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Friends in Christ: In conjunction with the 35th anniversary of the U.S.-China Catholic Association (USCCA), the International Conference will be held August 2-4, 2024 at DePaul University — Lincoln Park Campus, Chicago, Illinois I have compiled the following list of missionaries to China with a United States and Canadian heritage in honor of this event. Also included are several international-based congregations my research shows have a U.S./Canadian legacy. Historians studying the Catholic Church in China have suggested that the end of the Qing Dynasty (1911), the aftermath of World War I (1914 -1918), and the promulgation by Pope Benedict XV of Maximum Illud (1919), which refocused the importance of Catholic missions in relation to China. On the one hand, these factors helped create the so-called “golden age of romance and zeal” of American-based religious congregations of men and women to seek, accept, and send missionaries to China. On the other hand, it became clear that the ongoing social and political struggles of China and the international community reveal a more nuanced relationship of Catholic religion in China. Visitors to this USCCA website should also be aware that representatives of many of these respective religious congregations of men and women have participated in the previous conferences that have taken place since 1990. We at the USCCA welcome and invite you to read and meditate on this list. Should you be inspired to contact the USCCA, attend, or support the 29th International Conference 35th-anniversary conference scheduled in Chicago for 2-4 August 2024, we welcome you. Our Theme is "Our Hope is in Christ!" When time permits, we hope to add more resources to these missionary societies and encourage the public to submit their reflections, which will be reviewed and published with appropriate permissions. I have based this list on the Reference Guide To Missionary Societies in China. From the 16th to the 20th Centuries. R.G. Tiedemann. (Armonk, N.Y.: M.E. Sharpe, 2009), published in conjunction with The Ricci Institute of Chinese-Western Cultural History. The Ricci Institute is located at Boston College. Blessings, peace, and friendship, Rev. Rob Carbonneau, CP, Ph.D., Director Emeritus And All of us at the USCCA ----------------------- Source: Mathematical Association. of America* Religious Congregations of Women Antonian Sisters of Mary Queen of the Clergy (AM). Home: Canadian. Also known as Sisters of St. Anthony of Padua. Missionaries to China began in 1937. Benedictine Sisters, (OSB). Home: American. From St. Joseph, Minnesota. The mission to China began in 1930. Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, (DC; FdlC). Home: International (French origin). Various archives of U.S. Sisters of Charity have historical China-related missionary sources. Dominican Sisters of the Springs. Home: American. Also known as the Spring Dominicans Mission to China, it began in 1935. Franciscan School Sisters of St. Francis (OSF/SSSF). Home: American from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Also known as School Sisters of St. Francis. They began their mission to China in 1931. Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg (Indiana), (OSF). Home: American. Also known as Sisters of The Third Order of St. Francis of Oldenburg; Oldenburg Sisters. Began ministry to China in 1938. Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, (FSPA). Home: American. Also known as Franciscan Sisters of St. Rose (La Crosse, Wisconsin); La Crosse Sisters. Began ministry to China in 1928. Sisters of St. Rose (La Crosse, Wisconsin); La Crosse Sisters. Began ministry to China in 1928. Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (MFIC; GSIC). Home: Canadian. Also known as the Grey Sister. Began ministry to China in 1930. Hospital Sisters of St. Francis (Springfield, Illinois), (OSF), Home: German and American. Also known as Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, Springfield. Ministry began in China in 1925. Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, (MM). Home: American. Also known as Foreign Mission Sisters of St. Dominic, Maryknoll Sisters. Mission to China began in 1921. Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Angels (MNDA). Home: Canadian. Began in China in 1922. Missionary Sisters of St. Columban (SSC). Home: Irish. Also known as Columban Sisters. Began mission to China in 1926. Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (MIC). Home: Canadian. Ministry began in China in 1909. Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God (SMIC; MSIC). Home: German and American. Also known as the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and the Sheng Kung Sisters. Began their ministry to China in 1932. Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ). Home: French. The Sacred Heart Sisters are also known as the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. American RSCJ archives have a variety of sources. Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood (ASC). Home: American. Also known as the Sisters of the Precious Blood (Ruma, Illinois), the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. Ministry began in China in 1933. Sisters of Charity (Cincinnati), (SC). Home: American. Also known as Sisters of Charity of Mount St. Joseph; The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Ohio. Ministry began in China in 1928. Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth (Convent Station, New Jersey), (SC). Home: American. Also known as the New Jersey Sisters of Charity, Convent Station Sisters of Charity. Ministry began in China in 1925. Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, (Cincinnati, Ohio), (SNDdeN). Home: American. Also known as Notre Dame Sisters. Missioned to China in 1926. Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (SP). Home: American. Also known as Sisters of Providence. Missioned to China in 1920. Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi (OSF). Home: American. Also known as Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi of the Lake, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Missioned to China in 1929. Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Family (OSF). Home: American. Also known as the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family; Sisters of Mount St. Francis. Dubuque, Iowa. Missioned to China in 1931. Sisters of St. Joseph, (Pittsburgh), (CSJ). Home: American. Also known as Sisters of St. Joseph, Baden, Pennsylvania. Missioned to China in 1926. Sisters of Social Service (SSS). Home: American. Missioned to China in 1946. Ursulines of the Roman Union (Quebec), (OSU) Home: Canadian. Also known as Ursulines of the Roman Union of Canada. Missioned to China in 1922. St. Joseph Good Works Society. Home: China. Foundress Sister Mary Hubrich had a connection with the American Franciscans from Cincinnati, Ohio, since the mid-1920s. Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows (OSF). Also known as the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother; Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Virgin; Addolorata Sisters. Religious Family: Franciscan. They began their mission to China in 1939 in Hunan and were joined by four American Sisters from the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family of Dubuque, Iowa in 1949. Their leadership team is in Beaverton, Oregon. Religious Congregations of Men Benedictine, OSB. Origin: American. St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, Illinois. Missioned to China: 1934. Benedictine, OSB. Origin: American. St. Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Missioned to China: 1925. Benedictine, OSB. Home: Belgium. Also known as the Benedictine Congregation of the Annunciation. Missioned to China: 1929. Expelled from China in 1952. Relocated to St. Andrew’s Abbey, Valyermo, California. Christian Brothers, CFC: Home: Ireland. Also known as the Irish Christian Brothers. Founder Edmund Rice. Missioned to China, 1921. Some archival resources are at Iona University, New Rochelle, New York. Clerics of Saint Viator, CSV. Home: Montreal, Québec, Canada. Also known as Viatorians. Missioned to Manchuria, 1931. Congregation of the Mission, (CM). Home: International. Also known as the Lazarists; Vincentians. The U.S. Western Province was missioned to China in 1922. Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (CP). Home: American. Also known as the Passionists. Missioned to China in 1921. Little Brothers of St. John the Baptist. Also known as the Congregation of St. John the Baptist (CSJB), it was founded in 1928 in China by Fr. Vincent Lebbe. Members have a mission in the U.S. Maryknoll Fathers (MM). Home: American. Also known as the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America; Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers; Maryknollers. Missioners were first sent to China in 1918. Missionary Society of St. Columban (SSC). Home: originally Irish, also with American members. Also known as the Irish Mission, the Maynooth Mission to China, and the Columban Fathers. Missioners were first sent in 1920. Order of Friars Minor (OFM). International. Also known as the Franciscans. Home: Various American provinces sent individual missionaries to China. American Province commitments were St. John the Baptist-1923, Holy Name-1932, Sacred Heart -1925, Santa Barbara-1934. Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, (OFMCap). Home: International. American Capuchins missioned to China in 1922. Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFMCon). Home: Italian. American friars from the Province of the Immaculate Conception participated in the China mission beginning in 1931. Order of Preachers, (OP). Home: International. Known as the Dominicans. American Dominicans of the Province of St. Joseph began their mission in 1925. Quebec Foreign Mission Society (MEQ). Home: Canada. Also known as PME Fathers. China's mission began in 1925. Scarboro Foreign Mission Society (SFM). Home: Canada. Also known as Scarboro Mission Society. Began their China mission in 1926. Society of Jesus, (SJ). Home: International. Also known as the Jesuits. French Canadian Jesuits were in China in 1931; Jesuits from the California Province went in 1928. Society of Mary, (SM). Home: International. Also known as the Marianists. In September 1933, a group of American Marianists from the Cincinnati Province committed to China. Society of the Divine Word (SVD). Home: German/International. Also known as the Divine Word Missionaries, Steyl Missionaries. American members based in Techny, Illinois, were sending missionaries to China in the 1920s. ------- Finally, if you have enjoyed visiting the USCCA website and want to learn more about our mission, please get in touch with director@uschinacatholic.org or consider donating $35 to honor the 35th anniversary of the USCCA. ----------- Notes on the Ricci Map: Mathematical Treasure: Matteo Ricci’s World Map and the Zhifang Waiji Author(s):  Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University) Among the contributions of the Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci (1552–1610) to the Chinese Ming Court was a world map. The Kunyu Wanguo Quantu, or Map of the Ten Thousand Countries of the Earth, is the oldest surviving map in China that depicts the Americas. It is a xylograph (woodblock print) on six panels of fine native paper (made with bamboo fiber). Ricci was assisted by a translator, engraver Zhizao Li (1565–1630), and printer Zhang Wentao. This map was completed in 1602 and represents the world as then known by Europeans but utterly unknown by the Chinese. As an honorary concession to his Chinese hosts, Ricci drew China as the central reference point. One of the few surviving copies is owned by the University of Minnesota. In the 1620s, Giulio Aleni (1582–1649) prepared the version of the map shown here (retitled Wanguo Quantu, or Complete Map of the Myriad Countries).

Friends in Christ: For 35 years, the US-China Catholic Association has organized an inspiring set of conferences that have welcomed the Church in China and the Church in the US to come together in dialogue and to learn and grow in friendship among Catholics from the US and China. We invite you to review the enduring legacy of our conferences across the years. If you have attended one or more of these conferences, we would welcome your reflections to share with those who will join us -- as we hope you will -- this year. Please share this information with your network of friends who are interested in knowing more about the practice of Christianity in China. The USCCA Conference Committee and all of us at the USCCA 2024 August 2-4, 2024, at DePaul University, Lincoln Park Campus, Chicago, Theme: "Our Hope is in Christ." 2021 August 6-8, 2021, at  Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. Theme: “China, Christianity, and the Dialogue of Civilizations” 2017 August 11-13, 2017, at St. John’s University, Jamaica, Queens, New York City Theme: "Experience of the Chinese Church in the 21st Century." 2015 October 9-11, 201, at Mercy Center, Burlingame, California Theme: “The Catholic Church in China: Respecting the Past, Understanding the Present, Envisioning Future Relationships.” 2013 October 4 -16, 2013, at University Of Loyola, Chicago Downtown Campus. Theme: "The American Catholic Church And China In An Era Of Globalization" 2010 September 23-25, 2010, at Our Lady Of The Snows Conference Center Belleville, Illinois. Theme: “Experiencing Jesus Christ Through Chinese Eyes: Continuing China –U.S. Conversations.” 2008 October 3-5, 2008, at Our Lady of the Snows Conference Center, Belleville, Illinois. Theme: “Experiencing Jesus Christ Through Chinese Eyes: Continuing the Conversations.” 2006 November 3-5, 2006, at Simpsonwood Conference Center in Norcross, Georgia. Theme: “Experiencing Jesus Christ Through Chinese Eyes.” 2005 June 24-26, 2005, at Seattle University. Theme: “The Growth of Christianity in China. Realities, Challenges and Opportunities.” 2003 November 14-16, 2003, at Global Conference Center, Maryknoll, New York. Theme: “The Role of Religion in China’s Emerging Civil Society.” 2002 April 12-14, 2002, at Divine Word International Conference Center, Techny, Illinois. Theme: “Spiritual Growth and Social Change.” 2000 November 10-12, 2000, at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Theme: “Christianity in China: Growing on Holy Ground.” 1999 February 12-14, 1999, at Mercy Center, Burlingame, California. Theme: “Peace and Justice in the Chinese Context.” 1997 October 10-12, 1997, at Assisi Community Center, Rochester, Minnesota. Theme: “China’s Quest for a New Spiritual Civilization: Christian Perspectives and Engagement.” 1996 March 15-17, 1996, at Mt. Marie Conference Center, Holyoke, Massachusetts. Theme: “Churches in Greater China and North America: New Paradigms for Relationships in Mission.” 1994 September 23-25, 1994, at Techny Conference Center, Chicago-Milwaukee Area. Theme: “China in the 21st Center: Spirituality for a Global Power.” 1993 January 29-31, 1993, at Mercy Center-Burlingame/San Francisco, California. Theme: “Missiological Perspectives on Service with the Church in China.” 1991 November 22-24, 1991, at Maryknoll, New York. Theme: “Christianity & Chinese Culture: Challenges in the Encounter Lessons for the Future.” 1990 December 6-9, 1990, at Xavier Conference Center, Convent Station, New Jersey. Theme: “The Chinese Catholic Church and the Universal Church and Contemporary Perspectives.” ----- To Register for the 29th International Conference in Chicago, 2-4 August 2024, please click here for additional details and instructions. 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. 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 learning about our mission, donate $35 to honor the 35th anniversary of the USCCA.

Dear Friends in Christ, We are glad to announce that information about registration and logistics for the 29th USCCA International Conference has been published on our website! Navigate to the Registration and Logistics page for information on registration, lodging, accessibility, and a Guided Tour that will conclude our time together in Chicago. An "early bird" rate is available through May 31, 2024. On-campus housing and the Guided Tour have limited capacity; we encourage you to register as soon as possible. The 29th International Conference will be held August 2–4 at DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus. The theme of this year's conference is: "Our Hope Is In Christ" We have an exciting program, with four keynote speakers and 30 panelists comprising 16 religious and 18 lay professional speakers. You can view the latest conference program here on our website. We welcome you to join us for this opportunity to learn and grow in friendship among Catholics from the US and from China. Please share this information with your network of friends who are interested in knowing more about the practice of Christianity in China.

29th International Conference: A Gift and an Opportunity By Daniel Lang I feel delighted to read that our next USCCA conference is coming. While I'd certainly like to be back there if I could (in the great city of Chicago, too!), I'm hard at work in Asia. Still, that's an exciting example of the friendships made through USCCA and why I encourage you to attend. My attendance at the most recent 2021 USCCA Conference during the waning COVID-19 pandemic years catalyzed an opportunity for me to serve the Chinese-speaking communities of Asia, both remotely and face-to-face. My priest had noticed the USCCA Conference in Santa Clara, CA. and referred me to it. When I was there, God placed me in the right place at the right time. My priest knew well my interest in the Chinese Catholicism. He felt so certain of its benefit to me that he sponsored my attendance. With this gift, I participated. At the Conference, I met firsthand numerous individuals. This led to new friendships and treasured connections as then I was a recent college graduate in the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt empowered by the chance to take a more active role in bridge-building too. The Conference especially helped me at that time find new ways to retool and serve others by sharing my experiences during and after the pandemic. I had the opportunity to mentor a Chinese undergraduate in Shanghai. With people I met at the conference, I spent time discerning and headed to Malaysia and Singapore, where I participated in encounters facilitated by my presence with people in need. In addition to the friendships, the Conference equipped me with accurate, research-informed knowledge of current, past and possible future events. When people find out about the world simply through the major news outlets, they sometimes miss a more nuanced understanding of everyday life for fellow Catholics across the Pacific. The conference does an excellent job of sharing on-the-ground perspectives. The Conference theme this year is “Our Hope is in Christ,” which seems especially timely, given tensions abroad between the U.S. and China. In my most recent work, I've returned to service in Mongolia. Peace and friendship across the Pacific remain at the forefront of my work. Last fall, our country received Pope Francis and many Chinese pilgrims. I have seen firsthand the importance of being witnesses wherever we are. I have opportunities for fellowship and serve at parishes on Sundays. (That's me on the far right side. 2024 Mongolia.) My experiences in relating to parishioners in East and Southeast Asia are a result and a blessing from participating in the USCCA Conference in Santa Clara. Especially if you haven't been before and feel even the slightest tug to consider participating, in the USCCA 29th International Conference in Chicago, August 2-4, 2024 it will be well worth the effort. The USCCA Conference will be a lively place where connections lead both to insights and new directions. I remember well the brunches together with staff, cordial times to mingle between sessions with the presenters and, of course, the celebration of the Mass. The energy was palpable, among such motivated minds and hearts. For me, as one preparing for graduate school, the Conference helped me to see possibilities for where God would lead me next in life. It connected me with so many new friends, from Shanghai to Chicago, New York to Nevada and Santa Clara to Singapore. By taking a leap of faith with the 29th International Conference, I'm confident you'll feel welcomed and enthused by the environment of hope. ------------------ Quick Resources: Conference Program Conference Speakers Conference Registration and Logistics ("Register Today to experience the gift and blessing of the 29th International Conference." DL) ------- Note: David Lang attended USCCA's 28th International Conference in Santa Clara, CA (summer 2021); since then, David has remained in regular communication with Tom McGuire, a member of the Board of Directors at USCCA. If you've attended previous USCCA International Conferences and would like to share your reflections about the Conference, why it mattered to you in your life and ministry, and how you've experienced the values of Friendship and Dialogue, please contact the USCCA at director@uscatholicchina.org

On April 24, 1929, three young Passionists were murdered at the hands of bandits while serving as missionaries in Hunan, China. This event impacted U.S. Catholic history, shaped the Holy See's relations with China, and influenced the diplomatic policy of the U.S. Department of State in China during that era. We invite you to learn about these missionaries through a virtual presentation by Fr. Rob Carbonneau: "95 Years Later: Remembering the Life, Death, and Memory of Three Young Passionists Killed in Hunan, China." Father Robert E. Carbonneau, C.P., Ph.D., USCCA Director Emeritus April 24, 2024 Online via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time You can learn more and attend the presentation via Zoom by navigating to the presentation's event page, hosted by the Passionists of Holy Cross Province. We hope you can join us in reflecting on the legacy of these three witnesses for the Catholic Church in China.

In April, the USCCA Book Circle discussed Bede Bidlack’s article, “Merton’s Way of Zhuangzi: A Critique.” This article opened us to the world of Daoism through Merton’s translation of Zhuangzi. We explored some of the reasons why Asian wisdom became attractive to Americans during the 1960s and continues to do so today. We also pondered some of the challenges facing the Christian church as it interacts with not only Daoism's philosophical aspects, but also popular cultural practices associated with it. Like Merton, we appreciated the Daoist love for holistic perception and creative spontaneity. We enjoyed reading aloud Merton’s rendition of "Cook Ding" (庖丁解牛), the story of an insightful conversation between a prince and his masterful butcher. We also sampled a few pieces of Merton’s artwork influenced by Chinese culture. It was delightful to discover the close relationship between the intellectual and the mystical, the intellectual and the practical, as they manifest in Catholicism and Chinese culture. For those interested in dialoguing with Chinese spirituality, we recommend the readings below, as they arose in today’s discussion: · Thomas Merton, The Way of Chuang Tzu (NY: New Directions, 1997). · Mary Yuen, ed., Liturgical Inculturation in China and Hong Kong (Hong Kong: Holy Spirit Study Center, 2003). · Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Mariner Books, 2006, first published in 1974). · Roger Lipsey, Angelic Mistakes: The Art of Thomas Merton (Vermont: Echo Point Books and Media, 2018). Our next Book Circle discussion will be on May 11 at the same time (7 am PT / 8 am MT / 9 am CT / 10 am ET / 10 pm China Standard Time). We will be reading Donald P. St. John's article, “Ecological Wisdom in Merton’s Chuang Tzu.” Dr. St. John's article contains five meditations on the ecological crisis inspired by a reading of Merton’s book, The Way of Chuang Tzu. The themes of these meditations are: The problem of anthropocentrism Seeing the world through the eyes of other creatures The relationship between nature and culture The usefulness of the useless The problem of technology For each of the five meditations, we encourage you to reflect on the following in preparation for the upcoming Book Circle discussion: How does Zhuangzi help you make sense of the nature of the ecological crisis? How might Zhuangzi help us think/live differently to alleviate the ecological crisis? Does Zhuangzi remind you of some aspect of Christian spirituality? You may sign up for updates (including a link to the Zoom session) by filling out our Book Circle interest form.

Dear Friends in Christ, We hope to see you at the 29th International Conference on August 2–4 at DePaul University. The theme of this year's conference is: "Our Hope Is In Christ" A provisional conference program is now available describing some of the panels, speakers, and events that will occur during the Conference. You can view the latest conference program right here on our website. Which events and activities pique your interest? Please note that as a provisional schedule, the conference program is subject to change. Subscribe to our email list for more updates on the 29th International Conference! Registration for the conference will be opening next week.

Dear Friends in Christ, We hope to see you over Zoom at the next USCCA Book Circle. Our next discussion will be held on April 20, 2024 at 7 am PT / 8 am MT / 9 am CT / 10 am ET / 10 pm China Standard Time. This month, we will be reading "Merton's Way of Zhuangzi: A Critique," a chapter by comparative theologian Bede Bidlack in Merton & The Tao: Dialogues With John Wu and the Ancient Sages. We will be discussing the following questions: Bede Bidlack states that postmodern scholarship has abandoned the missionary distinction between Christian miracles/faith and pagan superstition/beliefs (87-88). How significant is this change for the future of the Chinese church? Bidlack mentions Merton’s dissatisfaction with monastic life and Western modernity in the 1950s-1960s. Besides Merton, many others in the West became attracted to Eastern wisdom during this period. Why do you think this was the case? After reading Merton’s translation of the story, "Cook Ding," can you reflect on the relationship between craftsmanship, art, spirituality, and contemplation? Anyone interested in participating in Book Circle discussions can let us know by signing up for Book Circle updates through the Google Form linked here. Please feel free to share that form with anyone you know who might benefit from participation in the Book Circle, such as: Chinese Christians interested in the growth of Chinese churches Emerging scholars interested in the dialogue between Christianity and Chinese culture All those interested in forming a more profound friendship between China and the United States Again, we welcome you to participation in the USCCA Book Circle.

9 March 2024, Summary authored by Kathy Stout, Ph.D. in Theology and adjunct professor, The University of Dayton In our second meeting, the Book Circle discussed Fr. Arturo Sosa’s 2019 article, “The Church in China: Notes for ‘Writing the Future.’” Fr. Sosa’s forward-looking vision inspired a wonderful conversation on three topics: the inculturation of the Gospel, the urbanization of the Chinese Catholic church, and the complexity of Sinicizing Christianity. We were fortunate to have a diverse number of participants who brought their unique perspectives to the discussion. We were incredibly grateful to have someone attending from a mainland China location who shared first-hand experience on the growth and vitality of the local churches there and a few professional theologians. All participants appreciated Fr. Sosa’s definition of inculturation as “following the kenotic incarnation of Jesus,” which requires a radical degree of humility from the church. On the complexity of Sinicizing the Gospel, we came to recognize it as a complex, dynamic, and open-ended process evolving on many levels, including philosophical, cultural, and social. On the needs of the Chinese church, one participant reminds us that more than anything, young people today are looking for friendship and solidarity in the community. Below are a few more highlights of the discussion: The church’s mission is to stand under the cross of Jesus Christ in solidarity with the Chinese. Together, we discover more and move closer to the kingdom of God. How can the church provide a sense of community to the young people in China today? Again, welcome to the 2024 USCCA Book Circle. Mary Sluka, USCCA Board Member Fr. Hugh O'Donnell, C.M., USCCA Board Member Kathy Stout, Ph.D. in Theology and adjunct professor, The University of Dayton, “The Art of Dialogue and Proclamation: A Case Study with John C. H. Wu (1899-1986)” ------------------ P.S. We recommend Walking with Ignatius by Superior General Fr. Arturo Sosa. ​Walking with Ignatius introduces the reader to Fr. Arturo Sosa, elected Superior General of the Society of Jesus in 2016. This book opens the "Ignatian Year" and marks the 500th anniversary of the wound that led to the conversion of St. Ignatius Loyola. Along with his observations on the Society of Jesus, the Church, and the world today--while emphasizing the Universal Apostolic Preferences--Fr. Sosa offers suggestions for reflection and prayer alone or in a community. In his words, the reader is invited "to grow, starting in the exact place you find yourself, guided by the Lord, and advancing step-by-step...and [to] become a pilgrim yourself so that you may walk the path of Christian adventure in our changing world. Written in collaboration with the journalist Darío Menor, Walking with Ignatius is based on his weekly interviews with Fr. Sosa over two and a half months. P.P.S. You might also enjoy "The Culture of Encounter: An Imperative for a Divided World," Keynote Address by Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., an hour-long keynote address that Fr. Sosa delivered at Georgetown University. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- APRIL AND MAY 2024 Book Circles If you know anyone who might be interested in the Book Circle, please direct them to the sign-up form. April 20, 2024 (see below for next month's reading) 10:00 p.m. Chinese time 10:00 a.m. Eastern / 9:00 a.m. Central / 8:00 a.m. Mountain / 7:00 a.m. Pacific. May 11, 2024 10:00 p.m. Chinese time 10:00 a.m. Eastern / 9:00 a.m. Central / 8:00 a.m. Mountain / 7:00 a.m. Pacific. The Book Circles are virtual conversations; an email will be sent to all who RSVP several days in advance of the scheduled event. ---------- NOTE: For April, we will read an essay written by the American comparative theologian Bede Bidlack, "Merton's Way of Zhuangzi: A Critique." Merton's book The Way of Zhuangzi, published in 1965, is a great introduction to the Chinese philosopher for English-speaking readers. Since we have been thinking about Christianity's dialogue with Chinese culture, Merton's interpretation of Zhuangzi provides a good opportunity to see some dialogue in action. Merton believed that Chinese philosophy could benefit Christians living in the West. Bidlack's article will help us understand why that might be the case. As you read the article, please reflect on the following questions: 1. Bede Bidlack states that postmodern scholarship has abandoned the missionary distinction between Christian miracles/faith and pagan superstition/beliefs (87-88). How significant is this change for the future of the Chinese church? 2. Bidlack mentions Merton’s dissatisfaction with monastic life and Western modernity in the 1950s-1960s. Besides Merton, many others in the West became attracted to Eastern wisdom during this period. Why do you think this was the case? 3. After reading Merton’s translation of the story, Cook Ding, can you reflect on the relationship between craftsmanship, art, spirituality, and contemplation?

Jesus said, “You are my friends.” By Tom McGuire, USCCA Board member From August 2-4, 2024, the USCCA's 29th International Conference will gather people from China, the United States, and other parts of the world to build bridges of friendship and dialogue with each other. This Gospel-inspired mission flows from our intimate friendship with Jesus, who chose us with the words, “You are my friends because I have made known to you everything I have learned from my Father.” Matteo Ricci describes this intimate friendship in human terms when he writes, “Although a friend and I may be of two bodies, within those two bodies, there is but one heart between us.” His description of human friendship opens the way to discovering communion with one another in Jesus Christ, a sharing of “…everything I have learned from my Father.” Shirley Wang, a Chinese international undergraduate student searching for a way to share her newly discovered relationship with Jesus with others, wrote this about friendship with Jesus. "It is so true and so good that our friendship with Jesus makes the foundation of our other friendships. I realized that Jesus can be friends with people through my friendships. It is what I needed to know because it is difficult at times to love my friends, but it is easier and sweeter when I realize my love for my friends is the Lord’s” … I desire to grow in my relationship with Jesus and let Him love other people through me." Jesus’ friends are his disciples, and he has a mission that requires keeping his commandments as he kept the commandments of his Father. A foundational mission command for missionary disciples is “This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” Friendship with one another in Jesus Christ takes us beyond political ideology and divisions that lead to misunderstandings and aggressive rivalry. Building bridges of friendship and dialogue can break down the security walls of ‘my truth,’ ‘my way,’ and ‘my culture. Unselfish listening to one another is the Way of Jesus, who, although divine, shared in our humanity. He shows us a Way to risk emptying ourselves of our security and entering into another person's experience. Jesus said, “You are my friends.” The 29th International Conference will provide opportunities to tell stories about and experience the command Jesus gives his missionary disciples. “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” The joyful friendship of Catholics in the United States and China is a witness to the Love of God for all people. Let us pray that Conference 29 will produce the fruit of building bridges of friendship and dialogue in our communities. So people who do not yet know Jesus Christ will say what Tertullian, 192 C.E., reported people saying of the Christian communities, “See how these Christians love each other.” -------------- Related: The Top Ten Reasons to Attend the 29th International Conference Note: Shirley Wang was first introduced to the USCCA through our Book Circle initiative; please read our most recent blog post on this topic: “The Church in China: Notes for ‘Writing the Future.’” All are welcome to join our Book Circles in April and May 2024; see the blog post for more details. Finally, if you have enjoyed visiting the USCCA website and want to learn more about our mission, please get in touch with director@uschinacatholic.org or consider donating $35 to honor the 35th anniversary of the USCCA.

Theme: Our Hope is in Christ Why participate in the 29th International Conference? We are very pleased to share that Cardinal Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago, will be the presider at the liturgy on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 5:00 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Parish - Chicago. Top Ten+ Reasons to attend and participate in the 29th International Conference! 1. Opportunity to dream together in our shared Hope in Christ for a better future in our divided world 2. Opportunity to be enriched by experts in our dialogue and friendship mission 3. Opportunity to pray and praise God with Cardinal Cupich and our brothers and sisters from abroad 4. Opportunity to honor and celebrate an extraordinary individual who has manifested the spirit of Ricci 5. Opportunity to experience radical hospitality from the USCCA family 6. Opportunity to deepen our knowledge and love for the mission of the USCCA 7. Opportunity to discover DePaul University, an authentic Chinese banquet in Chinatown & iconic churches in Chicago 8. Opportunity to toast with friends from near and far who are committed to dialogue and friendship 9. Opportunity for friends/disciples of Jesus from China and the United States (and beyond) to meet and deepen our communion in Christ. 10. Opportunity for dialogue that leads to discovering how friendship is the way to proclaim the Gospel. (and a few more) 11. Opportunity to explore the rich wisdom of Chinese and Western culture that opens hearts to encountering Christ. 12. Opportunity to listen to the voice of experience of those living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in China and the U.S. 13. Opportunity to deepen our mutual commitment to building bridges of friendship and dialogue between the people of China and the U.S. 14. Opportunity to explore new insights into the meaning of the Gospels as understood from different Chinese traditions. 15. Opportunity to explore historical hurt that makes Christ a foreigner in Chinese culture. 16. Opportunity to experience our love for one another as friends in Christ Jesus. 17. Opportunity for people from China and the U.S. to become friends for life. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are a few highlights of the Conference program. Four outstanding keynote speakers and over 30 panel speakers from China, Germany, and USA, and a video message from Cardinal Chow of Hong Kong. Seven panels on Saturday and three panels on Sunday focusing on the themes of theology and faith forming in China, Chinese culture and Catholicism, clergy leadership and church life, and social services by both religious and lay people in urban and rural China. Speakers consist roughly equal number of religious and lay speakers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few notes: These reflections -- i.e. the Top Ten+ -- are drawn from a recent meeting of the Conference Planning Committee. We're all very much looking forward to your participation and attendance. Registration will be available in mid/late April 2024. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- We look forward to learning and praying with you on August 2-4, 2024, at DePaul University. Peace, friendship and Lenten Blessings, The 29th International Conference Committee and All of us at the USCCA

You are invited to join the 2024 USCCA Book Circles, whose aim is to educate friends and affiliates of the USCCA, current and former Board members, colleagues, and others interested in learning more about the Church in China. In keeping with our mission, the Book Circles aim to build bridges of friendship among ourselves and across the Pacific. We use books, articles, videos, films, guest speakers, and respondents to promote stimulating conversations via Zoom. These conversations usually last an hour or so. In the past, we read and discussed John C. H. Wu’s remarkable autobiography, Beyond East and West, initially published by Sheed and Ward in 1951 and recently re-published by Notre Dame Press in 2018. In 1951, it was an instant Catholic best seller, sometimes compared to Thomas Merton’s Seven Storey Mountain and St. Augustine’s Confessions for its moving description of Wu’s conversion in 1937 and his early years as a Catholic. He was deeply schooled in the Chinese classics, which, after his conversion, he said, “…point to universal truths that originate from and are fulfilled in Christ.” The Foreword in the Notre Dame edition was written by his son, John Wu Jr. We trust John and his son will continue to guide us in our journey beyond East and West. We also read Richard (Dick) Madsen’s China’s Catholics: Tragedy and Hope in an Emerging Civil Society (University of California Press, 1998) and benefited a great deal from the participation of Dick in our discussions. The book treats the emergence of the Catholic Church from the isolation and persecution of the Mao era. “All kinds of religious groups … revived and flourished in the post-Mao era,” many on a spiritual quest. “Madsen was interested in determining if such quests would result in constructing a more humane social order in China. Would religion contribute to or impede economic modernization? What role would the church[es] play in the pluralization of society?” From his sociological perspective, Madsen offered the exciting prospect of believers joining fellow citizens on the complex and uncharted journey toward a mature civil society. Someone commented, “This was like the Magi’s star for me – clear direction, long journey!” Then, John Lindblom led us in a discussion of his excellent article, "John C. H. Wu and the Evangelization of China," in Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture 2005 (Vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 130-164). The amazing growth of religion in China since the 1980s and a genuine search for truth, meaning, and purpose in life revealed people's openness to evangelization. This continually calls for cultural and religious dialogue between East and West. John Lindblom believes that John C. H. Wu is an excellent guide for Westerners “…to develop our understanding of the natural wisdom of the East and discover the ‘seeds of the Logos’ fully revealed in Christ.” John’s final pages present Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist texts that connect the East and West. The Book Circles in 2024 Our first Book Circle conversation this year will be on Saturday, February 17 (U.S. time zones: 9 am PT, 10 am MT, 11 am CT, 12 pm ET). We will discuss the following two articles, which we will make available to the group: The Conclusion (pp. 541-43) of Jean-Pierre Charbonnier, M.E.P., "Christians in China: A.D. 600-2000." (Ignatius Press: San Francisco, 2007). This conclusion offers a brief history to orient the discussion. John Wu, Jr. “God-inebriated: An Introduction to the John C. H. Wu-Thomas Merton Correspondence” in Merton and the Tao: Dialogues with John C. H. Wu and the Ancient Sages (Fons Vitae: Louisville, KY, 2013) pp 127-149. Understanding the Tao requires mystical empathy. Our second Book Circle conversation will be on Saturday, March 9 ((U.S. time zones: 9 am PT, 10 am MT, 11 am CT, 12 pm ET). We will discuss Arturo Sosa, S.J.’s “The Church in China: Notes for ‘writing the future’” (La Civilta Cattolica (20 August 2019), accessible here. Father Sosa is the former superior general of the Jesuits. He said the Jesuits have sought, are seeking, and will continue to enculturate themselves among the Chinese and there to seek the voice of God among the people. He spells out the Gospel dimensions of such a presence in this article. After these two Book Circle conversations, we will welcome and rely upon recommendations from the members of the Book Circle for upcoming sessions. NOTE: If you are interested in participating in either or both of these Book Circle discussions, let us know by signing up for Book Circle updates through the Google Form linked here. Who Might Benefit from the Book Circles? Chinese Christians interested in the growth of Chinese churches Emerging scholars interested in the dialogue between Christianity and Chinese culture All those interested in forming a more profound friendship between China and the United States Again, welcome to the 2024 USCCA Book Circle. Mary Sluka, USCCA Board Member Fr. Hugh O'Donnell, C.M., USCCA Board Member Kathy Stout, Ph.D. in Theology and adjunct professor, The University of Dayton, “The Art of Dialogue and Proclamation: A Case Study with John C. H. Wu (1899-1986)” ------------------ To receive an invitation to the next Book Circle event, please contact one of the organizers directly, or Gerald P. Doyle, Interim, Chief Administrative Officer at director@uscatholicchina.org. ---------------------------- An Update from the Second Book Circle: 14 March 2023 The Church in China: Notes for Writing the Future