Mission to the Chinese historical photos

The first band of China missionaries receives missionary crosses in the sanctuary of the Church of the Immaculate Conception Sept. 29, 1920.

The new administration building for Providence College was begun in 1962. The college remained located in Taichung until 1987. Today, Providence University is located in Shalu, Taiwan.

Each year on Oct. 29, Sisters of Providence and Providence Sister-Catechists gather at Mother Marie Gratia’s grave.

Mother Marie Gratia Luking entered the Sisters of Providence Sept. 5, 1906. She was born Josephine Luking in 1885 in Connorsville, Ind. She died Oct. 29, 1964, and was buried in Taiwan.

Ten of these SPs were interned in the concentration camp during World War II. Though not interned, the two native Chinese Sisters of Providence, Sisters Agnes Joan Li and Bernadette Ma, faced the challenge of carrying on the work of the SP mission in China. Seated from left: Sisters Agnes Loyola Wolf, Marie Patricia Shortall, Marie Gratia Luking, Monica Marie Rigoni and Saint Francis Schultz; standing: Sisters Agnes Joan Li, Mary Liguori Hartigan, Carmel Baker, Theodata Haggerty, Francis De Sales Russell, Mary Margaretta Grussinger and Bernadette Ma.

As train loads of wounded Chinese soldiers arrive in Kaifeng, Sisters of Providence and Benedictine Sisters aid in their care.

By 1932, the Sisters of Providence were settled in a new convent.

Ching I Middle School opened Sept. 12, 1932, with 87 students.

The development of a native sisterhood was one of the greatest accomplishments for the Chinese mission in the 1930s. Pictured with the Rev. J.N. Tacconi are four Providence Sister-Catechists after investiture ceremonies.