On Wednesday, October 5, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Holy See celebrated a triple anniversary: its National Day that commemorates its establishment on October 10, 1911; the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Holy See, and the 100th Anniversary of the first Apostolic Delegate Cardinal Celso Costantini to the Republic of China. The celebration was hosted inside the Pontifical Urban College.
The event, which saw the attendance of more than 250 people, including the Secretary for Relations with States, Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, and the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re; as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See and religious of different congregations, opened with the national anthems of both countries. Then, Ambassador Matthew S.M. Lee delivered his address.
It was a propitious occasion to remember the sacrifices of these past 111 years that lead to the success of Taiwan as a rich, industrialized, and high-tech nation. Ambassador Lee emphasized role played by the Church role in the development of contemporary Taiwan. The Church has made significant contributions to the local society and considerably improved the people’s quality of life. “The Church opened schools, colleges and universities that educated, and continue to educate, thousands of students each year, and also established - and currently runs - twelve large hospitals and more than 100 nursing homes.”
The address also focused on the partnership with the Holy See, that during the pandemic allowed Taiwan to provide material aids in accordance with the true spirit of “Friendly Taiwan-Fratellitutti.” Taiwan and the Holy See will continue to work together to help those in need.
Representing the Holy See, Archbishop Gallagher spoke on the decade long relation of friendship with Taiwan: “I thank Taiwan and the Embassy for the activities of solidarity that have been shown in recent years, particularly in the context of the COVID pandemic. I also like to acknowledge the great work that has been done by the Embassy in support of Taiwanese priests and religious in the world.”
In light of the severe international tensions, Ambassador Lee called for caution and rationality, but always upholding freedom and democracy.”it is more important than ever for democracies to stand together!” Lee said, while echoing Pope Francis’ recent words that “Peace is possible when weapons are silenced and dialogue begins!”.
“Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, in order to ensure the very existence of global democracy,” emphasized Lee. He also reiterated that Taipei is working every day to strengthen ties with the Holy See and the global democratic community. “The goal is to show the international community that Taiwan is a force for good in the world.”
In honor of the 80-year-old friendship, Taiwan accompanied the guests with the background music played by One Song Orchestra and arranged by multi-awarded composer and musician Lee, Chen-Yi. Taiwan also paid homage to the Holy See with the actual singing of the lyrics of the Holy See National Anthem by Soprano Liu Mon-Chieh, a powerful performance that touched the heart of the participating missionaries. She also accompanied with her splendid voice three choreographies of traditional Taiwanese dances featuring ten Italian artists of the Yang Yu Lin Dance Group. The grace and elegance of the Taiwanese dances coupled with the drive and passion of Liu Mon-Chieh were the perfect ending to the event.
