“Have you seen the cameras?” That’s what I thought the first time I saw the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Nantang. Welcome to one of Beijing’s oldest and most intriguing Catholic churches. Its history is long and complex.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has stood here since 1605. It began as a small chapel attached to the residence of Matteo Ricci. Ricci was an Italian Jesuit who arrived in Beijing. The Wanli Emperor allowed him to live here. That chapel was simple, built in Chinese style. Only a cross marked it as a church.
In 1650, a German Jesuit named Johann Adam Schall von Bell led the construction of a new church. It took two years to complete. The Shunzhi Emperor even visited the church 24 times. He gave it a stone stela saying “built by Imperial Order”.
By 1690, Beijing had its first Catholic bishop in three centuries. The church became a cathedral. In 1703, it was renovated into a European-style building. An earthquake destroyed it in 1720. A new baroque-style church was built. Another earthquake damaged it in 1730. The Yongzheng Emperor donated silver to repair it.
Fire damaged the cathedral again in 1775. The Qianlong Emperor donated even more silver. He also gave a board with the words “The True Origin of All Things”. But in 1838, the government restricted the Catholic Church. The cathedral was confiscated. It reopened in 1860 after the Second Opium War.
The Boxer Rebellion in 1900 saw the cathedral razed to the ground. Most other churches in Beijing suffered the same fate. The current structure was completed in 1904. You can still see the coat of arms of Pope Pius X. Look for the cross and the letter M. They represent Christ and the Virgin Mary.
In 1979, Bishop Michael Fu Tieshan was consecrated here. It was the first major event for the Catholic Church in China after the Cultural Revolution. This cathedral is well-known to foreigners in China. English-language masses are often held here.
However, there is a shadow over the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Some say the many security cameras are from the government. They watch everyone who comes here. It is illegal for priests to teach children the faith outside of sermons. Some priests use long homilies to reach them. Despite these challenges, the church remains a testament to faith. It stands as a place of worship and a historical landmark.
Today, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception continues to serve its community. It stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. Its story is a reminder of the complex history of Catholicism in China.