José Chang is a Chinese seminarian who lives at the Bidasoa International Seminary (Pamplona). This July, he is in Madrid, carrying out summer pastoral work at the San Manuel González Parish in San Sebastián de los Reyes. «I see a very vibrant life of faith,» he says. He was «very fortunate» to see Pope Leo in Madrid: «I felt great emotion, calm, and peace in my heart,» he notes. Although the Church’s growth in China faces many difficulties, when he looks back, he sees God’s presence in every moment. José shares his testimony with us.
At 25 years old, José Chang carries with him a story that reflects the quiet strength of thousands of Chinese Catholics. Born on March 10, 2001, in a small village in Shanxi Province, in northern China, He comes from a deeply Catholic family that planted the first seeds of faith in him.
He is currently studying theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra and lives in the Bidasoa International Seminar, where he continues his training to become a priest in the Archdiocese of Taiyuan.
«I grew up in a very devout Catholic family,» he recalls. He is the oldest of four siblings, and from childhood onward, he found an environment at home and in his parish that nurtured his vocation. He speaks with particular affection of the priest who accompanied him for years: «He looked after me and taught me about the faith with great affection.» That priestly closeness left a deep impression on his life and helped him discover the path to which God was calling him.
His formation began at the Minor Seminary in Xi’an in 2019 and continued at the Major Seminary in Beijing. After completing his studies in philosophy and beginning his studies in theology, he received aAn unexpected proposal from his bishop: continue their education at the University of Navarra.
The news filled him with excitement, but also with uncertainty. «I didn’t know any Spanish. I was afraid and had a lot of worries about the language, the environment, and the culture—all of which were completely new to me,» he admits. However, after a few days of reflection, he decided to accept what he considers a calling from God.
Since his arrival in Spain, the experience has profoundly transformed his view of the Church. In Navarre, he lives alongside seminarians from many different countries. Although each speaks a different language and comes from a different culture, they all share the same faith. «We pray together and study together,» he explains. Living together like this has allowed him to discover in a concrete way the universality of the Catholic Church and to experience a sense of brotherhood that transcends borders, races, and cultures.
The Church's journey has never been easy
The history of the Church in China holds a special place in his heart. With serenity, he acknowledges the difficulties faced by Catholics in his country, but rejects any pessimistic view.
«If we look at the history of the Church, it has never had an easy path. Every era has had its own challenges. From the three hundred years of persecution during the early days of the Church to the social changes of each generation, »The Catholic Church has grown and taken root amid trials". His reflection is moving.
That is why he believes that, although the Church’s growth in China faces many difficulties, «when I look back, I see God’s presence in every moment,» fully convinced that all situations are part of God’s wonderful plan.
And he shares a quote from St. John Paul II: «In the first Christian millennium, the Cross took root in Europe; in the second millennium, the Gospel reached the Americas and Africa; »In the third millennium, many fruits of faith will be reaped on the vast and vibrant Asian continent.".
He also recalls the words of a bishop that left a deep impression on him: «It is precisely because of these minor persecutions that the faithful have a more enthusiastic faith.».
During his time in Spain, what has impressed him the most has been «»the strong sense of faith that can be felt in every corner,", scenes he had only seen before in videos and photographs. Monumental churches, centuries-old monasteries, university chapels, and a visible presence of Christianity that has left him in awe.
«I'm surprised that even at the university, every building has a chapel. The first thing students do when they arrive at the university is to greet the Blessed Sacrament. This simple, everyday life of faith It constantly nourishes and strengthens my faith. »I tell my family and friends in China everything I see. They always tell me how lucky I am to be having this experience, which is so valuable to my faith," she exclaims.
An Unforgettable Experience Seeing the Pope in Madrid
Another one of the most special moments of this year has been his meeting with Pope Leo during his visit to Madrid. Thanks to the pastoral work he is doing this summer at the San Manuel González parish, he was able to participate in Saturday’s vigil at the Plaza de Lima and in the solemn Mass at Cibeles.
He describes the moment he saw the Holy Father: «Before the vigil began, the Pope drove by in his car to greet the young people. The moment I saw the Pope, I felt a deep sense of emotion, calm, and peace in my heart. ». This experience, in which I was close to the Pope, holds a unique and irreplaceable significance for my religious journey.".
During these summer months, he carries out his pastoral work at the San Manuel González Parish in San Sebastián de los Reyes. Far from the image of a lackluster faith, José assures us to have found a vibrant Church and a life of faith in Spain.
At the parish where he serves daily, he sees how many parishioners participate in the Eucharist, receive the sacrament of confession, and are actively involved in parish life.
He is particularly impressed by the presence of young people. «There are so many at Mass every night!» he notes. He’s also impressed that every month, the youth group organizes an hour of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to deepen their devotion.
When talking about the future, his words are full of gratitude. He thanks God for the opportunity to study in Spain and all the people who are helping him along the way. That generosity, he says, It motivates him to work harder to serve the Church better when he returns to China.
His story is that of a vocation born into a humble family, strengthened amid hardships, and open to hope. A testimony that reminds us that, even where the Church faces the greatest challenges, priests continue to emerge who are willing to give their lives for the Gospel. Because, as José Chang repeats with serenity and confidence, God continues to guide the history of His Church in China as well.
Acknowledgments:
We would like to thank The Debate having reported on this testimony by José Chang with his article: A Chinese seminarian and his «summer internship» in Madrid: «I was very fortunate to see the Pope»: Those aspiring to the priesthood also do their «summer internships.» This is the case for José Chang, a 25-year-old seminarian studying in Pamplona who, during his vacation, helps out at the San Manuel González parish in San Sebastián de los Reyes and contributes to sharing its history.
We are glad that your calling and your experience of faith can reach more people through various media outlets.
Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.
carf@fundacioncarf.orgLandline: +34 914 029 082Mobile: +34 638 078 51145 Conde de Peñalver Street.
