New Church Nears Completion in China

New Church Nears Completion in China

With a population of 200,000 people, Tianmen seems an appropriate place for the construction of a new church as the name literally means ‘Gate of Heaven’, writes Columban missionary Fr Dan Troy. As Fr Joseph Wang pointed to the bell towers of the new...
China: Celebrating the Assumption in Wuhan

China: Celebrating the Assumption in Wuhan

At the beginning of his homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption, Fr Joseph referred to the artwork at one side of Holy Family Church to make a point about the day’s celebration. His gentle way of highlighting the painting of the Assumption was also a good...
China: Rooted in faith, family and community

China: Rooted in faith, family and community

China’s state examination for senior high school students is seen a major event in life, not only for the students but also for the extended families of the students. As Lily Zhang awaits the results of her recent exams, the news that will arrive very soon is...
Praying Under an Ancient Ginkgo Tree’s Shadow

Praying Under an Ancient Ginkgo Tree’s Shadow

In Wuhan, central China, where I live, I frequently visit the Sisters of Our Lady of Hanyang, a diocesan congregation founded by Bishop Edward Galvin, co-founder of St Columbans Mission Society, writes Fr Dan Troy. Their convent is located right beside St...
A Syrian-born Columban missionary in China

A Syrian-born Columban missionary in China

Fr Dan Troy recalls a fascinating article in the Far East magazine in 1934 by Syrian-born Fr Peter Gabriel, a Columban missionary who lived in China in the 1930s. As the spring rain poured down on Wuhan during the first week of February I was quite happy to delay my...