ASIA/CHINA - The Immaculate Conception of Shenjiadou - "Fishermen's Church" - reopens

Hangzhou (Agenzia Fides) – "I was baptized here and now I feel I have rediscovered the source of my faith," said eighty-year-old Joseph Liu Bin, visibly moved and grateful at the end of the solemn liturgy for the reconsecration and reopening of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Shenjiadou, Huzhou. The Bishop of Hangzhou, Joseph Yang Yongqiang, presided over the solemn liturgy on January 17, the Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot, which was attended by dozens of diocesan priests and 500 lay people. The church was fully restored thanks to the commitment of the priests and the faithful, as well as the financial support of the relevant authorities. The restoration preserved elements of the original architecture – some Chinese, some Western – while simultaneously improving safety. The church in Huzhou is one of the best-preserved historical churches in all of Zhejiang Province. It stands as a living testament to the faith journey of the local Catholic community. That is why Joseph Liu has tears in his eyes as he recounts, "it was truly moving to attend Mass in the restored church. I was baptized here as a child. After the church was damaged, we could only gather in makeshift places. Seeing it today in its former glory is like rediscovering the sources of our faith."
In his homily, Bishop Joseph Yang reflected on the history of the church and the local community, urging everyone to persevere in prayer so they could remain steadfast in their faith and share it with others. Several choirs from parishes in Hangzhou made this special day for the Shenjiadou community particularly memorable with their singing. Volunteers ensured the smooth running of the celebration and had also carefully prepared medical assistance and support for the many elderly people present. Civil authorities guaranteed full compliance with safety protocols. The area of Huzhou where the reopened church is located was originally a fishing village. Consequently, most of the Catholics are also fishermen. The Gospel arrived in this area between 1627 and 1644. During the persecutions of the 18th century, missionaries were forced to hide on fishing boats and continue their work secretly at night, remaining hidden on the boats during the day. The Shenjiadou Church was first built in 1895 during the Guangxu Qing Dynasty. It was reopened on September 22, 1989, and underwent restoration in 2005. (Agenzia Fides, 29/1/2026)

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