Bishop Joseph Li Shan addressed 36 Superiors General in Beijing, urging Chinese women religious to lead through service, witness, and formation.
Newsroom (14/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) Bishop Joseph Li Shan of Beijing has encouraged women religious in China to deepen their commitment to service, leadership, and evangelization, urging them to become “the salt of the earth and the light of the world” in contemporary society.
The bishop delivered the message during a visit to the third 2026 Formation Course for Superiors General, held from July 6 to 11 at the National Seminary of Philosophy and Theology in Beijing. The gathering brought together 36 Superiors General from 31 dioceses across 19 provinces of mainland China, highlighting the broad reach and diversity of women’s religious life throughout the country.
Addressing the participants with words of gratitude, Bishop Li Shan invoked the Gospel of Matthew, calling on the sisters to be a visible and transformative presence in society. “Be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Be like a ‘city set on a mountain,’” he told them, encouraging religious leaders to embrace their vocation with confidence and generosity.
During his visit on July 8, the bishop reflected on the theme of “the mission and witness of women religious in today’s society.” He stressed the importance of courageously accepting responsibility and faithfully living out each congregation’s charism through concrete service to others and the promotion of the common good.
Quoting the Gospel, Bishop Li Shan urged the sisters to serve as “builders of a harmonious society,” emphasizing the role of religious life not only within the Church but also in the broader social context. His remarks underscored the continuing significance of women religious as witnesses of faith, charity, and community engagement.
Formation Focused on Leadership and Mission
The week-long formation course offered participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of religious leadership and spiritual life. Sessions explored a range of topics, including the rules and constitutions of various religious institutes, figures of guidance and leadership in Sacred Scripture, and contemporary bioethical issues.
By combining theological reflection with practical pastoral concerns, the program sought to equip Superiors General with the tools needed to guide their communities in an increasingly complex social and cultural environment.
The formation initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the National Seminary in Beijing to support the development of women religious across China. The institution regularly hosts educational and spiritual programs designed not only for Superiors General but also for sisters engaged directly in pastoral and missionary work.
These courses are intended to unite solid theological formation with practical dimensions of evangelization, enabling participants to strengthen both their personal spiritual lives and their effectiveness in ministry.
A Vital Contribution to the Church in China
Chinese bishops have repeatedly expressed appreciation for the contribution of women religious to the life and mission of local Churches. Religious sisters serve in a variety of pastoral ministries across both rural communities and major urban centers, often playing a vital role in evangelization, catechesis, charitable outreach, and community support.
Most female religious congregations in China are of diocesan right, meaning they are directly accountable to the bishop of the diocese where they were founded and where they carry out their apostolic work. This close relationship with local dioceses has helped shape the distinctive character of women’s religious life in the country.
Ongoing Formation Efforts
The July gathering follows another significant formation initiative held earlier this year at the National Seminary. From February 25 to April 12, the seminary hosted its first annual short-term formation course for women religious in 2026.
Thirty-two sisters representing 23 religious congregations from 19 dioceses participated in the program, which focused on the theme “The Bible and Spirituality.” The course was designed to strengthen biblical formation and foster deeper spiritual growth among participants.
In addition to scriptural studies, the curriculum included seminars on canon law, missionary spirituality, moral theology, and related disciplines. Organizers encouraged participants to share the knowledge and experience gained during the program with fellow sisters in their congregations and dioceses.
Through this multiplier effect, the formation courses aim to contribute to the apostolic mission of the Church in China by strengthening religious communities and expanding their capacity for service and evangelization.
As the latest formation course concluded in Beijing, Bishop Li Shan’s message offered a clear challenge to the women religious gathered from across the country: to remain visible signs of faith and hope, serving both the Church and society as “salt of the earth,” “light of the world,” and a “city set on a mountain.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Fides News
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