China Missions in Crisis. Bishop Laimbeckhoven and His Times 1738-1787

by J. Krahl

The history of the Catholic missions in China, more than that of any other mission field, displays bright lights and dark shadows. From the time of Christianity's first contact with China in the 13th century, the Church achieved victorious expansion and had well-founded hopes for the conversion of the whole Chinese nation: but she also experienced tragic failures. The history of the Chinese missions is rich in great initiatives, admirable talents, and heroic sacrifices. In this vineyard of the Lord, along with others who were not always at the height of their sublime vocation, there worked great men, saints, martyrs. The 18th century however, is one of the less inviting periods of Chinese mission history. After the great successes and hopes of the previous century, there followed frustrations, persecution, failure and decline. Nevertheless, even in this period of decadence, there were great men on the scene. One of them was Gottfried Xavier von Laimbeckhoven, Jesuit, missionary and bishop. Over a span of fifty years he was in the center of events and, in the light of this great though tragic figure, we can study the history of the missions of China for the period between 1738 and 178