Sister Sally and I were with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Diocese of Handan from May 22 to June 2. Thirty-three of the 36 Sisters participated in the formative meetings on consecrated life. Currently, they are organized into 4 communities, the Central Community (22 Sisters), the Community Clinic (3 Sisters), the parish community (2 Sisters), and the Spirituality Center (4 Sisters). Two other Sisters are periodically living alone for reasons of studies and mission, but have the Central Community as a reference. The Sisters are expanding their workspaces as a means of subsistence. In addition to pastoral activities and the clinical (health), they began to work in the field of education and in travel agencies, monitoring and directing pilgrimages to sacred sites. It is known that to be able to work in these spaces, they cannot disclose their religious identity.

All expressed their happiness and satisfaction for the accompaniment we are providing them. We feel that they are growing as consecrated women.

The political situation in China is not very favorable to the development of activities promoting Christian values and the expression of faith. Communication is difficult because of state control. But, we learned that in some departments of China, the Communist system is not as confrontational. In Handan, for example, the Sisters and priests, who are part of the clandestine Church, still can be close to the people, with youth, families, etc., to evangelize. In most other states, evangelization, including joining churches and participating in worship and celebrations, is prohibited to persons less than 18 years of age.

We are in a journey of discernment to see what type of partnership is more convenient at this moment in history.

Sister Ieda Maria Tomazini