CHINESE SISTER OF ST. JOSEPH

Chinese Sister of St. Joseph –  Sister Li An Sying, Martyr of the Eucharist, S.S.J.                                                                                                  “A Josephine”                                                                                      † The first Order of Chinese Sisters founded and operated by Chinese women                                       which became a prototype for future Chinese Orders of women †       

Founder:  Bishop Louis-Gabriel Delaplace, C.M., Apostolic Vicar of Beijing

Place:  Beijing, China

Year:  1872 A.D.

Her Charism:  By her vowed life of poverty, chastity, obedience, and contemplation, this “little Josephine’s” heart is “on fire” to save the children who die from injuries, foot-binding, neglect, starvation, and stress from being considered no more than “mere shadows.”  She has a special devotion to St. Joseph who cared for, loved, and protected the Child Jesus from harm when he was small, helpless, sometimes frightened, and dependent.  At one time, this Sister had an exemplary role in restoring a Catholic presence in the ruins of the Boxer Uprising by inspiring women with a sense of self-worth and empowering them.  Today, she builds cultural bridges through social reform on their behalf.  Her charism is to teach catechism to women and children in order to help restore hope and a sense of dignity to all human life.