China is a very diverse
nation containing many different ethnic groups.
Different ethnic groups live in different regions, have different
cultural traditions, languages, and writing systems. The largest ethnic group (estimated to be
approximately 91% of the Chinese population) is the Han ethnic group.
More than 500 Catholics,
most of whom belong to ethnic minorities in Yunnan province (southwest China),
celebrated the 100th anniversary of the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in
Lanniqing [on April 17], whose members are mainly from the Yi ethnic group.
Catholics from various ethnic groups (Han, Miao, Jingpo, Yi and Tibetans) took
part in the celebrations held last week. The parish's centenary also provided
the opportunity to publicly express the gratitude of the entire community to
the French missionary of the “Missions Etrangères de Paris” (MEP), Father Paul
Vial (1855-1917).
The southwestern Chinese
provinces where the missionaries of the Missions Etrangères de Paris worked are
characterized by a strong presence of ethnic minorities who have their own
languages and forms of writing. Father Vial, known in China by his Chinese name
Deng Mingde, was one of the first MEP missionaries to serve in Yunnan and
dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel in the region populated by the Yi
ethnic group. After his ordination in 1879, he traveled to Yunnan and was the
first foreigner to carry out studies on the Yi ethnic group. For these
scientific contributions he also received academic titles in France.
The first small church in
Lanniquing was built in 1893 on the initiative of Father Vial, but the church
soon became inadequate to meet the pastoral needs of the local community.
Finally, the church was rebuilt in 1924 at the initiative of Father Bi Jingxing,
the first priest of the Atsi (a Yi subgroup).
Today, one hundred years
later, the Atsi community has eight local priests. Over the past 100 years, the
Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lanniqing has been tested by several strokes
of fate. The local Catholic community has always entrusted itself to the grace
of God and the intercession of Mary Immaculate, asking that the Church continue
to bear witness to the name of Christ among the local people, also through
works of charity.
The community has
actively participated in charitable initiatives and has also raised funds to
support projects for populations affected by natural disasters. Article from
FIDES missionary news service of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
