I have been following the state of the Catholic church in China mainly through www.asianews.it and from the stories I hear from my own missionary confreres. It always sadden me to hear about the discrimination, persecution, and the torture inflicted upon bishops, priests, nuns and other church people in many corners in China. But it also inspires me to know that despite the risks and threats to their life, many foreign and local missionaries still find a way to share their faith with the Chinese.
A few afternoons ago I met a Filipino missionary who has worked in China since the mid 1990s. Since religious missionaries are banned in the communist republic, he worked there not as a priest but as an English teacher. He shared many insightful and inspiring stories about spreading the word of God in unconventional ways. They celebrate the Eucharist, baptisms and do catechism in the basement or in some other concealed place. They do not normally practice their faith in public for fear that the police might round them up. He noted that the police are particularly active during Christmas, Easter, and the Pentecost.
He also related to me the many difficulties he faced as a religious in an atheist society. These hardships however never kept him from continuing his ministry. In fact these made him all the more determined to do what he believes God has called him to do in China.
There is no official number, but he said that it is generally believed that there are hundreds of Filipino missionaries in China – most of them are Catholic nuns, brothers and priests as well as a good number of protestant missionaries.
I have a friend who works there. I think there was a time that they had their Ash Wednesday on a Sunday. He tells of difficulties, yet the Word continue to fluorish in the hearts of people.
Rosary Archives indicate 260 times downloaded, and maybe some will re-distribute it to other individuals and communities. See you at the PELS conference Father!
Wow, that’s good news, Jun. 260 downloads and counting.
Hello Father, another greetings from all of us here in Holland. Youre really good in taking pictures… very talented…. pwedi na pweding pang calendaryo. hehehe You make simple things look simple but so good not to be appreciated. and actually. that is how we should actually see life. Appreciating the simple good things. Keep going,,, cause your photos alone inspire people, It shows how much simple things can be appreciated if only poeple sees life in so many angles. ganda,,, ganda,talga Father. your phtos speaks nore than what words could say. thank you for sharing.
Weng, thanks for being here. Okay lang sa akin na gawin mong calendaryo ang mga photos ko. He he he.
I want to feature a parent of a Catholic missionary for a video documentary. Possible airing in a majore TV network… They say being one is a “joyful burden”…if you have leads, please email me at lscheeks@yahoo.com. Thanks
Dear Sir/Madam:
Greetings from the host and staff of Maalaala Mo Kaya!
Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) is the longest running drama anthology and one of the multi-awarded programs in the Philippines. It remains to be one of the country’s top primetime programs on television today. It is the show’s thrust to maximize efforts to present quality and heartwarming episodes each week.
Part of our aim is to provide grounds for more Filipinos to share their life stories in their own cities, provinces and other parts of the world. Also, our program aspires to inspire Filipinos all over the world thru true to life stories and move them for a good cause (labor, abuse against workers, poverty, etc). This coming month, MMK would like to feature lives of Filipinos working in Asia, particularly in China.
In lieu of this matter, we would like to ask your assistance in helping us find poignant and touching stories of Success; Love; Family; and Person in the said regions. The said story will be aired not only in the Philippines but also in other regions thru TFC and help raise awareness of the Filipino working class.
We are hoping if you could aid us in this subject and endeavor. If you have questions and inquiries, you could contact us at our office at (02) 4152272 loc 5126, or at my mobile no. (09065208107) or email us at maalaalamokaya@abs-cbn.com
Sincerely yours,
Alora Ramos
Researcher, MMK
ABS-CBN