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From the bottom of our hearts, we at the USCCA wish you a very Merry Christmas. This year, we have been blessed by our supporters with words and images of Christmas joy to share with you here. Please take a moment to read the following "little thought of hope" shared by Chiaretto Kin Sheung Yan, accompanied by an image courtesy of Fr. John Li: Cold is the night, darkness around, we wait in silence with sacred fear. Out of darkness, a light was born, a beating heart was born, Love was born. The incarnated Word made flesh. Father and son, mother and daughter, parents and child, light and shadow, negative and positive, nothing and all, through love in the form of the Cross, generate one another dialectically into life, light and love. Peace will reign again over our lands. Peace in human hearts, from the sacred family to the world of fraternity and peace as a human family, living in harmony. It is not a dream, for the Word has entered human history, was incarnated, lived and died for us, and become one of us. This is the meaning of Christmas. He loved us ( Dilexit nos ). It seems that many have failed to realize this or have forgotten it. That the wounded world may regain its heart, Pope Francis prayed: “In the presence of the heart of Christ, I once more ask the Lord to have mercy on this suffering world in which he chose to dwell as one of us. May he pour out the treasures of his light and love, so that our world, which presses forward despite wars, socioeconomic disparities, and uses of technology that threaten our humanity, may regain the most important and necessary thing of all: its heart” (DN 9). The love of Christ speaks not only of divine charity but also of human affection. Jesus cried for Jerusalem, cried for the death of his friend Lazarus, and cried to the Father in desperation on the cross. The Gospel makes no secret of Jesus’ love for Jerusalem: “As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it.” He then voiced the deepest desire of his heart: “If you had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace.” Abandoned by all whom he loved, and even by God, Jesus’ inner turmoil finds its most powerful expression in his cry from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ( DN 45). Jesus felt abandoned by God. It is something beyond human understanding and can be defined as his greatest suffering and therefore the apex of his love. Jesus has a thirst for our love but, according to an apparition to St. Margaret Alacoque, He is sad because He receives nothing but indifference in return ( DN 165-166). How can we console the sacred heart of Jesus? The love of God who wills or permits everything for a higher purpose, which is for our own good. Sufferings could be united to the passion of Christ so as to generate fruits and to bring hope. The warmth of the Christmas spirit urges us to multiply joy and share the sufferings of those most in need of our love. Let’s recognize every suffering as a countenance of Jesus crucified and forsaken. Let’s love and share others’ burdens and sufferings as Jesus’ that can be transformed into joy and hope. In so doing, we can bring joy and hope to the world, and therefore consolation to the heart of Jesus. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read that Paul was heading towards the East from Troas. Yet, during the night he had a vision of Macedonia boy standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Paul understood that it was a sign from God; he and the apostles then left Troas and sailed West to Macedonia, where he met Lydia, whose heart was particularly opened to God and responded to Paul’s message. She welcomed them to her home and the entire family was attracted by Paul’s Gospel message and were baptized (Acts 16:9-15). She persuaded them to stay and from there, Paul's evangelical path to the West and to Rome was laid. Had Paul journeyed towards the East instead of going towards Europe, the West, the cultural scenario and history of the world would be totally different and beyond our wild imagination. At the Great Jubilee 25 years ago, Saint Pope John Paul II emphasized that the Cross was established in Europe in the first millennium, in the American and African lands in the second millennium, whereas in the third millennium, one should expect great fruit of faith to be reaped in such a vast and vibrant continent as Asia. We may not understand immediately the mysterious love and divine plan of God. Our responsibility is to welcome and respond to the wonderful plan of God. As we are approaching the first jubilee after the Great Jubilee of the third millennium, our gaze turns East with Hope in our hearts and my thoughts go to those saints and missionaries like Theresa of Baby Jesus, Francis Xavier, Matteo Ricci, and the common people who have contributed in bringing the Gospel message to China along the Silk Road in the early times, and with ups and downs throughout the centuries. My thoughts also go to those like Paolus Xu Guangqi and his family, who welcomed it. This year, the United Nations established the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, as proposed by China, which will occur on June 10 every year. Let us do our part to be an active instrument of peace and dialogue, and of giving testimony of love of the Gospel. May the testament of Jesus that “All May be One” (Jn 17:21) someday come. ---------------------- 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 the fourth Sunday of Advent, we reflect on God's unfailing love for God's people around the world. As Pope Francis reminds us in Dilexit nos , We need the help of God’s love. Let us turn, then, to the heart of Christ, that core of his being, which is a blazing furnace of divine and human love and the most sublime fulfilment to which humanity can aspire. There, in that heart, we truly come at last to know ourselves and we learn how to love. "Chinese nativity scene from Singapore" (Photo by Thomas Quine , CC-BY-2.0) How do you see God's love working in the church this Christmas season? How has God's love affected your life? As Christmas approaches, we invite you to join us in contemplation of God's unfailing love for people around the world ---------------------- 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.

December 16, 2024, by Peter Tan, Chair, USCCA Board of Directors I was shocked to learn that Fr. Larry Lewis, M.M., died on November 29, 2024. I met Fr. Larry over 20 years ago when he gave the homily on Mission Sunday at Ascension Chinese Church in Houston. It was a coincidence that I decided to attend Mass there because I had a lunch appointment in nearby Chinatown on Bellaire Blvd . He spoke about Maryknoll's Formators Project . We were able to chat after Mass. His words stayed in my heart and made me fall in love with the Church in China. Twelve years later, around 2015, with a few local Catholic friends inspired by Fr. Lewis, I started a similar, but much smaller, project in Houston. We felt that Houston could do our part to help the Church in China. The Holy Spirit Chinese Education Foundation (formerly the Spiritan China Education Foundation for Advanced Formation) raises money to support priests and religious sisters from China who want to study at the University of Houston or the University of St. Thomas. After graduating with a Master’s Degree, they return to China, better equipped with learned skills to perform their ministries. We will support two sisters and a priest in 2025. This love for the Church in China also led me to participate in the activities of the US-China Catholic Association (USCCA). In 2019, I was elected to the Board of Directors. In 2023, I was elected Chair of the Board. It is an understatement to say that my life completely changed after meeting and listening to Fr. Larry's sermon. Years later, I met him several times in New York. Once, I even tried to "very strongly encourage" him to come to Houston to be pastor at Ascension Chinese Church, which did not have a pastor at that time. I will always cherish the memories of this remarkable servant of God. Fr. Lewis, may you rest in the Peace of our merciful Lord. Peter Tan Chair, USCCA Board of Directors ======================== Recommended by USCCA. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of contemporary China, Larry Lewis’s autobiographical The Misfit tells a moving story of how God breaks through the aridity of human hearts and how healing occurs in the midst of the everyday. Father Lewis, a Maryknoll missioner, was estranged from himself, his church, and his Maryknoll colleagues when he accepted an assignment to teach English to Chinese students in the interior Chinese city of Wuhan. It was a year before the now-infamous massacre of Tiananmen Square. Larry Lewis , MM, with a doctorate in spirituality from Duquesne, is rector of seminarians at Maryknoll. He is in demand internationally as a speaker and spiritual director. Source: Orbis =================================== Also, recommended by USCAA By Larry Lewis, M.M. Sunday, November 20, 2022 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43 A Maryknoll Society member reflects on the unconventional kingship of Jesus and the readings for the Feast of Christ the King. "Light amidst darkness . . . strength manifested through weakness . . . blessed are the sorrowful . . . life through death . . . these truths are the cornerstones of our faith, so it should not come as a surprise that on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe the gospel presents Jesus Our Lord and King of the Universe nailed to a cross, writhing in pain, mocked, ridiculed, misunderstood, bloody and bruised, crowned with thorns and, save for his mother, his dear friend and a few women, abandoned by those he trusted with his love and hope. And still he was identified by the soldiers of that day and by a 2,000-year-old Church as king." Read the entire sermon here.

On the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, we rejoice in the joy of Christ's coming to earth. Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Are you seeking gifts to share with your loved ones in celebration of the joy of Christmas? We invite you to consider sharing the joy of bridge-building through a USCCA gift. Such gifts are thoughtful ideas for anyone with an interest in building bridges of friendship and understanding between the people of the U.S. and of China: First, we are glad to announce that Angelico Books has extended a 15% discount to customers who purchase John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality with the discount code wu15 . This book will be the focus of the USCCA Book Circle Discussions when they resume in 2025. Lu Nan's On the Road , a beautiful book of photographs documenting the life of the Church in China, is also available at a 20% discount from Ignatius Press with the discount code USCCAOnTheRoad20 . Last but certainly not least, individuals and church communities alike may benefit from our bilingual Bibles , highly faithful translations of Greek and Hebrew texts for English-speaking and Chinese-speaking audiences. Regardless of how you celebrate Christ's coming, we appreciate the gift of your spiritual support as the joyful day of Christmas approaches. ---------------------- 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.

Dear friends, we are glad to share that the virtual gathering on December 7 proved a fruitful meeting of minds across multiple continents. The ideas that our supporters shared will be invaluable as we pursue our mission of bridge-building into 2025. One of our topics of interest regarded the content of information that might be disseminated through the USCCA's external communications moving forward. There is so much to learn about and share with regard to Catholicism in the U.S. and in China: Chinese Catholic Saints and Feast Days Comparative religion and comparative ethics in Eastern and Western traditions Institutional wisdom of past leaders of the USCCA Participants also discussed activities that could function as opportunities to foster peace and friendship: English-speaking churchgoers could visit Chinese-speaking parishes in their local communities (and vice versa!) Virtual gatherings might offer opportunities for spiritual and intellectual discussions in Chinese and English Friendship Ministry might play a part in fostering connections among Chinese students across dioceses in the U.S. Additional topics touched on in this conversation included the potential of WeChat as a mode of outreach to brothers and sisters in China, the ongoing conversations around business ethics in China, and the upcoming season of Lent as an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christ's death and resurrection. We greatly appreciate all who were able to attend. If you might be interested in our next Zoom gathering, please be sure to subscribe to our email list for regular updates from the USCCA! If you are interested in contributing to our blog or in volunteering as a USCCA Affiliate, please contact Gerald Doyle, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, at director@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.

Today marks the second Sunday of Advent, when we celebrate the theme of peace. As you reflect on Jesus' advent as the Prince of Peace, we invite you to appreciate the beautiful portrayal of two doves in Gao Qifeng's Pear Blossoms and Two Doves . If you feel called to support the USCCA's mission of peace and friendship among Catholics in the US and in China, we invite you to make a contribution today . Your support is deeply appreciated. ---------------------- 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.

~ Georges Enderle, Prof. Emeritus of International Business Ethics, University of Notre Dame, USA, genderle@nd.edu The Global Survey of Business Ethics 2022-2024 (GSBE) incorporates the 36 country or regional reports collated over three years of investigation by 94 reporters. The sheer volume of content required the publication of three volumes. This second volume includes reports from Asia, Australia, Russia, and South and North America. Download it for free In this short blog, I focus on the report on Mainland China based on the views of 43 experts in business ethics, namely 27 professors and 16 associate professors from Business Schools or Management Schools of 36 Universities in Mainland China. It explains the current themes, prospects, and obstacles of business ethics in teaching, research, and training. It concludes that the field of business ethics in Mainland China has grown stronger over the last decade. However, there is room for further development: The teaching at the undergraduate and Ph.D. levels should be strengthened; fundamental questions of business and economic ethics should be further explored; and the room for improvement in business ethics training in companies is large. Why is this report critical not only for the 43 experts in business ethics but also for USCCA readers and religious and lay people in both rural and urban communities in China? Because it shows many good things happening in China and helps build bridges of friendship and dialogue (as I have experienced abundantly in the last 30 years). According to the report, the most essential teaching themes are corporate social responsibility, integrity, and sustainability. Businesses need these values, which are also strongly supported by Catholic Social Teaching. Too many companies put profit maximization at the top of their priorities. Dishonesty and lying characterize many business leaders. Aggressive corporate policies do not care about global warming. In research, considerable progress has been made in publications, and essential themes need to be addressed, such as Chinese culture and business ethics, ethical leadership, and ethics in international business. However, there is a need for more high-quality empirical data, research talents, and research funds. As for business ethics-related training in corporations, a primary obstacle needs to be more importance attached to these organizations, represented by their entrepreneurs and top managers. Other obstacles include the inadequate supply of good trainers and teachers and a relative need for high-quality training materials and cases. Engagement with business ethicists and ethical business leaders in China is a good way to keep the doors open to China and effectively support people. I am sure that most 43 experts who participated in the business ethics survey are pleased to be approached and willing to cooperate. Their names and affiliations can be found in the report's Appendix on Mainland China (pages 49-52). The names and email addresses of the authors are on page 17. During heightened tensions between China and the United States and the uncertain outlook with the incoming Administration, building bridges between Chinese and Americans and engaging in concrete business ethics projects that can further mutual understanding and respect is imperative. I am happy to help connect interested readers with business ethics experts in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. In friendship, Professor Georges Enderle Georges Enderle is John T. Ryan Jr., Professor Emeritus of International Business Ethics at the Mendoza College of Business and Concurrent Professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame (Indiana, USA). He is a Fellow of the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, and the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. He is the former President of the International Society of Business, Economics, and Ethics ( ISBEE ; 2001-2004). Before joining the faculty at Notre Dame in 1992, he researched and taught business ethics in Europe for over ten years. He was also the co-founder of the European Business Ethics Network ( EBEN ). He also conducted several seminars on business ethics in companies like Ciba-Geigy and BMW. Since 1994, he has been involved in numerous research and teaching activities in China, particularly at the China Europe International Business School ( CEIBS ) in Shanghai (1996-2003), at the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance ( SAIF ), Jiaotong University (2011-2013) and in the School of Humanities at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (2018). He has authored and edited 20 books and over 160 articles (see  Publications ). He serves on the Board of Advisors of several academic journals and Centers for Business Ethics (see  Editorial and Advisory Positions ). He co-chaired the World Congress of Business, Economics, and Ethics 2000 in São Paulo, Brazil, and the subsequent Congress 2004 in Melbourne, Australia ( ISBEE ). --------------------- Reference: Global Survey of Business Ethics 2022-2024. Teaching, Research and Training. Edited by Bryan Robinson and Georges Enderle, published by Globethics, Geneva, 2024. Volume 1: Introduction and Africa (459 pages) Volume 2: Asia, Australia, Russia, South and North America (406 pages) Volume 3: Europe (521 pages)   Open access online: Click on Global Series (No. 19, 20, 21) . Available in print: black/white and in color. Volume 2 includes the reports on China: Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and the United States of America: Table of Contents (pages 7-12). Introduction (page 13-18). China: Mainland (pages 19- 54). Hong Kong (pages 55-64). Macau (pages 65-77). United States of America (pages 365-387. ---------------------- The USCCA was founded to continue the tradition of over 33 American religious congregations of men and women, mission societies, and laity who were missionaries to China in the twentieth century. You can learn about the USCCA at our website  and donate to the 2024 Annual Appeal   here. The USCCA is a recognized Catholic organization under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Oakland. It is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation is tax-deductible, as the law allows. The success of our work depends upon the generosity of caring people like you. Tel: (510) 900-2015 • E-mail: Director@USCatholicChina.org

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the 29th USCCA International Conference in Chicago, IL, speakers Fr. Joseph Bai, Sr. Antoinette Gutzler, and Fr. Heping Wang presented on the topic of "Theology and Faith Formation in the Chinese Context." We are glad to share the video of this presentation below: About the Speakers Fr. Joseph Jianmin Bai Fr. Joseph Jianmin Bai, from Hebei Province, was ordained to the priesthood in China in 2013. After ordination, he served in a parish as a parochial vicar from 2013 to 2017, teaching philosophy as a guest lecturer in Hebei Seminary at the same time. He came to the US in 2017, sponsored by the Maryknoll China Project. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy from the Catholic University of America. Sr. Antoinette Gutzler, M.M. Antoinette Gutzler, a Maryknoll Sister, holds a doctorate in systematic theology from Fordham University. She has served in mission in Tanzania, East Africa and in Taiwan where she first directed a center for factory workers. After completing her theology studies, Sr. Gutzler was associate professor of theology at St. Robert Bellarmine School of Theology in Taipei until her election to the Leadership Team of the Maryknoll Sisters in 2014. During her time in Taiwan, she was consultant to the Ecclesia of Women in Asia (EWA), a standing committee member of the Association of Major Religious Superiors and a member of the Taiwan JPIC committee. Fr. Heping Wang Fr. Heping Wang was born in Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia in 1968. He is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Beijing and holds a PhD in Theology from the Jesuit Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. He currently works as a researcher in the Biblical Research Department of the CCPA & BCCCC, and teaches at the National Catholic Seminary and Beijing Catholic Seminary.Fr . Heping Wang was born in Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia in 1968. He is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Beijing and holds a PhD in Theology from the Jesuit Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. He currently works as a researcher in the Biblical Research Department of the CCPA & BCCCC, and teaches at the National Catholic Seminary and Beijing Catholic Seminary. ---------------------- 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 Giving Tuesday, when people around the world come together to support mission-driven organizations like the USCCA. Will you support our mission of peace and friendship by donating today ? Any gift, large or small, will be deeply appreciated. ---------------------- 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 this Advent Sunday, we begin a season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas, when "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14). How do you celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation in these winter months? One of the holidays observed during this season is Giving Tuesday, when people around the world come together to support charitable organizations. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 3, 2024. Will you participate in Giving Tuesday this year by making a donation to the USCCA ? We invite you to read our Annual Appeal Letter for more information about our mission and the initiatives made possible by supporters like you. ---------------------- 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 at the USCCA wish you a Happy Thanksgiving from the bottom of our hearts. This year, we are thankful for our supporters and for friendships across the Pacific. To learn more, please read our Annual Appeal Letter . This letter outlines some of the initiatives made possible by supporters like you, including efforts to do the following: increase our information and educational sources through our website, webinars, and with our USCCA partners. plan for our 30th International Conference to be held in Houston, Texas during the summer of 2026. learn from and serve existing Chinese Catholic parish communities throughout the United States.  increase the reach and impact of our Chinese and American Friendship Ministry for support and accompaniment of Chinese students in American colleges and universities.  extend the reach of our Mission Cooperative Program to Catholic parishes via year-round educational offerings. welcome young participants into the USCCA’s Affiliate Program who wish to use their talents to expand our engagement with the public.  expand our thriving Book Circle program for those inspired to learn about Chinese religion and culture.   encourage scholars to research the rich legacy of Chinese Catholicism in China and the United States. develop an organizational structure to support the USCCA's future and hire the next Executive Director. As Giving Tuesday approaches, we invite you to consider making a donation of $35 to support these efforts in celebration the USCCA's recent 35th anniversary. We hope that your Thanksgiving Day is overflowing with blessings in 2024. ---------------------- 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.

In a time of increasing tensions between the governments of the United States and of China, the need for intentional friendship and bridge-building is as urgent as ever, especially in view of Christ's teaching that "blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). War is not the only possible outcome; a future where China and the United States coexisted as competitive friends could be a transformative gift to the world. How might we go about finding this path? Are there any guides who might point us in the right direction? As we have learned in Book Circle discussions chronicling his intercultural friendship with Thomas Merton, John C. H. Wu has thought deeply on potential philosophical and theological bridges between East and West. His writings suggest that for the future of the world—for the future of the human community— one of the most promising ways forward is to realize that the wisdom of China and the wisdom of the West are ultimately compatible. In 2025, the USCCA Book Circle will seek wisdom through discussions of John C. H. Wu's Chinese Humanism and Christian Spirituality , wherein Wu draws deep comparisons between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Likewise, the Chinese and American Friendship Ministry (CAAFM) will build friendships on a personal level that might exemplify and illustrate possibilities for friendship on a larger scale—as Merton and Wu's friendship has illustrated the possibilities of friendship between Catholicism and Eastern spiritual traditions. Will you join us as we learn from Wu and other bridge builders, putting their ideas into practice through outreach and friendship? We invite you to read more about the Book Circle , the Friendship Ministry , and other ways to support the USCCA. By donating $35 to our Annual Appeal , you can support programs like the Book Circle Discussions while celebrating 35 years of the USCCA! If you would like to learn more about our mission, please also consider joining us virtually on December 7 as we look back on the 29th USCCA International Conference and look forward to the 30th USCCA 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.