The Catholic Churches of Nanning

Nanning, Guangx, China

Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, has been a Catholic center in the southern end of China. The province of Guangxi, border to Vietnam, has maintained a small but faithful Catholic community over the centuries.

History of Evangelization in Guangxi

The province of Guangxi was evangelized by the missionaries of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP) in the 19th century. In 1875, the Apostolic Vicariate of Guangxi was established, covering the border region with Vietnam.

Guangxi's border position facilitated contacts with the Church in Vietnam, which influenced the Marian devotion of the region. The missionaries established churches in the main cities and rural communities.

The churches of Nanning

The main Catholic church in Nanning was built in the late 19th century by French missionaries. The building, of a modest neo-Gothic style, has served as the center of Catholic life in the city. The church has been restored after the damage of the Cultural Revolution.

Persecution and survival

During the Cultural Revolution, the churches of Guangxi were closed and desecrated. The Catholic community suffered a particularly severe persecution. However, faith survived in the underground.

Nanning today

At present, the Catholic community of Nanning is still active under government restrictions. The church celebrates regular masses and is the center of Marian devotion for the faithful of Guangxi.