The Catholic Churches of Nanjing

Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Nanjing, the "capital of the south," has been an important Catholic center in lower Yangon since the 16th century. The city, the former capital of the Republic of China, houses several historical churches that testify to the presence of faith in the Jiangsu region.

History of evangelization in Jiangsu

The province of Jiangsu was evangelized by the Jesuits in the 16th century. Father Matteo Ricci visited Nanjing in 1599 and established a mission that became one of the centers of Jesuit activity in China. Subsequently, the Franciscan and missionaries of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP) continued the evangelizing work.

In 1658, the Apostolic Vicariate of Nanjing was established, covering a vast region of eastern China. The province was the scene of major persecutions, especially during the Boxers Rebellion (1900) and the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949).

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Nanjing

The Nanjing Cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, was built in 1870 by French missionaries. The building, in a neo-Gothic style, was designed by the French architect Louis Doré. The cathedral is 40 meters long and its tower is 35 meters high.

The interior of the cathedral houses a major altar of marble imported from Italy, as well as a series of vitrals representing scenes of the life of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral has been restored several times, the last time in 2000.

Other notable churches in Nanjing

Iglesia de San José: Built in 1910 by French missionaries, this church served as a parish for Catholics in the western district of the city. Its neo-Gothic architecture contrasts with the traditional Chinese temples around it.

Church of the Sacred Heart: Built in 1925, this church was the center of pastoral activity among Nanjing university students. During the communist persecution, she was converted into a school and then returned to veneration.

The martyrs of Jiangsu

Jiangsu province has given many martyrs to the Church. During the Boxer Rebellion (1900), several Chinese missionaries and faithful were killed. Among the best known martyrs are parents Pietro Cesari and Giovanni Battista Tornatore, missionaries of the MEP.

During the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), the persecution intensified. Many priests and religious were imprisoned or executed. The Catholic community of Nanjing suffered especially during this period.

La fe en Nanjing hoy

At present, the diocese of Nanjing has an active Catholic community, although subject to the restrictions of the Chinese government. The cathedral celebrates daily masses and is a place of pilgrimage for the faithful of the whole province. The Catholic community of Jiangsu has kept alive its tradition of Marian devotion, especially to the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Perpetual Relief.