A new church in Zhaoyang, Zhejiang, dedicated to Saint Thérèse, reflects faith, unity and renewal for Wenzhou’s growing Catholic community.
Newsroom (13/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) The consecration and opening of a new church dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux has marked a significant spiritual milestone for the Catholic community of Zhaoyang, a coastal settlement within the Shuitou parish in Pingyang County, Zhejiang Province. The May 4 ceremony drew approximately 2,000 parishioners, underscoring the enduring vitality of Catholic life in this historically fishing-based community in the Diocese of Wenzhou.
The solemn celebration of thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Father Hu Longjian and concelebrated by parish priest Father Lin Shengli alongside 20 diocesan priests. The clergy gathered at the altar beneath the statue of Saint Thérèse—the Patron Saint of missions—whose presence symbolizes spiritual guidance and continuity for the faithful.
Faith Expressed in Simplicity and Devotion
The newly built church, described as both solemn and simple, reflects the spiritual character of the community it serves. Its design encourages contemplation, aligning closely with the spirituality of Saint Thérèse, known for her “Little Way” of humility, small acts of love, and quiet service.
For years, members of the Zhaoyang community had expressed a desire to dedicate their new place of worship to the French Carmelite saint. Their devotion stems from a shared identification with her example—one rooted not in grand gestures, but in everyday acts of charity and unity.
According to the parish priest, Catholic life in Zhaoyang is marked by simplicity and joy. The faithful live out their beliefs through mutual support, small acts of kindness, and a deeply rooted sense of belonging. In this context, the church becomes more than a structure; it stands as a living testimony of collective faith and perseverance.
Built by Faith and Community Effort
The construction and consecration of the church represent a tangible expression of communal commitment. The project was made possible through the collaboration of diocesan clergy and the spiritual and material contributions of parishioners, who offered donations and labor according to their means.
This grassroots effort not only brought the building into being but also reinforced a shared sense of purpose. Today, the church provides a focal point for sacramental life, prayer, and communal fellowship, offering spiritual support amid the demands and uncertainties of daily life.
The Wider Context of the Wenzhou Diocese
The Diocese of Wenzhou, which oversees the Zhaoyang community, encompasses a vast and diverse territory of 29,082 square kilometers. It includes three districts, two county-level cities, and six counties, as well as the former Diocese of Lishui, now entrusted to its care.
This region is home to a population exceeding 11 million people—9.12 million in Wenzhou and 2.53 million in Lishui. Among them is a significant presence of the ethnic She community, numbering around 150,000 and living across multiple jurisdictions.
Linguistic diversity is another hallmark of the region. Alongside Mandarin, residents speak the Wenzhou dialect of Oujiang, Minnan dialect, and the tribal language of the She people, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry within which the Catholic Church operates.
A Church Shaped by History and Resilience
The history of Catholicism in Wenzhou is marked by both growth and hardship. Formerly known as the Diocese of Yongjia, it was established as a separate ecclesiastical jurisdiction in 1949. At that time, around 30 priests served approximately 40,000 Catholics.
However, during the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, religious life was severely disrupted. Many clergy were imprisoned, churches were closed, and some were repurposed as factories. It was not until 1978 that religious activities resumed, led by priests who began rebuilding parish life from the ground up.
Among the key figures in this revival was Bishop James Lin Xili, whose life embodied both suffering and steadfast faith. Ordained in 1944 and later imprisoned for 16 years, he resumed pastoral work upon his release and played a central role in restoring and constructing churches across the diocese.
Clandestinely ordained bishop in 1992, Lin guided the local Church through periods of rapid development, even as he faced arrest and house detention in his later years. His death in 2009 marked the passing of a pivotal leader whose legacy continues to shape the diocese today.
Continuity and Renewal
The opening of the new church in Zhaoyang stands as a symbol of continuity within this broader historical narrative. It reflects not only the resilience of a local community but also the enduring mission of the Catholic Church in a region that has experienced both suppression and revival.
Dedicated to Saint Thérèse—a saint who championed the power of small acts—the church embodies a spirituality that resonates deeply with the lived experience of its faithful. In its walls, the people of Zhaoyang find a renewed sense of identity, unity, and hope as they continue their journey of faith.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Fides News
Related Images:
