Foreign Catholic Missionaries

Inspired by the spirit of Christ’s charity, many foreign missionaries from all parts of the world have come to spread the gospel of Christ and assist the Catholic Church in Taiwan the past century. They have devoted their lives to do not only works of evangelization but also all kinds of social services. In education, more than forty Catholic schools (primary, middle schools, colleges and universities) have been established to educate the new generation in Taiwan. In social service, more than fifty Catholic institutions have been established to serve the aged, the handicapped, those with Alzheimer’s disease, troubled children etc. It is really admirable that these foreign missionaries have devoted the prime of their lives in Taiwan and desire to stay here forever.

His Eminence Paul Cardinal Shan, Most. Rev. James Liu, President and Secretary General of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference, and seventy foreign missionaries have responded to the invitation of President Chen Shui-bian to meet him at the Presidential Office in February 3, 2004. During the visit, H.E. Paul Cardinal Shan presented the following three requests to President Chen:

1. Restore December 25 th as a National Holiday.

This day used to be a national holiday to celebrate the anniversary for executing the Constitution but was changed into a working day a few years ago. Restore it as a National Holiday since on this day we celebrate Christmas which is recognized as an international holiday.

According to the present regulations, missionaries who have worked in Taiwan for more than seven years may apply for APRC. However, due to the expensive fee and complicated procedure for its application, many of the missionaries who have served here for more than ten years still have not applied for APRC. If possible, find some way to help these missionaries to be able to apply for APRC.

President Chen Shui-bian Meets a Group of Foreign Catholic Missionaries
Press Release, February 3, 2004

Inspired by the spirit of Christ’s charity, many foreign missionaries from all parts of the world have come to spread the gospel of Christ and assist the Catholic Church in Taiwan the past century. They have devoted their lives to do not only works of evangelization but also all kinds of social services. In education, more than forty Catholic schools (primary, middle schools, colleges and universities) have been established to educate the new generation in Taiwan. In social service, more than fifty Catholic institutions have been established to serve the aged, the handicapped, those with Alzheimer’s disease, troubled children etc. It is really admirable that these foreign missionaries have devoted the prime of their lives in Taiwan and desire to stay here forever. His Eminence Paul Cardinal Shan, Most. Rev. James Liu, President and Secretary General of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference, and seventy foreign missionaries have responded to the invitation of President Chen Shui-bian to meet him at the Presidential Office in February 3, 2004. During the visit, H.E. Paul Cardinal Shan presented the following three requests to President Chen: 1. Restore December 25 th as a National Holiday. This day used to be a national holiday to celebrate the anniversary for executing the Constitution but was changed into a working day a few years ago. Restore it as a National Holiday since on this day we celebrate Christmas which is recognized as an international holiday. 2. Assist in the application of an Alien Permanent Residence Certificate (APRC) According to the present regulations, missionaries who have worked in Taiwan for more than seven years may apply for APRC. However, due to the expensive fee and complicated procedure for its application, many of the missionaries who have served here for more than ten years still have not applied for APRC. If possible, find some way to help these missionaries to be able to apply for APRC. These foreign missionaries who came many years ago are now getting old. Therefore, we need to have younger ones to continue their work. However, the procedure for applying a missionary visa in Taiwan is difficult. We hope the government can simplify the application procedure for foreign missionaries to enter Taiwan. The status of foreign missionaries is absolutely different from that of foreign labors; the later just work for money, but the former devote their lives to serve the people in need. After the meeting, President Office released a news message through the Central News Agency (CNA) as follows: Taipei, Feb. 3 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday that he will think about reinstating Dec. 25 as national holiday, although in celebration of Christmas rather than its original purpose of marking the Republic of China's Constitution Day. Chen made the remarks while meeting with a group of foreign Catholic missionaries who have contributed the prime of their lives to serving the people of Taiwan. Chen said he is aware that many Catholic devotees are discontented with the cancellation of the Dec. 25 holiday. "We'll further discuss this issue in hope of forging a national consensus. I'll be glad to see the proposal receive the support of a majority of local citizens," he added. Noting that the Catholic church has long played an important role in Taiwan's development and modernization, Chen said he appreciates the devoted services of the large number of foreign Catholic missionaries to the people of Taiwan over the decades. In addition, Chen said, many Catholic priests have helped promote Taiwan's cultural exchanges with other countries as well as assist in the preservation and dissemination of Taiwan's cultural legacies, including publishing important dictionaries, translating the Bible and preserving the languages and cultures of Taiwan's aboriginal tribes. Chen further said he admires Pope John Paul II's efforts to promote world peace. "I fully support the pope's appeal in his 2004 World Peace Day message that leaders of countries around the world are obligated to promote peace and that a new world order should be based on concern, justice and morals," he added. The president said he believes that promoting a culture of peace and creating a goodwill and reconciliatory environment are crucial to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait and ensuring regional stability and prosperity. He assured the Catholic missionaries that he will lead Taiwan along the "road of democracy and peace." During the meeting, Chen also promised that the Cabinet will use its reserve funds to pay for the NT$10,000 service fee for each foreign missionary who applies for permanent residency in Taiwan. "Money is not a problem. The government should pay the charge to show its gratitude for foreign clergymen who have dedicated themselves to working for Taiwan throughout the years," he added.

These foreign missionaries who came many years ago are now getting old. Therefore, we need to have younger ones to continue their work. However, the procedure for applying a missionary visa in Taiwan is difficult. We hope the government can simplify the application procedure for foreign missionaries to enter Taiwan. The status of foreign missionaries is absolutely different from that of foreign labors; the later just work for money, but the former devote their lives to serve the people in need.

After the meeting, President Office released a news message through the Central News Agency (CNA) as follows:

Taipei, Feb. 3 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday that he will think about reinstating Dec. 25 as national holiday, although in celebration of Christmas rather than its original purpose of marking the Republic of China's Constitution Day.

        Chen made the remarks while meeting with a group of foreign Catholic missionaries who have contributed the prime of their lives to serving the people of Taiwan.

        Chen said he is aware that many Catholic devotees are discontented with the cancellation of the Dec. 25 holiday. "We'll further discuss this issue in hope of forging a national consensus. I'll be glad to see the proposal receive the support of a majority of local citizens," he added.

        Noting that the Catholic church has long played an important role in Taiwan's development and modernization, Chen said he appreciates the devoted services of the large number of foreign Catholic missionaries to the people of Taiwan over the decades.

        In addition, Chen said, many Catholic priests have helped promote Taiwan's cultural exchanges with other countries as well as assist in the preservation and dissemination of Taiwan's cultural legacies, including publishing important dictionaries, translating the Bible and preserving the languages and cultures of Taiwan's aboriginal tribes.

        Chen further said he admires Pope John Paul II's efforts to promote world peace. "I fully support the pope's appeal in his 2004 World Peace Day message that leaders of countries around the world are obligated to promote peace and that a new world order should be based on concern, justice and morals," he added.

        The president said he believes that promoting a culture of peace and creating a goodwill and reconciliatory environment are crucial to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait and ensuring regional stability and prosperity. He assured the Catholic missionaries that he will lead Taiwan along the "road of democracy and peace."

        During the meeting, Chen also promised that the Cabinet will use its reserve funds to pay for the NT$10,000 service fee for each foreign missionary who applies for permanent residency in Taiwan. "Money is not a problem. The government should pay the charge to show its gratitude for foreign clergymen who have dedicated themselves to working for Taiwan throughout the years," he added.