On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Holy See, the conference “Beautiful Taiwan, the Field of God” was hosted Rome on July 11, 2022. The event marked the 80 years of friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican guided by a path of fraternity, solidarity, and defense of the weakest and most vulnerable people.
“Missionaries not only established hospitals, schools, orphanages, and retired homes, but also helped sustain the local language and culture,” “The Church of Taiwan has answered Holy Father’s teachings very well and very positively. Today, we are recalling Taiwan’s evangeligation’s experience in order to work together, helping one another to make the world more inclusive, just, peaceful, and sustaninable”, affirmed Ambassador Matthew S.M. LEE, reminding the audience of the importance of the Catholic Church in Taipei.
Ambassador Matthew S.M. Lee and the Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization H.E. Msgr. Protase Rugambwa delivered the introductory addresses, while the speakers were three priests who have lived and worked in Taiwan for many years and mastered its culture and language: Fr. Gianni Criveller of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Mission, Camillian missionary Fr. Felice Chech, and the Under-secretary of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue Fr. Paulin Batairwa Kubuya. Prof. Peter Kuo Hsiuoung Chiang was the moderator. Among the over 80 attendees were members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, religious of different congregations, journalists as well as Embassy’s friends.
In his introductory address, Msgr. Protase Rugambwa explained how to spread the Gospel to the Taiwanese people, because Taiwan is really a field of God, we are still at the beginning, there is still much work to do together, but we need to move forward following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” He concluded his speech by saying that “it is urgent to give a powerful impetus to evangelization so that this Field of God may truly become a significant reality for evangelization activities in Asia, a light, a powerful beacon which testimonies God’s love conveyed in Jesus Christ.”
Fr. Gianni Crivelli summarized the Catholic mission on the island, underlying that, in Taiwan, “The Church is free and peaceful. Freedom, pluralism, and dialogue among believers of different faith and democracy are common traits,” while Fr. Felice Chech recounted his human journey in Taiwan at the service of the sick and the fruits it has produced: hospitals, centers for people with disabilities and orphanages. The missionary reminded the attendees that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Camillian arrival in Taiwan. Then, Fr. Paulin defined Taiwan as “A Land of Religious Diversity” since “different religious expressions co-exist in a rather harmonious way.” Last, members of different religious congregations actively participated in the conference by briefly sharing their missionary testimonies in Taiwan.
On July 1st, the Embassy has inaugurated the “Friendly Taiwan meets Fratelli Tutti. Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition” within the context of the initiatives hosted to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Holy See. All these events wish to emphasize how much the Church’s century-long presence has been vital for the development of Taiwan, as stated in the past by President Tsai Ing-wen.
