Taiwan Claretians are 20 Years Old!

Participants of the East Asia Delegation Assembly at Yangmingshan, Taipei, Taiwan

Claretians in The East Asia had their 8th Delegation Assembly from October 27 to 31, 2014 at St. Clare Retreat House in Yangmingshan, Taipei, Taiwan. 

Meals time! 

28 Missionaries from the East Asia, together with Father General, Josep Abella CMF, came together for fraternity, sharing and discernment of our Claretian presence in this part of the world.

Fr. Jijo [L] presenting a Chinese translation of a book written by Pope Francis to Rev. John Hung Shan Chuan, SVD, Archbishop of Taipei, even as Fr. General, Josep Abella [R] looks on 

The Macau Community with Fr. Paco [in shorts!] and Fr. General, Josep Abella [4th from right]

Rev. John Hung Shan Chuan, SVD, Archbishop of Taipei presiding over the Eucharist 

The year 2014 is of great significance in the life of the Claretian community in Taiwan as it marks the 20 years of our Missionary presence in Taiwan. 

The Community celebrated the occasion with a thanksgiving mass, Presided over by Rev. John Hung Shan Chuan, SVD, Archbishop of Taipei. 

Recollecting the early days in the region, Fr. Francisco Carin, one of the pioneers to Taiwan, expressed his gratitude towards all those who have supported the missionaries over the years. Fr. General went a step further, thanking God for his providence, appreciating the people for their support and love for the missionaries and also asking pardon for any failure in missionary commitment which we should have done. 

Dancers from the Amis Aboriginal Community during the offertory procession

Archbishop John in his homily appreciated the missionaries for their commendable services in the diocese, with the aboriginals and in parishes.  

Fr. Arturo [R] with the Archbishop 

Concluding the celebrations, the movie, "Un Dios Prohibido", on the the Martyrdom the Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro, with Chinese subtitles was screened. Many were seen wiping tears as the movie ended! A word of thanks would not suffice to express our appreciation for our Missionaries in Taiwan for the meticulous planning and commendable execution of the whole event which lasted for over a week. A job well done, dear brothers!  

With the Archbishop 

The General Assembly and Jubilee celebrations were also an opportunity for some us to explore the scenic beauty of Taiwan. The personal attention and care by the missionaries was more than what one could ask for! Here are a few visuals our Taiwan exploration! 

Bitou Cape Trail

A view from the Bitou Cape Trail

On Fulong beach: 

The Taiwan International Sand Sculpture Championship is held here annually

Villa of Our Lady at Wu Fung Chi 

ILan County, Taiwan

A pretty awesome ride out to Wufen Mountain (五分山: 757m)

Hsinchu - Kansai - Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Hsinchu County, Taiwan

Persimmon (Kaki or Shizi) Fruit - 晒柿餅 

Every autumn, farmers in Hsinpu Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan harvest and peel persimmon fruits, then put them in the sun for drying

In a Persimmon (Kaki or Shizi) Fruit garden 

Enjoying a Korean Dinner 

Thank you Fr. Liju for all the hard work! 

Fr. Ezakias with Fr. Liju at Chungshan Building, Yangmingshan