A Silent Faith: Chinese Catholics in Spain

Although many hardly notice it, the Chinese Catholic community in Spain represents a surprisingly active and deeply committed to their faith. In the midst of a diaspora characterized by hard work and discretion, there are an estimated 2,000 Chinese Catholics in the country, of whom about 1,500 are regular practitioners, according to several of the priests who accompany these communities.

Far from the public eye, this Church flourishes from within: catechesis, retreats and Eucharistic celebrations weave a network of faith that unites different generations, many of them already born in Spain.

Jubilee Celebration at the Almudena

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, a multitudinous Eucharist was celebrated in Madrid's Almudena Cathedral on the occasion of the Jubilee of Hope of the Chinese Catholic communities in Spain. Presided over by Bishop Vicente Marin, Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid, and concelebrated by several Chinese priests, it was a moment of deep communion.

From 11:00 a.m., the faithful arrived from all parts of the country: Valencia, Barcelona, Bilbao, Mallorca, Zaragoza, as well as the communities of Madrid. The liturgy, lived with great recollection, was an expression of unity and diversity.

The Chinese choir dazzled those present. "I'm not a music specialist, but that choir was the Chinese translation of Gregorian."commented one of the attendees. The precision, harmony and spirituality created an unparalleled atmosphere. And the reverent silence of the faithful - especially the children - impressed everyone.

Stories of faith and courage

Among those present were Ana and Maria, accompanied by their mother, Teresa. Their family, marked by faith in times of persecution, lived a moving story. Their grandfather, a former communist official, converted after a spiritual experience linked to his illness. His sister, moved by an inner message attributed to the Virgin Mary, promised to convert her people if her brother was healed. And so it happened.

Teresa, the sick man's daughter, lived in hiding for months in order to have a second child in the midst of the one-child policy. Later, they emigrated to Spain, where the family has continued to live and transmit their faith freely.

Growing presence: nine communities 

There are currently nine active Chinese Catholic centers in Spain, in Valencia, Mallorca, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Tenerife and Barcelona. In Madrid there are three other communities: in Usera, Santa Rita and Parla, the latter in the diocese of Getafe.

The specific pastoral work in Madrid began in 2007, when the growing number of Chinese faithful led to the initiation of activities in Santa Rita, a parish run by the Augustinian Recollects. The first leaders were Father Jose Yan Tao and later Father Juan Maria Guo Kun Peng. Since then, Mass in Chinese is celebrated weekly and a constant schedule of activities is maintained.

In the diocese of Getafe, more than a hundred faithful are part of this reality. In the parish of Saints Justo and Pastor in Parla, between forty and fifty people attend the 8:00 p.m. Mass every Saturday. Catechesis in Chinese is also given there for children, young people and adults, supported by two Sisters of the Guardian Angels, a key part of the pastoral care. However, many will be surprised to know that in Mallorca and Valencia are present the two parishes with more faithful and activities. 

The parish of Usera

The Chinese pastoral work in the Usera neighborhood of Madrid was consolidated thanks to the vision of the then parish priest, Daniel Rodriguez. He first counted on the help of the religious Pablo Liu, who for a few years helped to set up the celebrations and activities.

As time went by, the need for a more stable dedication became evident, and so the priest Pedro Liu (no relation to Pablo), trained at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Madrid, arrived. He was parochial vicar for several years, and under his guidance the community grew remarkably. Although he is now in another parish, the work he left behind has borne lasting fruit in a community that is alive and continually developing.

From secrecy to religious freedom

Many of the Chinese Catholics in Spain come from the underground Church, not recognized by their country's regime. Two priests in Getafe, for example, were trained in hidden seminaries before being sent to Spain. One of them recalls how his family embraced the faith after the miraculous healing of his father. Baptized in 1987, he lived a vocation that led him from his diocese in China to serve compatriots on Spanish soil today. 

Most Chinese families in Spain are young. Many children were born here or arrived as children. While the young children are fluent in Spanish, their parents sometimes barely speak it, creating a linguistic and cultural challenge in daily life and in pastoral care.

In fact, it is not uncommon for priests to act as a bridge, accompanying parents to school meetings, translating, arranging aid and supporting health issues. They are pastors and cultural mediators at the same time.

Faith lived in community

In addition to Mass and catechesis, the communities organize activities that strengthen the bonds among their members: monthly excursions, youth meetings and spiritual retreats. In Parla, for example, there are 18 fully integrated teenagers. Many study in Catholic schools such as John Paul II or St. James the Apostle.

After the age of 16, many young people start working in the summer, which makes it difficult for them to participate. Even so, they remain connected to the community and attend catechesis when they can.

Last summer, more than 40 children from Madrid and Zaragoza participated in a week-long camp. For this year, one of the priests has planned an urban camp for the whole of July, from Monday to Friday, with extended hours until five in the afternoon. This is a valuable alternative for children whose parents cannot take vacations.

Evangelizing through friendship

Evangelizing among the Chinese, especially those from Fujian, is not easy. They are culturally reserved and not very open to religion. "First you have to make friends and have trust with them."explains a priest. However, despite the difficulties, every year there are conversions. In Valencia, for example, about twenty adults are baptized annually. In other communities, the numbers are more modest but constant.

Word-of-mouth is fundamental: newcomers arrive at the invitation of a friend, and many stay because of the warmth of the community.

Firm and close commitment

Unlike many Spanish parishes, where attendance decreases, in these communities up to 80 % of the faithful attend Mass regularly. Those who are absent are contacted and encouraged to return. This pastoral closeness strengthens commitment.

One of the big problems in attending Sunday Mass is work on weekends. In fact, in the large distribution complex of products coming from China in Madrid, the famous Cobo Calleja industrial park, every Sunday there is a Eucharist in a room of the warehouse. Some workers attend it during a break at work. 

A Church between cultures

Chinese Catholics in Spain live between two languages, two cultures and two worlds. But in the parish everything comes together: children who barely speak Chinese, parents who barely understand Spanish..., and the Gospel as a meeting place.

These communities are a silent witness of fidelity, sacrifice and hope. A Church that, although small, is great in faith. A Church that grows. Many have known the faith in contexts of persecution and their testimony is profound. Moreover, the absence of elders - who often stay in China - means that these communities are composed mainly of young families.

Ecclesial diversity at the service of mission

The Chinese communities count on the help of various charisms. In addition to Chinese priests, they are assisted by Dominican nuns, nuns of the Institute of the Incarnate Word and Augustinian Recollects, who contribute to catechesis, formation and liturgy.

The Jubilee Mass was not just a celebration, but a visible reminder of the catholicity of the Church. A living body, diverse and united in faith. A witness that challenges. And a call to look with hope to the future of the Church in Spain.