From Taiwan

Fr. Peter Chao, CMF was invited to the Beijing National Seminary to take a few Classes for the seminarians there and following is an inspiring letter which he recieved from one of his students. The original letter written in Chinese and a few photographs are also reproduced here. Letter from Seminarian Chen Xiangjin to Fr. Peter Chao:

Dear Father Peter,

We are very happy that you went to the Beijing National Seminary to give us some classes -- how interesting they were! We learned a lot and we thank God for meeting you.

This summer I took the books and CDs that you gave us and brought it to Sichuan; good spiritual food you gave us and now all these people are praying for you. Perhaps it was a small gesture for you but it meant so much for us, especially the very poor appreciated your books very much.

I gave catechism during 2 months. People, most of them very poor, came from the villages to attend classes and some have to walk for 6 hours! Some of them have not seen a priest in many years. These people even if baptized know very little about our faith and their education is also very low. They do not know their faith and have difficulties connecting their daily life challenges to their faith.

I am planning to go back again for Chinese New Year. More Catholics will be there because at that time they are coming back for vacation to their villages. I will teach them to know and love Jesus and to live in God's presence.

We also shared your books and CDs with the seminarians and priests at the seminary and they are very thankful to you and pray for you.

I am sending some pictures of the summer class. Remember us and we pray for each other.

Nine Pictures From left to right:

1. Together for catechism class
2. In Shangou - some of them walked for 6 hours to come to class
3. Another group. We used the house of one family for our talks
4.Seminarian Chen Xianjin teaching the Sacraments
5. Beautiful and happy children
6. One class: no table to place the books... very poor children
7. A moment during the "Taize" prayer
8. Bible class in the home of one lay person
9. Old and sick people listening to a homily... no church building there!