The clandestine Church and the patriotic Church in China

Historia mariana china

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Catholic Church in China has been divided into two communities: the "clandestine Church" (or "underground Church"), faithful to Rome, and the "patriotic Church" (or "official Church"), controlled by the government. This division has been one of the most painful and complex realities of the Church in China.

The birth of the patriotic Church

In 1957, the communist government founded the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (PCA), an organization that sought to control the life of the Catholic Church in the country. The Patriotic Association rejected the authority of the Pope and appointed its own bishops without the approval of the Holy See.

Catholics who refused to join the Patriotic Association were considered "counterrevolutionaries" and suffered reprisals. Many priests and bishops were imprisoned or sent to work camps for their loyalty to the Pope.

Iglesia clandestine

Catholics who refused to join the Patriotic Association formed the "clandestine Church" or "underground Church." This Church met in secret, celebrated Mass in private houses and maintained communion with the Pope at risk of his freedom and life.

The Virgin Mary was the protector of the clandestine Church. The faithful entrusted themselves to the Virgin Mary, praying the rosary and bearing the Miraculous Medal as a sign of protection. The devotion to Our Lady of China was the center of the spiritual life of the clandestine Church.

La Iglesia patriótica

The patriotic Church, controlled by the government, celebrated mass in official churches and recognized the authority of the Patriotic Association. The bishops of the patriotic Church were appointed by the government, without the approval of the Holy See.

Despite the differences, many faithful of the patriotic Church maintained a deep Marian devotion. The official churches venerated the Virgin Mary and celebrated the Marian parties, although under the supervision of the government.

Division and unity

The division between the clandestine Church and the patriotic Church has been a source of pain and conflict within the Church in China. Many faithful felt divided between their loyalty to the Pope and the pressure of the government.

In recent years, the Holy See and the Chinese government have sought ways of reconciliation. The 2018 interim agreement on the appointment of bishops was an important step towards the unity of the Church in China.

Marian devotion as a bridge of unity

Devotion to the Virgin Mary has been a bridge of unity between the clandestine Church and the patriotic Church. Both communities venerate the Virgin Mary and celebrate the Marian parties. The devotion to Our Lady of China, to the Miraculous Medal and to the Holy Rosary is shared by both communities.

The Virgin Mary, as Mother of the Church, is seen as the one who can unite Chinese Catholics in faith and charity, overcoming political and ideological divisions.