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A memory that opens to the future of the mission
A century after the historic episcopal consecration of the first six Chinese prelates, the Pontifical Urban University is hosting on Thursday, November 5 the international conference titled “The Face of the Universal Church in China”.
The initiative, promoted by Agenzia Fides, aims to commemorate a decisive milestone for contemporary Catholicism, while offering a space for reflection on today’s perspectives of dialogue, co-responsibility, and fraternal communion.
Two prelates arriving directly from the People’s Republic of China will take part in the study day: Joseph Li Shan, Archbishop of Beijing, ordained in 2007 with an apostolic mandate from Benedict XVI, and Ignatius Ding Zuyao, Bishop of Haimen, consecrated within the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the Beijing government.
Monsignor Ding Zuyao ideally takes up the baton from Simon Zhu Kaimin, who in 1926 was among the six pastors consecrated in Rome and became the first apostolic vicar of Haimen. The program will also include contributions from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, Jesuit Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau Yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, and Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
The missionary turning point of 1926
On October 28, 1926, in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Pius XI personally consecrated Odorico Cheng Hede, Melchior Sun Dezhen, Joseph Hu Ruoshan, Philip Zhao Huaiyi, Simon Zhu Kaimin, and Aloysius Chen Guodi. Until then, the leadership of ecclesiastical jurisdictions on Chinese soil was entrusted exclusively to foreign missionaries. The Pontiff’s gesture inaugurated a profound pastoral renewal, aimed at freeing the apostolic proclamation from the constraints and logic of colonial influence.
This milestone was prepared by the foresight of Pope Benedict XV, expressed in the famous apostolic letter “Maximum illud”. The legacy was then consolidated by the Plenary Council of Shanghai in 1924, thanks to the patient work of Archbishop Celso Costantini, the first apostolic delegate to China.
Ecclesial communion and shared journey
Celebrating this anniversary serves as a reminder that evangelization authentically flourishes when it is incarnated in local culture and recognizes the full dignity of the native clergy. The meeting between Chinese bishops and representatives of the Roman Curia bears witness to the fruitfulness of fraternity and dialogue, indispensable pillars for building lasting bridges in the service of the common good.
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Source: Vatican News
