A History of Service in China
The Columban presence in China began in 1920 in the city of Hanyang in the Chinese province of Hupeh and in continues today with ministries to people in Hong Kong and Mainland China. These ministries form part of the Universal Church's expression of hope for all the people of China, the largest population of any nation in the history of humanity.
Helping Those in Need
Giving Hope
The priests and lay missionaries in China minister to the basic needs of people regardless of race or religion.
Columbans in China
China Mission Began in 1920
In 1920, the first group of Columban Fathers left their familiar surroundings to fulfill the mission in China for which they were commissioned. The Holy See assigned the Columbans to the city of Hanyang in the Chinese province of Hupeh in December 1919 (Far East, August 1920). An “advance party” of Columbans, consisting of Fathers Edward J. Galvin, John Blowick, and Owen MacPolin, arrived in China in June 1920.