A Memorable and Joyful Day
John Chen Fu-Chun, cicm
Intern in Hong Kong
The Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary gracefully celebrated its 70th Anniversary of missionary presence in Taiwan—CICM Taiwan Platinum Jubilee. The 28th of November 2025 was marked as the closing ceremony of this Jubilee Year. The Most Rev. Martin Su Yao-wen, Bishop of the Diocese of Taichung, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration at Saint Paul's Parish. This humble CICM Mission presence is located in Taichung, Taiwan.
Thanksgiving and Revelation – Understanding God's Mysterious Plan and Missionary Work
I am grateful for the blessing to participate in this celebration after returning from my studies in the Philippines—a timing I see as part of God's mysterious plan. This experience has deepened my understanding of CICM missionary work in Taiwan, providing not just a review of history but a reflection on its present relevance. Through participation, I sought to discern the message God intends for the modern Church, missionaries, and the people of Taiwan: a timeless calling. The CICM Taiwan Platinum Jubilee, occurring alongside the universal Church's Jubilee Year 2025, marked seventy years of dedicated missionary work, highlighted concern for peace and the poor, and revealed the Gospel spirit of simplicity and tranquility. Ultimately, it demonstrated that 'evangelization is our joy' remains the essence of this Jubilee Year.
Three Innovative Contributions to Taiwan
The homily was given by the humorous and witty Willy Ollevier. He linked CICM missionaries, who were fulfilling the mission work, to Jesus, who was proclaiming the Kingdom of God to the local people. He specifically mentioned three important innovative contributions that CICM had brought to Taiwan over the past seventy years.
First, language. When CICM first came to Taiwan, the Mass was still held in Latin. Although Latin sounded beautiful, most people could not understand it. Using Latin made it difficult for participants to deeply comprehend the meaning of the Mass. About 10 years after arriving in Taiwan, CICM changed the language in the liturgy from Latin to the local languages. Fr. Frederic Vincent Lebbe, the founder of Little Brothers of the Congregation of St. John the Baptist, promoted the localization of the Chinese church. He once proposed, "China belongs to the Chinese, and the Chinese belong to Christ." CICM quietly learned and practiced this spirit of evangelization through such language change.
Second, synodality. CICM recognized early on the importance of journeying hand in hand with the lay communities, rather than merely venerating priests. A priest is not a boss, but someone who serves everyone. One practice of this innovation is that CICM has established a Pastoral Center and provided scholarships for students to study theology abroad, including in Belgium. After graduation, these students may continue to work with priests in evangelistic work.
Thirdly, working alongside society. Missionary religious orders should take practical steps to meet society's needs. Within two years of arriving in Taiwan, CICM established a primary school, followed by a secondary school. Of note was the special education program for people with physical or mental challenges. Antoine Maes found out that some of these children’s parents were unable to care for them, so he decided to establish a special education school for them. CICM also established a center to provide services for the homeless. Despite these three innovative contributions, CICM-Taiwan still has much work to do in the Diocese of Taichung and throughout the Church.
More Remarks on the Event
Before the solemn Blessing at Mass, the following remarks were delivered by some CICM confreres, Bishop Martin Su Yao-wen, and the representative of Saint Paul's Parish. First: Anthony Lim Pheck Leng, General Councilor representing Fr. Charles Phukuta, CICM Superior General, recounted in detail how the Congregation arrived in Taiwan and began its evangelistic work in a very simple way, meeting the needs of the local community. Following the first four CICM missionaries who arrived in Taiwan from Keelung Port at different times in the early period, Frs. Antoine Maes, Marcel Goffart, Frans De Ridder, and Willy Ollevier can be considered the “Big Four” of the CICM missionaries in Taiwan. Next, the congregation devoted itself to education, social services, and special education for people with challenges. CICM also expanded its care to include psychological counseling, services for the elderly, and tutoring for children. Some of these ministries continue to operate today. In the early 1900s, a number of services began shifting into the care of the Diocese. The Dioceses began to assume responsibility for caring for those in need, and our Congregation fully cooperated and supported the Dioceses' growth. Furthermore, CICM worked hand in hand with laity groups. Their enthusiastic assistance enabled the evangelization work to proceed smoothly. Gradually, the younger members of CICM in Taiwan mostly came from DR Congo and the Philippines, rather than Belgium. CICM continued to actively participate in pastoral and evangelistic work in the Archdiocese of Taipei and the Diocese of Taichung. Whenever a local bishop requests it, CICM is willing to accept the task.
The General Councilor, Anthony Lim, thanked Most Rev. Thomas Chung An-zu, Bishop of the Archdiocese of Taipei, and Bishop Martin Su Yao-wen of the Diocese of Taichung; all priests, religious brothers and sisters, partners within the Church, and everyone who had journeyed with the congregation on the mission work, for in a special way they were all Friends of CICM. CICM will forever be grateful and continue to work earnestly with everyone to proclaim the Gospel in Taiwan. In addition to speaking on behalf of the Superior General, Fr. Anthony Lim also shared his own thoughts. He specifically mentioned that due to the rapid changes in the times, such as the decline of extended families, low birth rates, and the influence of secular values, evangelization must respond in a new direction: stepping out of our churches. We need to unite and invite brothers and sisters to join our small communities to share the beauty of the Gospel. Evangelization and pastoral care are all our shared work; let us join hands with the congregation for the next seventy years.
Next to speak was Fr. Antonius Harnoko, Provincial Superior of the CICM Province of Asia. He thanked God for His grace and everyone for their selfless dedication, making the celebration a success. He said that the Congregation earnestly requested everyone to continue supporting CICM’s evangelical works. Through this celebration, CICM also renewed the Contract with the Diocese of Taichung as a symbol of the continued cooperation.
Then Fr. Norbert Khonde Khonde, District Superior of the CICM-Taiwan District, spoke thereafter. He introduced all CICM members present in a humorous manner. Of note were some members who came to Taiwan for the event and were relatively unfamiliar with the Taiwanese Catholic community, especially the members of the Provincial Government: Fr. Dominique Mukonda Kananga, Vice Provincial and District Superior of the China-Hong Kong District; Fr. Joni Payuk, District Superior of the Indonesia-Singapore District; Fr. Matthew Ndjeok Golime, District Superior of the Mongolia District; Fr. Peter Koh, also the Provincial Treasurer, and Fr. Louland Escabusa , the Provincial Secretary. Bro. Jean-Pierre Musongiela, who had arrived a few days earlier at his mission destination, Taiwan, was also introduced. Bishop Martin Su Yao-wen, on behalf of the Diocese of Taichung, expressed gratitude to CICM for their generous contributions and praised their spirit of One Heart, One Soul. Mr. Meng, the representative of Saint Paul's Parish, also expressed special thanks and commendation to Fr. Antoine Maes for his relentless work as a former parish priest, leading the flock of our Lord Jesus.
The Thought-Provoking Situation in Taiwan Highlights the Challenges that CICM Faces
The closing ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee Year was concluded by a delightful lunch. After the enjoyable meal, there was a reluctant farewell. My reflections on this blessed day also include thoughts on some of the realities facing Taiwan, my hometown.
Following the Korean War in the 1950s, the United States provided large-scale aid to Taiwan. Because food aid was distributed through the Church system, some people in Taiwan began going to churches to collect it. From 1949 to 1953, many Catholic priests and nuns, driven by political situations, came to Taiwan. At that time, many indigenous people converted to Christianity, a period known as the "Miracle of Formosa." Statistics show that between 1950 and 1970, approximately 300,000 Taiwanese converted to Catholicism, including about 120,000 indigenous people. The arrival of CICM in Taiwan (1955) coincided with the island's period of transformation.
However, since the 1970s, the number of believers has remained around 300,000, with no significant increase. Meanwhile, Taiwan was experiencing rapid population growth. Therefore, it can be said that the proportion of believers has decreased rather than increased. Some studies on this interesting phenomenon suggest that the stagnation of the Catholic Church since the 1970s can be attributed to several factors: improved socio-economic conditions have led to a decrease in people's religious needs; traditional culture's resistance to foreign religions; the revival of folk beliefs; and the migration of religious populations. With the economic boom, secular values began to permeate Taiwanese society. There is a classic chewing gum advertisement's line that says: "If I like it, what's wrong with it!" In Taiwan's education system, public schools are prohibited from promoting or conducting activities for specific religions and cannot force teachers and students to participate. While private schools may conduct specific religious activities in accordance with their educational principles, they must respect teachers' and students' wishes and may not engage in so-called "discrimination."
Evangelization, therefore, is a sensitive activity even in Catholic schools. According to statistics, suicide has become the second leading cause of death among teenagers in Taiwan, second only to accidental injuries. The suicide rate among 15–24-year-olds has more than doubled in the last 10 years. In addition, Taiwan has the second-highest divorce rate in Asia and one of the lowest birth rates in the world. In Asia, Taiwan was the first to legalize same-sex marriage. From these, we can see that liberal values have become so dominant in Taiwan. Will the Catholic Church in Taiwan become the last guiding light for ships adrift in the darkest of times?
In addition to addressing ethical concerns, another phenomenon reflects the growing need for interreligious dialogue in Taiwan. There are many traditional religions in Taiwan. According to statistics, as of now, the total number of registered temples in Taiwan is 10, 962. According to this fact, on average, there is a temple every 3.3 square kilometers, reflecting the diversity of religious culture in Taiwan. The faith which the Church offers as a gift to her Asian sons and daughters cannot be confined within the limits of understanding and expression of any single human culture, for it transcends these limits and indeed challenges all cultures to rise to new heights of understanding and expression. (Ecclesia in Asia, 20) The Church has the deepest respect for these traditions and seeks to engage in sincere dialogue with its followers. The religious values they teach await their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. (Ecclesia in Asia, 6) Therefore, CICM missionaries should keep in mind the pressing need of the local Churches in Asia to present the mystery of Christ to their peoples in accordance with their cultural patterns and ways of thinking. (Ecclesia in Asia, 20).
To sum up, the Spirit keeps inspiring us to continue moving forward in the changing world and to fulfill God’s mission. The Church, sent by Christ to reveal and to communicate the love of God to all men and nations, is aware that there still remains a gigantic missionary task for her to accomplish. (Ad Gentes, 10) In Asia, home to great religions where individuals and entire peoples are thirsting for the divine, the Church is called to be a praying Church, deeply spiritual even as she engages in immediate human and social concerns. All Christians need a true missionary spirituality of prayer and contemplation. (Ecclesia in Asia 23) Children of God need divine healing, renewal, sanctification, and transformation. CICM missionaries in Taiwan, as “men of prayer in fraternal communion”, continue proclaiming the Good News in the local context and in the CICM mission-oriented way.
MESSAGE OF THE CICM SUPERIOR GENERAL, FATHER CHARLES PHUKUTA, CICM, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (CICM) MISSIONARY PRESENCE IN TAIWAN
Your Excellency, Bishop Martin Su, fellow priests, religious brothers and sisters, Father Provincial Superior, and all CICM confreres, lay collaborators, friends of CICM, and brothers and sisters in Christ, greetings from Rome! Filled with joy, my thoughts and prayers are with you on this special occasion of the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of CICM Missionary Presence in Taiwan.
The story of CICM in Taiwan began on January 17, 1955, with the arrival of four CICM missionaries: Remi Van Hyfte, Pierre Crevits, André Baert, and Albert Geusens. They arrived at the port in Keelung and then went to Taipei City, Wanhua District, where CICM was entrusted by the Apostolic Vicar of Taipei, Bishop Guo Ruoshi, CDD (Congregatio Discipulorum Domini), to proclaim the Gospel and to establish the Catholic Church. CICM missionaries chose the Wanhua District because it was home to many needy people. This reflects the charism of CICM: to proclaim the Gospel and spread the love of God to the poor.
With humble beginnings in renting apartments, gathering for prayers, and listening to the gospels, the mission gradually grew into parishes with churches and Christian communities. Several months after their arrival, the Holy Rosary Parish was established in 1955. In 1957, Resurrection Parish on Dali Street and Christ the Savior Parish on Liuchou Street were founded. The Sanctuary of St. Theresa of Lisieux was established in 1958. CICM's commitment to the mission in Taiwan was evident through its continued sending of missionaries. After the first four missionaries arrived in January 1955, two more were sent later that year. In 1956, six missionaries were sent; in 1957, four; and in 1959, three missionaries arrived, including Fr. Ma Shi Guang (Antoine Maes), who is present among us. In the following years, about one or two missionaries were sent each year. Fr. Hou Fa De (Marcel Goffart) arrived in 1964, Fr. Lin Rui De (Frans De Ridder) in 1965, and Fr. Wu Wei Li (Willy Ollevier) came to Taiwan in 1971. They are here with us.
Proclaiming the Gospel and establishing Christian communities were the main missionary activities early on. However, after some years, following Jesus' example in reaching out to the poor, CICM shifted its focus to education and social ministry. Many children in the Wanhua District lacked access to education. CICM opened parochial kindergartens, Catholic elementary schools, and Catholic High School. Later, in response to the needs of children who are physically and mentally challenged, CICM established Special Education Centers.
In 1965, at the invitation of the Bishop of Taichung, CICM began missionary work in Taichung City by founding St. Paul Parish on Daya Road. Since then, CICM missionaries have continued to serve in the Diocese of Taichung.
As the years went by, Taiwan developed and expanded. New social issues emerged. CIC started addressing these problems, such as the increasing number of homeless people in Wanhua, the demand for psychological counseling and human development programs, and an aging population. As a result, CICM established Huai Jen Counseling Center, the House of Peace for homeless individuals, the Elderly People Center, and the Children After-school Care Center. Some of these centers are still in operation.
The proclamation of the Gospel is always linked to concrete actions, like reaching out to those in need. We are called to be the "Good Samaritan"! That is why CICM, in addition to founding parishes and Christian communities, also participates in education and social work.
Another characteristic of CICM is its role in establishing and supporting the local church. In the 1990s, the Archdiocese of Taipei became a fully established and self- reliant local church. It was then time to transfer the management of schools and some social services to the local church. Consequently, all kindergartens, elementary schools, high schools, and special education centers were handed over to the Archdiocese of Taipei, with CICM supporting these efforts. We are glad that the local church can now take on the responsibility of reaching out to those in need, as Jesus told his disciples: "You give them something to eat!" The local church must grow, and we missionaries will continue supporting this development.
Over the years, CICM missionaries achieved these goals through the generous support and collaboration of many laypeople in the parishes and Christian communities. As foreign missionaries, we depend on many lay collaborators to help proclaim the gospel as teachers, catechists, administrators, caregivers, special educators, and "willing hands." Without their support, it would have been impossible.
In recent years, the younger missionaries have come from Congo and the Philippines rather than Belgium. Today, CICM continues its involvement in the Archdiocese of Taipei and the Diocese of Taichung. We are pleased to keep working alongside the local church to share the Gospel with the people of Taiwan within these two dioceses. We are here to serve the local church! In other words, our missionaries are ready to respond to the local church's call, through its bishop, to undertake specific missionary tasks within the diocese.
Today's celebration of the 70th Anniversary of CICM Missionary Presence in Taiwan honors all of you here and those who have gone before us! It is also a thanksgiving to God for the remarkable missionary journey CICM has shared with the church and the people of Taiwan. Thank you, Your Excellencies, Bishop Martin Su and Archbishop Thomas Chung! Thanks to all the priests, religious brothers, and sisters! Thanks to all the lay collaborators, especially the "Friends of CICM"! And thank you all, dear brothers and sisters, for the incredible missionary journey we've experienced together! We, CICM missionaries, are forever grateful to each of you and continue to rely on you to proclaim the Good News of the Lord in Taiwan!
