This second post in the series on Fr. Paul Sou highlights his rise to social and legal status as a student astronomer, his struggles with political challenges, and his tireless efforts to protect the Church and serve scattered Christian communities in 18th-century China. Despite setbacks and persecutions, Fr. Sou remained a humble, resourceful, and deeply committed priest, admired by both his European and Chinese contemporaries.

Paul Sou, the first Chinese Vincentian priest of the Congregation of the Mission, played a key role in early Christian missions in China. Born Facing challenges like the Chinese Rites controversy and persecution under Emperor Kangxi, he served in regions like Sichuan and Huguang, enduring imprisonment and hostility. Despite this, he built strong Christian communities and trained clergy. In retirement in Macao, he focused on educating youth. His legacy reflects deep faith and missionary resilience.

At the beginning of the 18th century, Fr. Teodorico Pedrini CM undertook an exhausting journey to China, facing storms, persecutions and imprisonment, until he finally reached the court of the Kangxi emperor, where he excelled as a musician and educator. His fidelity to the Pope in the conflict over the Chinese Rites led him to suffer severe reprisals, but his integrity and his work left a deep mark on the Catholic mission in China.