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."

Theme: Social Service Outreach in China 3 August, 2024, Saturday 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm Parallel Session 3a Speaker 1: Dr. Georges Enderle, University of Notre Dame Title: "Supporting Business Ethics in China and the United States" Speaker 2: Dr. Brent Fulton and Andrea Lee, ChinaSource, USA Title: "God is on the Move: Observations and Reflections on Protestant Christianity in Post-Covid China" Chair: Tom McGuire, USCCA Emeritus Director Photo Credit: Gerald Doyle, Interim Chief Administrative Officer A meditation and reflection from one participant: "How might an ethics of "Our Hope is in Christ" inform and shape our thinking about business ethics and social service outreach?"

"Understanding China's Catholic Past and Present Realities as a Foundation for Future USCCA Relationships" 3 August 2024, Saturday 2:45 - 4:15 pm Parallel Session 3b Speaker 1: Dr. Anthony E. Clark, Whitworth University & USCCA Emeritus Director Speaker 2: Dr. Xiaoxin Wu, Ricci Institute Boston College Chair and Speaker 3: Fr. Rob Carbonneau, CP, Ricci Institute Boston College & Emeritus Director Photo credit: Gerald Doyle, Interim Chief Administrative Officer A meditation that we might hold following this talk and Dr. Clark's introduction of this phrase at the close of the session was this: How might we "Add oil ..." and offer encouragement and accompaniment to those near and far ... *a Hong Kong English expression is used to encourage and support a person . Derived from the Chinese phrase Gayau (or Jiayou; Chinese: 加油), the expression is translated from the Cantonese phrase.

29th International Conference 35th Anniversary of the U.S.-China Catholic Association 2-4 August 2024 DePaul University, Lincoln Park Campus Chicago, IL photo; Gerald Doyle, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, USSCA "We hope to come away from our conversations and dialogues with a new way to build bridges of friendship and dialogue with Catholics in China as a witness to the oneness we share in Christ, who is our hope. We invite everyone -- near and far -- to join us in prayer as friends of the Chinese people." -Tom McGuire, Mission to Give Witness Peace, blessings, friendship -- and HOPE. ________________ 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.

~ an observation by Gerald Doyle, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, USCCA Maryknoll’s Orbis Books marks a half century of publishing a world of books that matter The USCCA's 29th International Conference is well underway on this Saturday, 3 August 2024. We are delighted to be joined in this gathering of friendship, dialogue, peace and HOPE by more than 130 participants from across the US, Europe, East Africa, China, and Taiwan. Over the next several days, we will be sharing reflections from our Keynote Speakers and Panelists -- as well as the meditations from our participants. In this observation, we would like to express our gratitude to Maryknoll's Orbis Books for their pledge of support and commitment to the USCCA mission. We are blessed to have have Maryknoll's Orbis Books with us as one of our leading academic press partners. Bernadette Price, Associate Publisher, has joined us from Maryknoll, NY. Please reach our to her for bulk orders and to learn more about their services. Featured Book: The Tao of Asian American Belonging A Yinist Spirituality Young Lee Hertig "In a quest for inclusion amid feminist, womanist, and mujerista discourses, Young Lee Hertig's "yinist" spirituality is a novel attempt to lift up the voices of female, Asian American voices in Christian Feminist and ecological theology." -------------------- About Orbis Books Welcome to Orbis Books, leaders in religious publishing since 1970. We offer a wide range of books on prayer, spirituality, Catholic life, theology, mission and current affairs. The publishing arm of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Orbis Books addresses a broad readership exploring the global dimensions of faith, inviting dialogue with diverse cultures and traditions, and serving the cause of reconciliation and peace. To order books from Orbis, please visit here . ________________ About the USCCA 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.

Our Hope is in Christ We are glad to announce that the 29th USCCA International Conference will commence tomorrow, August 2, 2024, at DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus! We are thrilled to spend August 2–4 meeting new friends, celebrating 35 years of the USCCA, and learning more about the life of the church in China.  You can find a preview of what's to come in the latest  conference program . If you'd like to join us, it's not too late to   register as an attendee . Even if you are unable to attend this year's conference, you can still celebrate 35 years of the USCCA by contributing in other ways: You can tell your friends, family, and colleagues about the USCCA and our mission of building friendship among Catholics in the U.S. and in China. You may also participate by  clicking here to submit a reflection, meditation, or question you would like us to share with panelists and speakers .  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.

Mission to Give Witness Tom McGuire, USCCA Board member We will soon gather at the USCCA 29th International Conference from Friday to Sunday, 2-4 August 2024, to reflect on insights leading to friendship and dialogue between people living in secular societies in China and the U.S. The theme of our gathering is Our Hope is in Christ, a choice Christians make while living in secular societies. As missionary disciples, we are sent out to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all. A goal for our reflections is to listen deeply to one another on how to be present in the secular societies of the U.S. and China so that how we live and speak will witness the joy of finding meaning in life through Christ. We have much to learn from each other in how to be missionary disciples in China and the U.S. In his book Faith and Religion in a Secular Society, Cardinal Jozef De Keel explores the history of secular society in the West and how religious faith gives meaning to life. He cites the Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus describing how Christians lived in the second or third century. This ancient pastoral description of the life of a Christian provides a perspective for our reflections. “Christians are distinguished from other people neither by their place of residence nor by language nor by customs. After all, nowhere do they live in their own cities, nor do they speak a separate dialect or lead a special life….They live in the cities of the Greeks and other peoples, as fate has it for each, and they follow the customs of their land in clothing and food and in their further necessities of life. They live their lives in a way that arouses admiration and, according to general judgment, appears as something incredible. They live in their own homeland, but as if they were foreigners established there. They have everything in common with the others as citizens and have to endure all sorts of things as strangers. Every foreign country is their homeland and every homeland is their foreign land. Like everyone else, they marry and produce “children. But they do not kill unborn life. Their table is common, but not their bed. They are in the flesh but do not live according to the flesh.” An essential goal of the U.S.-China Catholic Association's mission is to share the diverse voices that give witness to the faithful ways of living as Catholics in China with Catholics in the U.S. This past weekend, I gave talks in two Catholic Churches, St Anthony of Padua and Our Lady Queen of Peace in the Archdiocese of St Louis. I am most grateful to the pastor, Fr Tom Miller, Father John Reiker, Associate Pastor, and the parishioners who welcomed learning about Catholics in China. In a gathering after one of the Masses, a group of parishioners asked good questions to clarify their understanding of life for Christians in China today. There is a hunger for an understanding and appreciation of the oneness of Catholic sisters and brothers in China and the U.S. How can we deepen the witness of living as faithful Christians in our diverse secular societies? I hope to come away from our conversations and dialogues with a new way to build bridges of friendship and dialogue with Catholics in China as a witness to the oneness we share in Christ, who is our hope. I invite us, in prayer, as friends of the Chinese people, to stand in solidarity under the Cross of Christ while living in our secular societies. ________________ 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.  ------------------------- About Faith & Religion in a Secular Society Cardinal Jozef De Kesel "What I so greatly appreciate in Cardinal De Kesel’s most recent book, Faith and Religion in a Secular Society , is his deep commitment to Christian belief rooted in contemporary culture. He is clearly a realist about the situation of the Church today... He understands that the Church must listen to what contemporary people are saying and asking. And he knows that the Church can indeed creatively respond. Cardinal De Kesel’s book is refreshingly optimistic."—from the foreword. Faith and Religion in a Secular Society makes the same bet as Pope Francis that, in the face of the phenomena of secularization, religious indifference, and institutional weakening, it is not by preaching about or idealizing a bygone past that Christianity can expect to regain in Europe because it risks isolating and separating even more than it is from a culture that no longer waits. The salvation of the Church and the safeguarding of her universal mission depends rather on its ability to facilitate a culture of encounter with all those who want to humanize the modern, pluralist, and secular society while also asserting its freedom of expression. It is this pastoral option that Joseph De Kesel is already experimenting with in deeply secularized Belgium, which, like France, was once a land of Christianity. Cardinal Josef De Kesel is the Archbishop of Mechelen Brussels and Primate of Belgium since 2015. He was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016. He is a member of the Roman Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. source , Paulist Press

The 29th USCCA International Conference is only a week away! We are glad to share our final conference program , a PDF document outlining conference activities, news from the USCCA, and even information about the next USCCA International Conference. The 29th USCCA International Conference will be held at DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus on August 2–4, 2024. It is still not too late to register as an attendee ! Even if you are unable to attend this year's conference, please share this conference program with friends, family, and colleagues who might be interested in building bridges of friendship among Catholics in the U.S. and in China.