The China News Service (CNS) (chinanews.com.cn) describes the Catholic community of Yanjing as an “oasis of coexistence” between religions and a “place of encounter” between cultures Catholic community in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The second largest news agency of the People’s Republic of China, which disseminates news in Chinese and English, recently posted a detailed report on the “Tibetan community” online. The agency points out that the church building’s architectural features also combine Tibetan and Gothic elements, representing a fusion of different cultural traditions. But above all, the details and news collected in the report convey a vivid and evocative image of the small church community that profess faith in Jesus on the Roof of the world, where even Christian liturgical celebrations become an occasion for fraternal coexistence with fellow countrymen, the majority of whom are Buddhists.
The focus of the article is around the figure of Magdalene, the consecrated lay woman who for the past 26 years has de facto custody of the church. Magdalene rings the bells each day, leads the community’s daily prayer, recited in the Tibetan language, and also acts as a “tour guide” for visitors from outside when necessary. Magdalene also assists with devotion and concern the priests who come from Yunnan or other provinces to celebrate masses especially on the occasion of liturgical solemnities since there is no longer a permanent presence of a priest in the parish.
The story of Magdalene is not limited to describing the unique way in which the bond of fraternity that binds Tibetan Catholics to their fellow Buddhists is manifested. At Christmas, the more than 520 baptized of the 70 Catholic families who attend the parish also involve the rest of the population in the celebrations for the birth of Jesus. In the morning, after the solemn liturgical celebration, everyone gathers to eat the local cuisine. In the afternoon, Buddhists also help decorate the church with Christmas decorations.