The Catholic Churches of Ürümqi

Örümqi, Xinjiang, China

Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang, is located in the heart of Central Asia. The autonomous Uigur region of Xinjiang, a Muslim majority, houses a tiny Catholic community that has maintained the faith despite enormous difficulties.

History of Evangelization in Xinjiang

The Catholic presence in Xinjiang is very old but always very small. The first Catholic missionaries who crossed the region were the Franciscan in the 14th century, on their way along the Silk Route. However, it was not until the 19th century that stable communities were established.

The Society of Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP) sent missionaries to Xinjiang in the second half of the 19th century. Evangelization was extremely difficult because of the hostility of the Muslim environment and the vast distances of the territory.

La iglesia de Ürümqi

The small Catholic church of Ürümqi was built in the early 20th century. The building, modest and discreet, has served as the centre of Catholic life in the region. The church has been restored after the damage of the various persecutions.

Persecution and survival

The Catholic community of Xinjiang has been persecuted both during the Cultural Revolution and in the current restrictions of the government. Religious practice is severely limited and the faithful must act with extreme caution.

Xinjiang today

The Catholic community of Xinjiang is currently extremely small. The church of Ürümqi celebrates masses with very few faithful, but keeps alive the flame of faith in one of China's most remote regions.