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Report written by Bob McGinty, Conference Rapporteur I didn’t know what to expect when I first met Bishop Paul Junmin Pei, of the Diocese of Liaoning Province China. Everyone calls him Bishop Pei (“pay”). All I knew is that he had been born in China to Catholic parents and studied both in China and at a seminary near Philadelphia. He also held the title “Archbishop of Shenyang,” a city of 9 million in Liaoning, in Northeast China. Nine million may seem like a lot of people to those in the U.S., but having studied China a bit I knew it was typical for major cities. At any rate, I’d never met a Chinese Catholic bishop or archbishop before, so I was expecting an older man, maybe wearing colorful robes or even a miter. As soon as Bishop Pei entered the cafeteria on the second floor of the US-China Catholic Association seminar at Chicago’s DePaul University, I somehow knew who he was. He was wearing the simple black clothes and collar of a priest. He appeared young, maybe in his late thirties or early forties. But the main thing that struck me is that he seemed to be glowing with confidence, charm, and equanimity. People seemed to swirl around him. I’ve seen this phenomenon a couple times in my life: the old Mayor Daley in the loop in Chicago, walking down the street, surrounded by supporters. The actress Patricia O’Neil at a restaurant in Evanston. And an important Chicago businessman named Tom Ayers, holding court in a Chicago office building. This gift is not something you learn or train for. It just is. I went up to Bishop Pei and shook his hand. Over the next couple days, he struck me as someone who could not be perturbed. He radiates warmth, but also courage. He struck me as someone you can’t fool, because he already has everything he wants in life. I heard him use the phrase “seeing God in all things” a couple times over the next couple days. There are at least 6 million Catholics in China, which may seem like a lot. But in a country of 1.4 billion, it’s really not. There are 3,400 priests in the whole county, and just nine seminaries. I heard Bishop Pei talk, and it didn’t take much to figure out he has a big job. Bishop Pei spoke of a need for more priests in China. The numbers have not been going up since 2000. He asked for cooperation from the U.S. Catholic Church. He worried about the rise of materialism and urbanization in China, which he believes has caused a decline in faith. A similar decline is happening in America. Bishop Pei said that in China, priests must do many things, including going to people’s homes for services when a church is not available. I tried to imagine the challenges someone like him must face every day. He also mentioned how Chinese traditional culture can be incorporated with the Catholic Church. I wasn’t surprised to learn that there is some overlap between Catholicism and Confucianism. As Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago presided at the Conference Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church on the De Paul University campus Bishop Pei con-celebrated alongside his fellow priests. While it was a hot and humid Chicago day outside, there was lightness inside this historic and stately Chicago church. The front of the church was crowded with many people, including local Chinese American Catholics. The bishop wore grass-green vestments, standing in front, and standing out. His personality was still glowing. Pope Francis has said that “we require constant attention to signs of the Holy Spirit” in an attempt to reach human and spiritual maturity. To do this requires courage. I think Bishop Pei has that quality. Bob McGinty is a writer who lives in Chicago.

Emeritus Director Father Rob Carbonneau, C.P., Ph.D. proclaimed the mission of the USCCA at St. Vianney Parish, 140-10 34th Ave, Flushing, Queens, New York on August 17-18, 2024. This is part of the Mission Cooperative Plan, whereby archdioceses and dioceses across the United States welcome USCCA representatives to preach, reflect, and educate those faithful in the pews. St. John Vianney is staffed by members of the Little Brothers of St. John the Baptist (CSJB). Famed missionary to China Father Vincent Lebbe (1877-1940) founded the CSJB in 1928. Lebbe is well-known as the advocate who championed the voice and representation of Chinese Catholics in early 20th century China.    As a historian, Father Rob found this Mission Appeal inspirational. The photo above shows him with Father Victor Cao, CSJB. Father Rob shared his message that the USCCA and the Little Brothers of St. John the Baptist proclaim the same message. Both see themselves as bridge builders who nurture the witness of faith expressed by the 10 million Chinese Catholics in China as well as those here in the United States. The Mission Cooperative Plan provides the opportunity to visit parishes and seek financial and spiritual support for USCCA programs. One such program is the Friendship Ministry, which enables Chinese students in selected Catholic universities to meet, socialize, and support each other.  We invite you to learn how you can support or contribute financially to this Friendship Ministry. The USCCA also welcomes dedicated priests and laity who might be willing to be our Mission Cooperative Plan representatives in selected U.S. dioceses. Contact:  director@uscatholicchina.org

On Friday, August 2, 2024, in the Student Center of DePaul University's Lincoln Park Campus, USCCA Emeritus Director Anthony E. Clark delivered the 29th USCCA International Conference's Opening Keynote on the topic of "Keeping the Hill Green: China’s Hopeful Catholic Future." We are glad to share the video of this presentation below, which has also been made public on our YouTube channel : Anthony E. Clark 柯學斌 is the Edward B. Lindaman Endowed Chair at Whitworth University, the Distinguished Combe Trust Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, and an elected Fellow of both the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Asiatic Society. He is regarded as one of the most influential scholars of China’s Catholic culture and history, and he has published dozens of books, articles, and reviews related to China’s long exchange with Christianity.

Learning about perspectives different from our own is an indispensable part of building bridges of friendship; as Fratelli Tutti  reminds us, "The effort to seek God with a sincere heart...helps us recognize one another as traveling companions, truly brothers and sisters." In light of this, we at the USCCA are glad to share these occasions for dialogue between the Church and Eastern spiritual traditions: In a report on Sr. Xiaoping Guo's USCCA Conference presentation , conference rapporteur Shirley Wang describes how Tibetan Catholic women have led their communities in a devotion to Christ coupled with interfaith outreach. In Questions have more than one answer , Board Director Emeritus Tom McGuire invites us to consider how Christian and Daoist traditions understand a particular paradox that accompanies "the need to win." Additional opportunities for dialogue are sure to follow in the USCCA Book Circles , where you can meet friends over Zoom to discuss history, Chinese culture, theology, philosophy, and the life of the Church in China. The Book Circle will resume on September 21, 2024; please sign up for Book Circle email updates  if you are interested. The 29th USCCA International Conference provided rich soil for interfaith dialogue.  Will you help us to share its fruits with a donation ? We would like to produce a documentary of the 29th International Conference, a publication of the conference proceedings, and recorded interviews with speakers and panelists. Our goal is to raise $20,000 toward this effort, and to recognize donors for their support. Thank you for considering this opportunity to foster dialogue between the United States and China.

by Tom McGuire During the USCCA Conference 29, many questions were raised. Answers were given in immediate responses, as was expected. Further reflection brings to mind other ways to answer questions asked. I was intrigued by this question asked by a participant: How might an ethics of "Our Hope is in Christ" inform and shape our thinking about business ethics and social service outreach? This profound question was answered in the context of hope in Christ. Afterwards I wondered if the short answer was adequate. While reading Parker Palmer’s book, In the Belly of a Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Thought of Thomas Merton , Palmer made observations about Chuang Tzu that could be part of a dialogue in response to the question. Are there illusions in Christians about power in service and business goals? Palmer wrote, “The way in which our illusions about power defeat our best-intended actions is illustrated by Chuang Tzu’s poem.” The Need to Win When an archer is shooting for nothing He has all his skill. If he shoots for a brass buckle He is already nervous. If he shoots for a prize of gold He goes blind Or sees two targets – He is out of his mind! His skill has not changed. But the prize Divides him. He cares. He thinks more of winning Than of shooting – And the need to win Drains him of power.” Palmer commented, “Note that the poem does not counsel against winning. Instead, it is a paradoxical counsel on how to win! It says that the only way to victory is to forget about victory, to be indifferent to it. When Taoism tells us not to care, it does not mean that we should be indifferent to the many needs around us, but that we should not let our desire to meet these needs drain us of the power to do so.” In the active way of doing business and providing services, the desire for success is the goal. The goal is to win. Palmer observes from a Chaung Tzu perspective: Every thoughtful activist knows how the desire for success and the fear of failure can pervert social action, and even lead to fraud, with the activist settling for the mere appearance of victory rather than persisting for deep and lasting change. When we get caught in the dualism of winning and losing we become possessed by false and misleading powers. That paradox is acceptable within the Christian tradition, I think; it reminds us of Jesus’ counsel that one who seeks life will lose it, but one who loses life in God will find it. But Taoism pushes us even further by insisting that our actions must transcend not only the polarity of win and lose, but also the polarity of good and evil. And here Western sensibilities are offended. Here is where the dialogue becomes more difficult: We want to say that this paradox business has gone far enough! For surely if there is any motive force for right action, or any plumb line against which our actions can be judged, it is in ethics, in the distinction between right and wrong. In this dialogue there is need to take time for silence and wonder before taking a position of opposition to Palmer’s inference from Chaung Tzu’s, “that our actions must transcend …the clarity of good and evil.” Is it possible to go beyond ethics to look deeper into the way of doing business and providing service? Is it possible that our need to ‘win’ ‘drains us of power? What are our illusions of power? What do we mean by power when we say, "Our Hope is in Christ”? Responses from readers are welcome. Tom McGuire is a Director Emeritus of the US-China Catholic Association.

Report by Shirley Wang, Conference Rapporteur In this panel session, Sr. Xiaoping Guo, Fr. Jeremiah Li, and Fr. Joseph Yu Yan presented on several local Church communities in China. Their combined messages portrayed hope for both Church leadership and laity participation. This reflection is a special dive into the lives of the Tibetan Catholic community presented by Sr. Guo. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原), a beautiful and harsh landscape in West China, has enchanted many travelers, but sustains only a few inhabitants. The Tibetan Catholic community in this land endured more than a hundred years of conflicts and persecution from local Buddhist communities. It wasn’t until the 1980s that they gained more acceptance and freedom to practice their faith. However, this community still suffers from a lack of access to the sacraments. It still remains difficult for traveling priests to journey to their land regularly, and the first vocation from the community, Lu Renyi, was exhausted by the role of being the only priest, and eventually left the priesthood. Sr. Guo said the community was like “a people without a shepherd.” However, it has been the women leaders who continue to care for the Catholic community and nurture one another spiritually. One woman even represented the Catholic Church in Chengdu’s interfaith counsel as the only woman among other male religious leaders. In her presentation, Sr. Guo also explained how the Tibetan community forms a beautiful example of friendship in their interfaith marriages. In marriages between Catholics and Buddhists, each spouse would support the other in major religious holidays and funerals. For example, the interfaith family would observe fasts together for both religions. And when one side is hosting a funeral with prayer rituals from their religion, the other part of the family would take over all the cooking, and vice versa. Participants came to the USCCA conference to build friendships between the Chinese and the Western Church. But how much this little Tibetan community is teaching us about friendship! They show us that in our deepest poverty and needs, we can still rise to serve one another and build a strong community. In addition, the ways in which these married couples and their families honor and support each other—despite having different religions—teaches us how we can love and build friendships with people of other faiths. Shirley Wang recently graduated from Augustana University and is a volunteer with the US-China Catholic Association.

Earlier this month, the USCCA laid the groundwork for bridges of friendship and understanding at our 29th International Conference, where over 135 scholars and practitioners from lay and religious backgrounds learned from each other about theology, history, and the life of the Church in China. Conference attendees traveled from the US, mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Italy, and Canada. Even if you were unable to attend this year's conference, we invite you to share in it by viewing the latest conference blogs : In Finding God in All Things , a review of Cardinal Stephen Chow's conference video message reminds us of the reality of bridge-building and the importance of durable friendships.  In Always a message of hope , Board Director Emeritus Tom McGuire shares quotes from conference participants and reflects on the Conference Theme of "Our Hope is In Christ" in connection with Catholicism and the Church in China.  In ...Add oil*... , a brief review of one of our parallel sessions encourages us to meditate on how we might apply a Hong Kong English expression to offer encouragement to our neighbors and friends.  In The Dialogue , Tom McGuire reflects on how conference participants enacted and experienced the reality of dialogue as it is described by Pope Paul VI in Ecclesiam Suam .  In God is on the Move , a parallel session on social services in China challenges us to consider how the Conference Theme, "Our Hope is In Christ," might inform business and social services.  Finally, please consider our special request to you, our supporter: Please consider donating  to support our efforts to produce a documentary of the 29th International Conference, a publication of the conference proceedings, and recorded interviews with speakers and panelists. This is an ambitious undertaking, and we need your support to bring our theme of "Our Hope is in Christ" to the broadest possible audience. Our goal is to raise $20,000 toward this effort. We hope  we can count on your generous donation to underwrite this project. Your gifts will be recognized for your leadership in bringing this vision to fruition.

Last weekend, the USCCA hosted our 29th International Conference and celebrated 35 years of the USCCA at the Ricci Awards Banquet. The Maryknoll Missionary Disciples have kindly shared a video montage of the conference  via their Instagram page; you may view the video at the Maryknoll Missionary Disciples Instagram page  to view more scenes from the conference. Conference participants contributed to an upbuilding atmosphere as we discussed the life of the Church in China and avenues for friendship between China and the U.S. As one attendee remarked, "The communion among us in the Eucharistic Liturgy reflected our friendship from the source of Christ who calls us His friends."   We cherish these opportunities to build bridges of friendship, and continue to pursue our mission through programs like the Chinese and American Friendship Ministry (CAAFM)  and the Book Circle .  As we return from the International Conference to continued action among our personal networks, we invite you to reflect with us upon the word of the Hymn in Procession from the conference's liturgy : My life flows on in endless song; above earth's lamentation,I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation.No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I'm clinging.Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing? Finally, please consider our special request to you, our supporter: Please consider donating  to support our efforts to produce a documentary of the 29th International Conference, a publication of the conference proceedings, and recorded interviews with speakers and panelists. This is an ambitious undertaking, and we need your support to bring our theme of "Our Hope is in Christ" to the broadest possible audience. Our goal is to raise $20,000 toward this effort. We hope  we can count on your generous donation to underwrite this project. Your gifts will be recognized for your leadership in bringing this vision to fruition.

Preliminary Conference Responses By Tom McGuire, Emeritus Board Member To all participants in the USCCA 29th International Conference, 2-4 August 2024, The Theme: Our Hope is in Christ, I want to thank you for creating an event of encounter. I observed people listening to one another in conversation and open to engagement with passion, with the mission of building bridges of friendship and dialogue among the people of China and the U.S. The celebration of the Eucharist on Saturday brought communion among participants, reflecting our friendship with Christ, who is our Hope.  Photo credit: Zel Salazar In his article, Strengthening the US-China Catholic Bridge - not a romantic idea ," Michel Chambon wrote, “…the conference illustrated the importance of direct dialogue between Chinese and American Catholics. It was a unique experience of fraternal communion and friendly dialogue across borders.” His sentiment was confirmed in what people said was a moving experience of reverently coming together in Christ.  I have received many emails from Conference participants. Their reflections are preliminary in terms of their recounting of the entirety of the spirit and Spirit of our encounter, and yet, they offer a glimpse into our three days together. As we review and receive the entire set of participation evaluations and their accompanying reflections and meditations, we will be able to listen to the voices of all participants, giving a more complete summary of the Conference outcomes -- and we offer these to you. However, with that in mind, the following reflections are shared --anonymously -- as a representative voice of our encounter together. “The Spirit was present throughout as we reflected on the new wine before us…” “There were wonderful insights into the dedication of the Catholics supporting Sino-Western friendship, the integrity and ecumenicity of the USCCA.” “It was an unforgettable experience to meet and talk with you at the USCCA Conference in Chicago.”  “The dialogue and friendship of participants in the Hope of Christ will contribute to a growing USCCA mission.” “I could not help but feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in [the USCCA] work and commitments. You are a manifestation of hope.” “I would like to be more aware of how my experience can be helpful to the new generation of students as well as where the limitation of my own experience may lie.” “It inspired my intent to learn more about the church in China, especially the social service opportunities the brave Catholics have taken on. I was especially struck when one of the presenters said that to be a Catholic in China is difficult, but to be a Catholic in the US is easy, maybe too easy. I was so encouraged by what Christians in China are doing, and it inspired me to do more myself.”  I want to add to the participant comments the words of Pope Francis in an interview with Father Pedro Chia, S.J., on the Feast of China's Shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan, Help of Christians. Photo credit: Zel Salazar When asked what message he wanted to send Chinese Catholics, Pope Francis responded, "Always a message of hope. But it seems tautological to send a message of hope to a people who are masters of waiting. The Chinese are masters of patience, masters of waiting. …You have the virus of hope. It's a very beautiful thing." In the interview, Pope Francis said he dreams of visiting China one day and praying at the Shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan. Building bridges of friendship and dialogue can provide the bridge to the day Pope Francis or his successor will be welcomed as a friend in China.  -------- Our MISSION Inspired by the Gospel, the mission of the US-China Catholic Association is to build bridges of friendship and dialogue between the people of China and the United States by offering educational, service, and cultural programs in support of the Church and the larger society. Our VISION The US-China Catholic Association was founded in 1989 by concerned U.S. bishops Maryknoll, the Jesuits, and representatives of other religious orders to promote mutual support and fraternal ties between the Church in China and the U.S. Church. ________________ 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. If you have enjoyed visiting the USCCA website and want to learn more about our mission, please contact director@uschinacatholic.org  or consider donating $35 to honor the 35th anniversary  of the USCCA.

THE DIALOGUE by Tom McGuire, USCCA Board member Participants met this weekend, 2-4 August 2024, at the USCCA 29th International Conference hosted in Chicago at DePaul University (Lincoln Park Campus). Hope in Christ filled the air. There was palpable joy throughout the weekend, especially in the many intimate conversations that filled the time between keynote talks and panel presentations. “Dialogue thrives on friendship, and most especially on service. All this we must remember and strive to put into practice on the example and precept of Christ.”    Over and over again, we experienced the reality of dialogue and friendship as we shared stories of unique opportunities to be signs of Christ’s love present in the Church in China and the U.S.  The communal spirit of conference participants was a marked contrast to conversations in the “digital chatter by those who judge everything and everyone, who use derogatory language, and who seem to need an “enemy” to exist.” This quote is from Pope Paul VI’s handwritten Encyclical, Ecclesiam Suam , published on August 5, 1964, sixty years ago today. In Section Three: The Dialogue, he wrote that dialogue: “…is not proud, it is not bitter,  It is not offensive.  Its authority is intrinsic  to the truth, it explains,  to the charity, it communicates,  to the example it proposes;  it is not a command,  it is not an imposition.  It is peaceful;  it avoids violent methods;  it is patient;  It is generous.” “Dialogue thrives on friendship, and most especially on service. All this we must remember and strive to put into practice on the example and precept of Christ.”  His lengthy commentary describes Dialogue as a way for the Church to be present in the world. He Fills in details of our dialogue with the world that can help our dialogue remain authentic and be a dialogue of salvation.  As a follow-up to the conference, reflecting on Pope Paul VI’s Section Three of Ecclesiam Suam would be worthwhile.  ________________ Our MISSION Inspired by the Gospel, the mission of the US-China Catholic Association is to build bridges of friendship and dialogue between the people of China and the United States by offering educational, service, and cultural programs in support of the Church and the larger society. Our VISION The US-China Catholic Association was founded in 1989 by concerned U.S. bishops Maryknoll, the Jesuits, and representatives of other religious orders to promote mutual support and fraternal ties between the Church in China and the U.S. Church. ________________ 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. If you have enjoyed visiting the USCCA website and want to learn more about our mission, please contact director@uschinacatholic.org  or consider donating $35 to honor the 35th anniversary  of the USCCA.

"One of the celebrated ways to foster interculturality is through "bridge-building", ... Sunday, 4 August 2024 Welcome Speech, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong "The US China Catholic Association (USCCA) celebrates your 35th anniversary milestone. If Father Matteo Ricci is an important role model of USCCA, the basis of your association must be 'friendship.' A friendship that is characterized by understanding, respect, acceptance, and finding God in the Chinese culture. ... One of the celebrated ways to foster interculturality is through "bridge-building", connecting the two cultural land masses. However, being a bridge or a bridge-builder is not as romantic as it might sound. We should bear in mind that a bridge is useless until it is walked all over or rolled over by vehicles Photo credit: Gerald Doyle, Interim Chief Administrative Officer Yet, without a bridge, connection will not happen. Is the Association ready to play that critical role? As a Jesuit educator for years, it is important to cultivate independent and critical but constructive thinking, a capacity for multiple perspectives, listening with empathy and finding God in all things." ------------------- You might also enjoy reading Cardinal Chow's Commencement Address to the Class of 2024, Boston College Bishop of Hong Kong Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., ----- Photo credits: Gerald Doyle, Interim Chief Administrative Officer

5:00 pm vigil 3 August 2024, Saturday Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago, presider of Mass Hymn in Procession "Joyful, joyful, we adore you. God of glory, Lord of love .." St. Vincent de Paul Parish and the Congregation of the Mission are honored to welcome the US-China Catholic Association as they celebrate their 29th International Conference at DePaul University (Lincoln Park Campus). The USCCA was founded in 1989 to promote mutual support and fraternal ties between the Church in China and the United States. Liturgy of the Word: Reading I Liturgy of the Word: Reading II Communion Procession Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fr. Francis Li, USCCA Board Member and Chair Holy Mother of China (choir) We cry out to you, Patroness of China, Hope of the faithful interceded for us. All believers of the Church seek refuge in your arms. Holy Mother of China, Holy Mother of China, Holy Mother of China, full of virtue, blessed be you. Mother of God Immaculate, Patroness of China, All the people of the earth seek refuge in you. [We] outside of the Church are waiting for your help. Grant that, Grant that, Grant that we may reach the fullness of virtue. Hymn in Procession "My life flows on in endless song."