Chapter 20 Diversity and Dynamism within the Chinese Church

Contemporary Chinese Migrant Catholic Communities in France and Italy

In: Handbook of Chinese Migration to Europe
Author:
Eva Salerno
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Chapter
Pages:
583–611
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004712140_022

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Abstract

This chapter analyses the role of the Catholic religion in socializing members of Chinese parishes in Europe. The aim is to study how the linguistic differences and migratory paths that make the Chinese community so heterogeneous are overcome by a shared religious identity that creates links between its members. The chapter focuses on Chinese Catholic communities in France and Italy. It is based on long-term, multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork conducted in seven Chinese Catholic communities in four European countries, by means of participation in the life of the parishes surveyed and in-depth interviews with both lay members and religious figures.

To explore how these parishes support the cohesion and integration of their communities, this chapter looks in particular at the way in which Chinese parishes provide support for the migrant population by developing well-structured socio-cultural and linguistic activities. In this way, the communities strengthen their internal solidarity to help their members and maintain their own existence. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the organization of communities is analysed, focusing specifically on how Chinese congregations adapted to a challenging context and continued to develop and grow. Finally, the emergence of new ritual practices and multi-ethnic celebrations exemplify the vitality of these religious communities in perpetual motion.

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Series:  Brill Handbooks of Chinese Overseas, Volume: 01
Cover Handbook of Chinese Migration to Europe
E-Book ISBN:
9789004712140
Publisher:
Brill
Print Publication Date:
26 Nov 2024
Front Matter
Introduction
Part 1 Statistical Data on Chinese Populations in Europe
Part 2 Migration Motivations and Pathways
Part 3 China as a Diaspora State
Part 4 Economic Opportunities and Ethnic Entrepreneurship
Part 5 Socialization and Intersecting Inequalities
Part 6 Identity Constructions and Cultural Representations
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