The Cathedral of Beijing: the Immaculate Conception (Nantang)

Beijing, China

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Beijing, known locally as "Nantang" ("Southern Church"), is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the Chinese capital and one of the most important religious buildings in the city.

History of the Cathedral

The Beijing Cathedral has its origin in the Jesuit mission of the 17th century. In 1605, Father Matteo Ricci established a chapel in the centre of Beijing, which became the core of the Catholic presence in the imperial capital. The present cathedral, built in 1904 in a neo-Gothic style, is the fourth reconstruction of the original temple.

The cathedral has been a center of Catholic life in Beijing for more than four centuries. Here the first masses were held in the imperial capital, and here the Jesuits established their contact with the court of the Qing emperors.

Devotion to the Immaculate Conception

The dedication of the cathedral to the Immaculate Conception reflects the deep Marian devotion of the Catholics of Beijing. The image of the Immaculate Conception venerated in the cathedral has been the object of a popular devotion over the centuries.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception (8 December) is one of the most important celebrations of the cathedral. The faithful come in mass to participate in solemn masses and processions.

The cathedral during the persecution

During the Boxer Rebellion (1900), the cathedral was attacked and seriously damaged. During the Cultural Revolution (1966- 1976), the cathedral was desecrated and converted into a warehouse. However, the clandestine Catholic community kept the faith alive, celebrating masses in private houses.

After the religious opening of the 1980s, the cathedral was restored and returned to veneration. The Catholic community of Beijing has kept alive its tradition of Marian devotion, especially to the Immaculate Conception.

The cathedral today

At present, the Cathedral of Beijing is the seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Beijing. It celebrates daily masses in Mandarin and is a place of pilgrimage for Catholics throughout China. The cathedral is also an important meeting point between the Catholic Church and the Chinese government.