fu'an region of eastern Fujian. In fact, in Catholic tradition, the practice of virginity dates back to the Apostolic Age. From that time, and throughout medieval, modern, and contemporary Europe, women have vowed to dedicate themselves to the Kingdom of Heaven. Consecrated virgins in Catholicism are women who observe celibacy for the sake of the faith and values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Their primary difference from nuns is that consecrated virgins belong to a lay community of believers who only need to take vows of chastity (nuns, on the other hand, must take three vows). By the mid-18th century, religious chastity among Catholic women in Fujian Province had become a widespread practice. According to statistics, the number of consecrated virgins in Fu'an in 1759 was 250, but by 1890, the number had risen to over 1,000. Beyond Fujian, chastity became widespread in Sichuan, Guizhou, Hainan, Jiangnan, and northern Hubei provinces, all with the spread of Catholicism. Most consecrated virgins came from Catholic families, influenced by their family atmosphere and committed to chastity. Some came from wealthy families with family support, while others came from lower social classes and had to support themselves through their own labor. The ‘History of Missionaries in Jiangnan’ records the lifestyle of virgins in Shanghai and Hainan, most of whom worked as spinners. In an 1847 letter to his French sisters, a priest wrote: "Our virgins here are all self-reliant, generally living alone within their own family...Outwardly, they are no different from ordinary women, except that they are not required to wear overly flashy or elaborate clothing." Furthermore, some virgins would adopt orphans or foster children of relatives to provide for their later years. Some poorer virgins, lacking a stable source of income, even relied on the charity of their neighbors. Although these virgins, unlike nuns, lived at home and formed an informal women's organization, they did have their own rules and regulations. The "Rules of Virginity" were a set of rules and regulations that continued into the 20th century. These rules were primarily intended to protect the virgins' chastity and uphold the honor of Catholicism. The 25 Rules included a requirement that virgins must be at least 25 years old to take vows, live in their parents' home, and not leave the house without the permission of their parents and a priest. In their daily practice, these virgins were required to recite the Apostles' Creed, the Our Father, and the Hail Mary three times each. Beyond their personal integrity, these virgins played a positive role in the spread of Catholicism during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, particularly in missionary work with women and children, becoming missionaries' most effective assistants. Female catechists were a significant feature of the inculturation of Catholicism in China. Although most Chinese women were uneducated, they memorized prayers and used them to educate and nurture others. They also worked in girls' schools founded by missionaries and devoted their passion to various charitable causes, such as medical care and adopting abandoned children. Fr. François Esteve (1807-1848), a missionary in Shanghai in the mid-17th century, praised Chinese virgins: "These virgins perform their work silently and imperceptibly, like angels...These flowers bring great honor to the Church." In the history of Catholicism in China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, virgins constituted a special group within the Chinese Catholic Church. Dedicated to serving the Church, they served as catechists, teachers, medical workers, and as caregivers for orphans in orphanages. They made tremendous contributions to the development of Catholicism in China. As Fr. François Esteve once praised them, they were indeed "beautiful angels." They bore witness to their faith with their lives, bringing Christ to the most vulnerable. The streets and alleys they walked were Christ's, and the fragile lives they touched were touched by Christ. Here, I dedicate this song, "Beautiful Angels," to them, and let us pray for the angels who serve silently in the church today. 美丽天使 Beautiful Angels 作词：李秋峰 作曲：金滇浙 她们抛弃红尘，拥抱内心的宁静， They abandon the mundane world, embracing inner peace. 她们摒弃虚荣，追求心灵的神圣， They reject vanity, pursuing the holiness of the soul. 她们不被世俗困扰，选择真善美的主， They are untroubled by worldly concerns, choosing the Lord of truth, goodness, and beauty. 她们心怀希望，追随光明的道路。 They embrace hope, following the path of light. 她们与天父同行，以青春颂主光荣， They walk with the Father, praising His glory with their youth. 她们与基督共舞，迎接美好的相逢， They dance with Christ, welcoming a beautiful encounter. 她们与十架为伴，守护心中的世盟， They keep the cross as their companion, safeguarding the covenant in their hearts. 她们与真理相拥，共同编织美好生命。 They embrace the truth, weaving together a beautiful life. 啊主，你是她们心灵的归属，Oh Lord, you are their spiritual home. 啊主，你是她们坚定的守护，Oh Lord, you are their steadfast guardian. 啊主，你钉痕双手指引方向，Oh Lord, your nail-scarred hands guide the way. 啊主，请带领美丽的天使踏上征途。Oh Lord, please lead these beautiful angels on their journey. Fr. John Li is a priest from a northern diocese in China. To respect confidentiality, names have been changed in this blog. In service of our mission of mutual understanding, friends of the US-China Catholic Association are welcome and invited to share stories and reflections about history, theology, and the life of the Church in China. To submit your story, please email us at communications@uscatholicchina.org . ---------------------- 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.

Have you read the Call for Submissions for the upcoming 30th USCCA International Conference ? The conference will be held at the university of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, on July 31–August 2, 2026. The theme of our upcoming conference will be "Nourishing Trust and Friendship: Following the Way of Christ." As Catholic theologian and USCCA board member Dr. Kathy Stout (pictured above) noted during a presentation at our 29th conference (held in August 2024), the study of Chinese intellectual history can teach us that "China has beautiful things to offer to the West...not only to Western society, but also to the Church." We invite you to subscribe to the US-China Catholic Association's YouTube channel and email newsletter for more conference quotes. ---------------------- 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.