The MEP in Taiwan : an overview (1950-1975)

Catholicism is first introduced on the island of Formosa in 1626 with the arrival of western colonial powers like Holland or Portugal. However, it is only after the end of the Japanese domination (1895-1945) that Catholicism can really be implemented in Taiwan.

The activities of the MEP on the island follow up directly from the deportations of the missionaries from continental China by the communist regime in 1950. The MEP decide to settle in Hualien on the east coast of the island. In 1952, Taiwan is recognised as having officially integrated the hierarchical system of the Catholic Church, as it becomes the 21^st ecclesiastical province of Chinese Catholicism. The MEP focus their effort on the evangelisation of the aboriginals of the island. The Holy See creates the apostolic prefecture of Hualien, nominating M^gr Vérineux as administrator. The prefecture later becomes a diocese in 1963.

Between 1952 and 1967, the diocese experiences a spectacular growth, reflected in a significant increase in the numbers of believers. However, the industrialisation and urbanisation of Taiwan provoke a massive rural exodus and with it the weakening of the links between the young generations and their communities of origin. As a direct consequence of these changes, the number of Catholics in Hualien greatly decreases. In order to meet these new challenges, from 1975 onwards, the MEP fathers adjust their activities and develop charity and social works.

A chronology

• 1626: first failed try by western colonial powers (Holland, Spain, Portugal) to Christianise the island.
• 1858: second try at the evangelisation of Formosa, this time initiated by the MEP, but also resulting in failure.
• 1950: deportation of all the missionaries from continental China by the communist regime. The MEP successfully settle in Hualien, on the east coast of Taiwan.
• 1952: Taiwan becomes the 21^st ecclesiastical province of Chinese Catholicism.
  M^gr Vérineux is nominated apostolic administrator of Hualien.
• 30^th of June 1961: there are 200,119 Catholics in Taiwan, a number multiplied by ten in nine years.
• 1963: the apostolic prefecture of Hualien becomes a diocese.
  At this time, 16.4% of the population of the apostolic prefecture is baptised.
• 1975: M^gr Kia succeeds to M^gr Vérineux at the head of the Hualien diocese.