Catholicisim

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:19:47 AM Edit

In the land of Tibet where almost everyone is enthusiastic about Tibetan Buddhism, a branch of Christianism - Catholicism also finds its root. The only catholic church of Tibet - Yanjing Catholic Church is located in Shang Yanjing Village of Markham County, Chamdo .

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:20:30 AM Edit

The spreading of Catholicism in Tibet had experienced a long period and was full of frustrations. In 1624, occidental Priest Andrade and Missionary Maques first introduced the religion from India to Ngari Region, a cross-cultural boundary area. Under the support of the local ruler of Guge Kingdom then, they built Tibet’s first catholic church in 1626. However, due to the opposition from Tibetan Buddhists, it only lived up to about 1630, which also concluded the missionary activities in Ngari.

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:21:11 AM Edit

During that time, another missionary group of Cacella and Cabral came from Bhutan to another region of Tibet - Shigatse in 1628. Although also having won the patronage of the local leader, their plan was also strongly repulsed by the local Buddhist monks, and finally ruined only three years later.

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:21:47 AM Edit

Later during the early half century of 1700s, various groups of catholic missionaries had been to Lhasa successively. In 1921, they were able to build a small church in the city at last. However, not a Tibetan joined in the religion actually, except few Nepalese, Kashmiri and Han people. Until 1741 only some younger Tibetans and servants of the missionaries - 26 Tibetans in all were persuaded to receive the baptism of Catholicism. However, for the serious conflict between Tibetan Buddhism and Catholicism, the local government of Tibet commanded to expel the catholic missionaries out in 1745, and the church also didn't escape being destroyed.

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:22:01 AM Edit

After 19th century, the western missionaries pulled their attention from the central area of Tibet, and transferred to the Tibetan inhabited areas of Sichuan, Qinghai and Yunnan. Although also fighting severely by local Tibetans, a church was survived in Yanjing Village, a remote area at he junction of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan. From the year 1865 when Catholicism was first spread to the village, a total of 17 western priests had resided over the church.

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:22:36 AM Edit

There are over 900 people living in Yanjing Village, who are mainly Tibetans, with few Naxi ethnic people. The Catholics there number over 740 now, including over 600 locals. While keeping their own beliefs, they also have the similar living styles and habits with Tibetans. They use the Tibetan translation edition of Bible and wear the Tibetan costumes, while having a European name given by the priest, and receiving the inhumation burial according to the Catholic teachings. They consider the Tibetan New Year as the beginning of a year, while still celebrating Christmas Day. And the church is the mixed Catholic and Tibetan architectural style, and even traditional Tibetan offerings of Khatag can be seen in front of the picture of Virgin Mary.

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:23:24 AM Edit

Now the priest of the Yanjing Catholic Church is taken by a local Tibetan. On Christmas Day though without Christmas tree and Santa Claus, the church would invite conversuses from the nearby provinces' churches, and even masters of local Buddhist monasteries and local Buddhists to celebrate. And when the Ghost-Exorcising Festival (24 December on Tibetan Calendar) of Tibetans comes, the priest and Catholics will also be invited to celebrate the festival with Buddhists.