More than 110 Chinese Catholics from around the world gathered for a joyful and faith-filled Jubilee-year reunion on the high seas during the 7th World Overseas Chinese Pastoral and Evangelization Convention. But alongside the celebration came moments of prayer for the Church in China.
Father Paul Chu and Agnes Tao holding up souvenir rosary beads.
Held aboard the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship from June 29 to July 6, the convention sailed along the scenic Alaskan coastline, was co-hosted by the Chinese Ministry and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vancouver — the first time the international event has been organized in Canada. The long-awaited gathering was initially planned for 2020 but postponed due to pandemic restrictions.
The event drew Chinese Catholics from across the globe, including Toronto, Edmonton, California, New York, Washington, D.C., New Zealand, and Singapore, serving as both a cultural celebration and a spiritual homecoming. It also gave space to reflect on the realities facing Catholics in China who face growing limits on religious freedom.
Father Paul Chu and Father Joseph Ly give an opening address.
Magdalene Lau, president of the Office of Ethnic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, shared how a priest in China recently told her that clergy in his province were forbidden from leaving the country to participate in Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimages.
Father Peter Choy (fifth from right) and his group from New Zealand.
Despite such challenges, Lau said the goal of the international Chinese Catholic community is to remain connected and support one another in faith and culture.
“We are so happy that we can see each other and share our experiences in different countries,” said Lau, who attended the convention with her husband, Michael. “These conventions help us feel connected, even though we live oceans apart.”
A talk on the history of Sheshen Basilica of Shanghai.
Lau said the convention is not only a chance to build friendships but also a reminder of unity. “Wherever you find Chinese Catholics overseas — we are one family,” she said. “We are not alone. In other countries they may not have Chinese spiritual books. We can share what we have. It helps build up the whole community.”
Despite religious restrictions in many parts of the world, Lau remains hopeful for the future: “The Chinese community is not dying. We are quietly moving and listening to God’s will.”
Archbishop Hon (right) leads singing during the Taize evening.
This year’s theme — “I am proud to be Catholic” — was central to a week of Masses, talks, and community-building activities. Archbishop Savio Hon, SDB, originally from Hong Kong and now Apostolic Nuncio to Malta and Libya, delivered the keynote address.
Lena Chen of Canadian Martyrs (left) with friends from Toronto.
The closing Mass was celebrated by Vancouver Archbishop Richard Smith at St. Francis Xavier on July 6.
Archbishops Smith and Hon at the start of the closing Mass.
Vancouver clergy were well represented, including Father Paul Chu, coordinator of Chinese ministry in the Archdiocese of Vancouver; Father Joseph Ly, CSJB; and Father Dominic Hoang of St. Francis Xavier.
Toronto delegates presenting gifts of wine and water to Archbishop Smith.
The World Overseas Chinese Pastoral and Evangelization Convention was launched in 2000 in Rome by Father Paul Pang, OFM. It has since been held in cities including Los Angeles, Singapore, Sydney, Lima, and Auckland.
The next convention is scheduled for 2028 in Toronto.
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