Maryknoll Sisters in China Region

China was the Maryknoll Sisters first love and the first country where they were missioned. Six Sisters arrived in Hong Kong on Feb. 15, 1921. After a second group arrived, six Sisters went to South China on Nov. 21, 1922. Over the years, more than two hundred Maryknoll Sisters have lived among the Chinese on the mainland (including Manchuria), Hong Kong and Macau. In South China, Maryknoll Bishop Francis X. Ford and their Foundress Mother Mary Joseph Rogers encouraged an innovation: the Sisters went two by two into the remote countryside and lived with the people, sharing friendships with the women, training women catechists, and fostering a Chinese church. They directed the formation of five Chinese novitiates.

Ministries through the years responded to the needs and the changes in Church and society. The lives and commitment of the alumnae of two primary/secondary schools started in Hong Kong in 1925 and 1927 attest to the value of that education. During WWII some Sisters were able to remain with the Chinese people in South China and Manchuria. When the Japanese bombed Hong Kong in 1941, the Sisters who were American or Canadian were sent to Stanley Prison, and finally repatriated by ship as exchange prisoners. Sisters born in Hong Kong or of other nationalities were free and went to Macau or Free China.


When the British recovered Hong Kong in 1945, Sisters returned as quickly as they could. When the Communists took over South China, Maryknollers remained until their presence was more a liability than a help. Twenty-seven Sisters received exit permits. Seven were imprisoned; eighteen were confined to a compound; thirteen to a locality. Six were deported in 1951, another in 1952 and the last one in 1953.

Work with the refugees in Hong Kong was a tremendous challenge to help in their needs for food and shelter. A fifty bed hospital aimed to serve both refugees and low income people. Sisters have been involved in education, medical works, social services, catechetical work, diocesan commitments, communications, etc.. Their motivation was expressed well by one Sister: “I lost my heart to the country Chinese, the Hakka people. Their homes, their food, their joys and sorrows, their tears and laughter were mine.”