The China Story: Franciscan Ministry, 1931-1949

The China Story invites the reader to journey back in time to the language, values, theology, and perspectives of the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Holy Family within the historical context of the 21-year span of the book. In 1928 the Sisters receive the invitation to open a mission in China. After discernment, preparation, and adventurous travel to a new land, the ministry begins in 1931. The Sisters experience culture shock, deal with differences, struggle with the language, make mistakes, and learn to call China home. The reader can observe the forging of relationships between the U.S.born and Chinese Sisters as well as the leadership of the native Sisters in assuming responsibility for the missions when the U.S. Sisters were sent to concentration camps. The China Story reveals how the slowness of communication without modern technology is intensified as the Sisters live through limited resources, war, and tough decisions about their future.