Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin recently spoke at an International Conference, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Concilium Sinense, the first and only Synod of the Catholic Church in China. The Cardinal highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it served as a model for many other mission countries and emphasized the importance of inculturation of the Christian message within local societies.
Archbishop Celso Costantini, the first Apostolic Delegate to China, played a pivotal role in integrating the Catholic faith into Chinese culture. Despite challenges, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the Gospel of Christ took root in Chinese soil and resonated with the local population.
At the conference, attendees discussed the value of the Concilium Sinense in today’s context, particularly in light of Pope Francis’s emphasis on synodality within the Church. The event was not only a reflection on history but also a call to action for the People of God to actively participate in the life of the Church.
Archbishop Costantini’s legacy continues to influence relations between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, especially with the renewed provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops. Both sides have expressed interest in further developing this agreement and deepening their contacts.
Cardinal Parolin and Bishop Shen Bin stressed the importance of building an inculturated Church in China, one that is faithful to the Gospel while integrating traditional Chinese culture. Additionally, speakers at the conference highlighted the significant impact of Catholic missions in China and the world, underscoring the universal nature of the Church beyond European influence.
The conference also featured female speakers, including Zheng Xiaoyun and Professor Elisa Giunipero, who shared valuable insights on the current state of the Church in China and the historical influence of Catholic missions in the region. Their contributions shed light on the transformative power of the Church’s mission efforts and the enduring legacy of Archbishop Costantini’s vision for a Church deeply rooted in Chinese society.
