A Call to the Whole Vincentian Family
Come, See and Teach in China
In the Spirit of St. Vincent
Recently Rev. Robert Maloney, C.M. wrote: “I am convinced that it is time to be more concrete in planning about our mission in China and to work actively at finding places …,e.g., … in universities as English teachers, …”
As coordinator of the Vincentian Teaching Program (VTP) for China, I would like to invite each group of the Vincentian Family in English speaking countries to reflect on how you and your group might help in his service to the Chinese students. Are there individuals in your group who feel called to dedicate one year to this Vincentian project? How can the group encourage and support him/her/them?
Did you ever consider the possibility of teaching in Mainland China?
If you have, then read on.
If you have not, perhaps you are now, so please read on.
Perhaps you cannot, but a member of your group would feel called to, if asked, please continue to read on.
Vincentian History in China:
In 1699, in the same century in which St. Vincent lived, the first Vincentians arrived in China. They were Fr. Louis Appiani from Italy and Fr. John Mullener from Germany. In 1711 the Italian Vincentian, Fr. Teodore Pedrini, was appointed tutor to the children of the Emperor of China. By his open manner he quickly became a trusted teacher and guide. As a friend of the imperial children he tried to communicate to them some understanding of Christian values.
In these 305 years since the arrival of the first Vincentian there have been well over 1,000 Vincentians who have worked in China. About 1/3 of them have been native Chinese. The Daughters arrived in the mid-nineteenth century and have left a profound legacy of service to the poor in many different provinces of China. In the past 6 years, the Vincentian Family (CM’s, DC’s and laity) have a total accumulation of over 80 semesters of teaching the Chinese university students.
The Need for the Vincentian Charism in Today’s China
25 years ago China opened up to the world. In the past several years there has been an enormous economic growth especially in the cities. The majority of the Chinese population, however, live in the rural areas where the recent economic boom has not reached. At present I am teaching at a university where half of my students are from the countryside. Their parents are struggling to give them an education so that they can break out of this cycle of poverty.
One result of the economic growth is the number of poor who have to resort to begging on the streets in the cities and towns. How can we influence our students so that they can analyze the causes of this extreme poverty and look for effective methods to respond to this lamentable situation which grows more acute each day?
Basically my questions would be “What would Christ and St. Vincent do in this situation?” “How can the Vincentian Family respond in a concrete and practical way?” “What experiences do we have in our Vincentian tradition which can be of service to the poor in China?” “How can the Chinese organize now and in the future to respond to the ”cry of the poor”, to those left behind or left out of the economic growth?”
Testimonies of Vincentian Teachers
One teacher emphasizes the purpose and role of the teacher in China: “As teachers we have a privileged role, namely, to be companions of educated young Chinese adults at an important time in their lives and in their country’s history, to encourage them to search for moral values and to be with them as they search.”
A second teacher expressed her initial experience and feeling: “In the beginning, I felt like a tiny, tiny drop in a swelling ocean, but I know that even this tiny drop has made a difference to some.”
A sister reflects through the Bible: “The Gospel of Luke speaks of John the Baptist as one who ‘shall go before the Lord to prepare His way.’ That is the best description of a priest, a brother, a sister or a lay person teaching in China.”
An Irish priest wrote several years ago as he personally shared about his call: “The Spirit is God’s finger touching the world. … God’s Spirit has tapped me on the shoulder more than once. … (The latest) had to do with going to China. The touch came in a letter from Fr. Robert Maloney.” Perhaps the most recent letter mentioned at the beginning of this article will be the “touch” for new persons to come, see and teach in China.
Qualifications to be a Vincentian English Teacher
We are looking for men and women with a commitment to Christian service in the Vincentian Way, who are native English speakers with a university degree to teach for one year and who have good health (a check-up is part of the screening process), aged between 22 and 70, and who are adaptable, that is, open to the challenge of a new culture.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need to know how to speak Chinese? No. The knowledge of the Chinese language is not necessary since all the classes are conducted in English. The overall emphasis is on conversational English and composition.
Where will I live? The university provides, free of charge, furnished accommodations for the foreign teachers. Usually the apartment includes a living room, a bed room, a small kitchen and a private bath.
What is the length of the contract with the university? Usually it is for one year.
Will I be alone there? No. We usually place 2, 3 or more at the same university or nearby universities so that there is a type of community and mutual support.
What is the role of the Vincentian Family group if a person from their group comes to teach? Encouragement, a sending ceremony, communication, prayer support, etc.
If we have more questions, who can answer them? You can send me an e-mail with your questions: –
Thomas Sendlein
In the space for subject please type: Teach and, in the e-mail, please identify yourself.
What is the Process for Inquiring about Teaching?
If you or your group are interested, the first step is to contact and inquire.
First you contact me as the coordinator of the Vincentian Teaching Program to express an interest and ask any questions which you may have about the program. I will try to respond as quickly as possible to your questions. Please identify yourself and explain your relationship to the Vincentian Family.
Next step is to apply.
If you decide to teach for a year, then you will be sent an application form through the internet. Complete the form and send it back to me.
The third step is an interview. This will be done by me, another Vincentian or a person designated by me. You will be able to ask him any questions that you may have.
Time frame:
Usually for the semester which begins in August, all the paperwork should be done by March; for the semester which begins in February, all should be done by September. The contract is for one year.
Before you arrive in China there will be at least one orientation program to give you relevant information about various themes which will help you to adapt more easily to the new culture and situation. It is also an opportunity to meet both other new teachers and those who have already taught in China.
Talk/Conference about the Vincentian Teaching Program:
If there is a meeting of the Vincentian groups in a certain country or region and there is a real interest in knowing more about the teaching program, please notify me at
Thomas Sendlein
In the space for subject please type: Teach
In conclusion, please pray for this Vincentian project so that we may be led by the Lord in serving the Chinese students and the poor in China.
Looking forward to your correspondence.
Tags: China
