NEW YORK—U.S. Catholic China Bureau (the Bureau)’s 27th Biennial National Conference will be held at St. John’s University in New York during August 11-13, 2017. As the important gathering about the Catholic Church in China, the conference,brings together clergy, religious brothers and sisters, and lay people of different backgrounds to share the hope and sufferings of the tested faithful in this frontier of evangelization.
“… our previous conferences balance policy discussion; pastoral and evangelization experience, and scholarly exchange, this year we will continue this heritage,” said Passionist Father Rob Carbonneau, Ph.D., the Executive Director of the China Bureau. “We strive to satisfy the varying personal and professional needs of those who choose to sacrifice three days to care for their Chinese brothers and sisters”
One keynote speech this year, which will touch the much-needed reconciliation and coping strategies in the Church in China, is from Archbishop Eugene Nugent, the Holy See Study Mission Director of Hong Kong 2001-2010. Panelists on the weekend will talk about all sorts of historical and contemporary issues, ranging from missionary experiences and historical events and figures, to the situation of the Chinese Protestants and the interaction between Chinese and American Catholics in today’s American society.
“A special highlight is a cohort of Chinese priests and sisters, who are currently working on their advanced degrees under the sponsorship of U.S.-based congregations and individuals,” conference director Columban Father Tom Glennon emphasized. “They will be sharing their individual ministries in different parts of China, their struggles and hope, as well as some facts about the Church in China. Their on-the-ground knowledge and witness will help build much understanding for American Catholics regarding the Church in China.
Out of these educational sessions, a Saturday bilingual liturgy will be presided by Bishop Ignatius Wang, Archdiocese of San Francisco (open to public). This is followed by a banquet to honor Matteo Ricci Award recipient: Maryknoll Sister Janet Carroll, the founding Executive Director of the China Bureau. An Italian Jesuit priest, Matteo Ricci was the first European to enter the Forbidden City of Beijing in 1601 when invited by the Wanli Emperor, and one of the founding figures of the Jesuit China missions. His 1602 map of the world in Chinese characters introduced the findings of European exploration to East Asia.
“Countless participants of the past 27 years told us that it is especially through these cultural and social opportunities during the conference that bring each other closer to their mutual interests and the Chinese culture. In the great spirit of Father Ricci, we build friendship and solidarity with our sister Church in China. This gathering enables people to joyfully realize that they are not alone in their efforts for the good of the Chinese people.” Jesuit professor Michael Agliardo, former Board Chair and succeeding Executive Director of the China Bureau, recalled the interpersonal and spiritual benefits the conference program has provided. “In fact, another best kept secret in our flagship programming is our China Study Tour. For many years, American church leaders and lay people have had the unique chance to visit key religious and cultural sites in China, and witness the faith of their Chinese counterparts, through our deep connection with the Chinese Church.”
Founded in 1989 by the Society of Jesus and Maryknoll, U.S. Catholic China Bureau aims to bridge the Church in the two countries through its service opportunities as well as its educational and cultural programs. Over the years, the leadership of this humble organization has been served by representatives from major religious congregations in the U.S. (with their respective programs such as Maryknoll’s China Educators and Formators Project and Vincentian’s Chinese Leadership Initiative), along with some recent notable people such as Sr. Catherine McNamee, CSJ, Ph.D. and Professor Richard Madsen.
Visit http://www.uscatholicchina.org/ to register.
