Echoes of Chinese Martyrs heard in suffering Church in China

On July 9, the Church celebrates the feast of the Chinese Martyrs, commemorating the martyrdom of St. Augustine Zhao Rong and 119 companions. From the 17th century to 1930, 120 men and women of every age and state of life – priests, consecrated women and men, and lay people, including Western missionaries – sealed their fidelity to Christ by the shedding of their blood.

These martyrs remain for the Church in China today an indomitable example of holiness and courage in face of relentless opposition and persecution.

For the Catholic community in China the past 70 years have been a time of hardship and suffering. Persecution in the 1950s led to the expulsion of foreign bishops and missionaries, the imprisonment of Chinese priests and leaders of various lay movements, the closing of churches, and the isolation of the faithful. Subsequently, the state attempted to restrain all religious activity, striving to weaken the ties of Chinese Catholics with the Pope.

In the years between 1966 and 1976, the Cultural Revolution intensified the religious persecution. When it ended, some space was given for the practice of religion, although it was never fully guaranteed and all too dependent on the goodwill of local authorities.

Since 2013, the state has mandated the “sinicization” of all religions in China in order to control all aspects of people’s faith, including that of Catholics. How this program is being implemented remains a topic of endless discussion, especially following the signing of the controversial 2018 agreement between China and the Holy See.

Sadly, despite the agreement, the Chinese government persecution of Catholics has continued with the demolition of churches and crosses and the continuing detention of underground clergy.

Even with the hardships of the last 70 years, the Catholic faith has remained alive in local Chinese communities and even flourished. As we always must, we gladly and humbly honour those who heroically continue to confess their faith in Jesus Christ in the face of countless obstacles.

In China, “the Church is called to be a witness of Christ, to look forward with hope, and – in proclaiming the Gospel – to measure up to the new challenges that the Chinese people must face” (Benedict XVI, Letter to the Church in China [2007]).

On this day when we recall the saintly heroism of the Chinese Martyrs, I would like to express my closeness to all those living in the Archdiocese of Vancouver whose original home was Hong Kong. What is happening there at present is a matter of grave concern to the Church.

I offer my earnest prayer that respect for human dignity and human rights, especially freedom of religion and conscience, will continue to characterize the political and social life of Hong Kong.

It is the fervent hope of the whole Church, especially the Church in Vancouver which has enjoyed close links with Chinese Catholics for more than a century, that in the third millennium a great harvest of faith will be reaped in China and in the vast and vibrant Asian continent.

✢J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver

Photo: Wikimedia Commons