On November 2, 2026, Ambassador Anthony C. Y. Ho and Madam Anne Ho visited the motherhouse of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Latin: Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae, abbreviated as CICM) in Belgium, where they donated two artworks, “Jesus the Good Shepherd” and “Jesus Enters the Holy City on a Donkey”, created by the late Taiwanese artist Professor Hsieh Sheng-min, to the CICM. The donation ceremony was attended by Ambassador Jhy-wey Shieh and Madam Shieh of the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium, as well as Rev. Fr. Charles Phukuta, Superior General of CICM, who witnessed the occasion. Rev. Fr. Thomas Hendrikus, Vice Provincial of CICM Belgium, accepted the artworks on behalf of the Congregation. Other attendees included Rev. Fr. Gaby Gheysens, Rector of the CICM community in Belgium, and fellow priests of the Congregation.
In his opening remarks, Vice Provincial Hendrikus noted that Scheut, the birthplace of CICM, symbolizes a “new sprout.” He emphasized the precious and longstanding ties between CICM and Taiwan and expressed hope that Ambassador Ho’s visit would further strengthen their friendship. He also called for the continuation of CICM’s spirit of communion and service, and for joint efforts to sow the seeds of understanding, peace, and hope.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ho expressed gratitude for CICM’s outstanding contributions to Taiwan since the Congregation first sent missionaries to the island in 1955, particularly in education, pastoral care, and social welfare. Through its dedication to faith and love, CICM has built bridges of friendship connecting Taiwan, the Catholic Church, and Belgium. Ambassador Ho noted that, as a democratic and free country, Taiwan exemplifies the values of religious diversity and coexistence. Through the H.O.P.E. Cooperation Framework, the Embassy works closely with the Holy See and the Catholic Church to advance humanitarian assistance, digital education, and women’s empowerment. Guided by the theme “Turning Hope into Action,” these efforts echo the spirit of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te, transforming love for God and the poor into concrete acts of service and compassion.
Ambassador Shieh stated that the Catholic faith has become an integral part of Taiwan’s multicultural fabric, blending with local traditions and cultural symbolism. The artworks of Professor Hsieh Sheng-min are a particularly fine expression of this cultural integration. He emphasized that Taiwan, the Catholic Church, and the Holy See share fundamental values of freedom, human dignity, and humanitarianism. At a time when the international landscape is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly fragmented, he stressed the importance of fostering mutual understanding and solidarity through faith, cultural exchange, and compassion.
In his concluding remarks, Superior General Phukuta expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s longstanding support of CICM and its recognition of the contributions made by generations of CICM missionaries in Taiwan. He explained that, following its renovation, the CICM Museum would be transformed into a space dedicated to cultural exchange, interreligious dialogue, and mutual understanding. He noted that the Embassy’s sponsorship represented not only a profound friendship and mutual trust, but also opened up new opportunities for cooperation in culture, education, and human dignity. He concluded by expressing his hope that the bonds among Taiwan, Belgium, and CICM would continue to deepen, as they jointly uphold their shared mission of respect, friendship, and service to humanity.
During the ceremony, the two ambassadors also represented the Government of Taiwan in supporting the renovation of the CICM Museum and a humanitarian assistance initiative to provide Christmas support to underprivileged communities in Brussels.
In this way, the friendship transcending national borders will not only be preserved through works of art, but also translated into tangible actions that care for the disadvantaged and bring warmth and compassion to those in need.
The late Professor Hsieh Sheng-min, a renowned Taiwanese artist, created a series of works that brought together Taiwan’s traditional culture and the Catholic faith. Through art as a bridge, he sought to create meaningful encounters that foster mutual understanding among people. The two artworks donated on this occasion will be displayed publicly at the CICM Museum, allowing visitors from around the world to discover, through art, the beauty of the fusion of Taiwanese culture and faith.
