St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jinguang

St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jinguang

St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jinguang is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Henan Province.

Jinguang Church is situated in the northwestern suburbs of Nanyang City, bordered by Dushan Mountain and the Baihe River to the east, the National Highway 312 and Beijing Avenue to the south, the Lan Ying Reservoir to the west, and Zishan Mountain and Moshan Mountain to the north. It lies on a ridge that extends southward from the Zishan Mountain range (spanning Zifeng, Jinguang, Huanggang, Qilin Gang, and Wolonggang). A tributary of the Baihe River runs parallel to the south between Moshan and Zishan, winding around the church area, creating a pleasant landscape and fresh air. Due to its elevated terrain, the Western-style buildings of the church, including the main structure, can be seen from afar. From a distance, the harmonious blend of mountains and waters, along with the lush pines and cypresses, presents a breathtaking view. Up close, one can see ancient walls encircling the site and halls arranged in a charming layout. Being there offers a spiritually uplifting experience, making it a shining jewel in Nanyang’s religious and architectural culture.

Jinguang Church has played a pivotal role in the historical development of Catholicism in Henan Province. Catholicism was introduced to China quite early, and it reached Henan in the third year of the Tianqi era during the Ming Dynasty (1623 AD). By the time of the Jiaqing reign in the Qing Dynasty, there were already several communities of believers across the province. In 1843, the number of Catholics in Henan had grown to over two thousand, prompting the Holy See to separate Henan’s ecclesiastical affairs from those of Nanjing and establish an independent diocese. In 1844, the Henan Diocese was officially formed, with Bishop Anbado appointed as its first bishop. The diocese developed its mission from Jinguang throughout Henan, dispatching missionaries, with the bishop’s seat located in Jinguang, in the northwestern suburbs of Nanyang. At its peak, it was once known as one of the four major dioceses in China. Today, it serves as the cathedral of the Nanyang Diocese.

Under the current national religious policies, the Jinguang parish has flourished. The church complex covers an area of approximately 30,000 square meters, with around 400 rooms. It houses charitable institutions such as a nursing home, an orphanage for disabled children, and a clinic. The parish serves more than 4,000 believers. To the west of the church lies the Our Lady of the Mountain courtyard, covered with green grass, dotted with tall pines, and adorned with uniquely arranged rocks. A rare ancient vine grows here, remaining evergreen all year round. In spring, it blooms with milky-white flowers, its branches drooping to shade the entire mountain, beneath which stands a statue of the Virgin Mary in a cave. Each courtyard of the church exudes an antique charm, sacred and solemn, offering a refreshing and serene atmosphere. The church’s unique Sino-Western architectural style was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province in 2000.

Jinguang Village: Located in the northwestern suburbs of Nanyang City, Jinguang Village neighbors the National Highway 312 and Beijing Road to the south. It comprises two natural villages, seven villager groups, 378 households, and 1,511 residents, with 1,269 mu of arable land. The village has an eight-member village committee, 17 group cadres, and a Party branch with three party groups, including 30 full party members and 2 probationary members. The village is a concentrated area for Catholicism, often referred to as the “Vatican of the East,” with about 95% of its population being believers. The per capita income is 2,000 yuan.

I. We adhere to the goals of increasing agricultural efficiency and farmers’ income, vigorously promoting agricultural restructuring, strengthening... Detailed information about Jinguang Village++

Further reading:

· Third Batch of Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Henan Province