The Catholic Churches of Haikou

Haikou, Sacrifice, China

Haikou, the capital of Hainan Island, houses a small but faithful Catholic community. The island of Hainan, the most southern of China, has maintained the Catholic faith thanks to the perseverance of its faithful and the proximity to South-East Asia.

History of evangelization in Hainan

The island of Hainan was evangelized by the missionaries of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP) in the 19th century. In 1850 the first missionaries arrived on the island, establishing small Catholic communities in Haikou and in coastal cities.

Hainan's island position made it difficult for missionaries to arrive, but it also protected the Catholic community from continental persecution. The faithful of Hainan maintained close contacts with the Catholic communities of Vietnam and the Philippines.

Las iglesias de Haikou

The main Catholic church in Haikou was built in the late 19th century by French missionaries. The modest but well-preserved building has served as the center of Catholic life on the island.

Persecution and survival

During the Cultural Revolution, the church of Haikou was closed and desecrated. However, the clandestine Catholic community kept faith alive. After the religious opening of the 1980s, the church was restored.

Hainan today

At present, the Catholic community of Hainan is still active, maintaining links with the Chinese communities of South-East Asia. The church celebrates regular masses.