Connecting traditional Chinese art and philosophy with Christian spirituality and the mystery of God’s revelation is part of the work undertaken by Father Joseph Tham, L.C., who leverages his training in Chinese arts to evangelize.

We reproduce a note originally published on our North America website.

The theme of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity has been a constant guiding thread in Father Joseph Tham, L.C.’s life, from his studies and practice as a doctor and bioethics researcher to his vocation as a Legionary priest and his passion for Chinese art and calligraphy. This summer, his artwork, which seeks to connect traditional Chinese art and philosophy with Christian spirituality and the mystery of God’s revelation, was exhibited in Toronto, Ontario, from July 20 to August 3. The event was organized by Fountain of Love and Life (FLL), a Chinese Catholic lay apostolate established in 2005 in Toronto, Canada, with the main mission of spreading the Good News of the Gospel to the global Chinese community through faith formation, missionary discipleship training, and evangelization via media.

The exhibition, titled “Art for God: artworks and spiritual reflections,” was held at the Fountain of Love and Life Evangelization Center and began on July 20 with an opening ceremony, a calligraphy activity for children, a live demonstration, and a guided tour with Father Joseph. On the opening day, Father Joseph also organized two one-hour calligraphy workshops in the afternoon. In the first workshop, participants were invited to reflect on the word “God,” which in Chinese is similar to the word “ray,” and to explore this word and its form as a symbol of God’s power and the connection between heaven and earth. The second workshop focused on the Chinese word “Dao,” meaning “way or truth,” which resembles a man on a cross in ancient script, leading participants to explore how this word relates to their own relationship with Christ, who says he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” For Father Joseph, calligraphy—considered the highest form of Chinese art—effortlessly lends itself to prayer.

Calligraphy is writing the word, and as Christians, we know that the Word became flesh. So, the Chinese translation of the word through calligraphy can help us reflect on how God manifests Himself through the Word.

The event also included a charity auction, with proceeds going to Fountain of Love and Life and the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University in Rome.

About Fr. Joseph Tham, L.C.

Father Joseph grew up in Hong Kong before emigrating to Canada with his family at age 15. He studied medicine at the University of Toronto and, as a medical student, undertook several missions in Tanzania, Africa, with the intention of becoming a missionary doctor. However, after working as a family doctor for four years, Father Joseph continued to feel called to something more—called to provide not only physical healing but spiritual healing to the sick and suffering he encountered. In 1994, Father Joseph made a pivotal visit to the Legionaries’ seminary in Cheshire, Connecticut, and decided to close his practice and become a priest. He was ordained a Legionary priest in 2004 and in 2007 earned his doctorate in bioethics at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum in Rome, where he served as dean of the Faculty of Bioethics. Currently, Father Joseph continues teaching, writing, and conducting research in bioethics, and is also a researcher at the UNESCO Chair of Bioethics and Human Rights, having recently presented on the governance of reproductive technologies at a conference at the Medical Ethics and Law Center at the University of Hong Kong. He has been serving in the Regnum Christi section in Hong Kong for over two years.

Art for God

Father Joseph began his training in Chinese arts at age 12, and among his many responsibilities as a priest and scholar, he has continued to dedicate time to creating art, particularly Chinese calligraphy, seals, and watercolor paintings. Through his artworks, he continues to explore the theme that has inspired him throughout his life as a doctor, bioethics researcher, and priest: the harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity.

One of Father Joseph’s recent art installations exhibited in Toronto is titled “Scrolls of Revelation”: this piece, consisting of two rolled scrolls, explores the juxtaposition of Christ’s concealment and the revelation of his message:

“Chinese art is traditionally stored rolled up, without display or framing; there is such a high appreciation for calligraphy and painting that they are not meant for exhibition and decoration. Instead, they are humbly kept, only shared with connoisseurs or literary friends who visit the piece and may even add poetry or comments. This idea of unveiling Beauty resonates with the Christian message of revelation. God’s presence is often overlooked. He hides, which is why we long for and seek Him. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, but most of humanity missed this important event. Unrolling a scroll and revealing a hidden yet vital message is exciting. What is hidden inside the scroll? What beauty awaits discovery?”

Father Joseph’s artworks have been exhibited internationally in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Macau. Recently, his work was showcased in Rome at a private event for the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum, and a catalog of these pieces, each accompanied by Father Joseph’s personal reflections, is available to view here. All paintings, calligraphy, and seals from the exhibition were generously donated by Father Joseph, and the proceeds from their sale are directed to Regina Apostolorum.

You can read more about Father Joseph Tham’s artistic ministry and his book, titled Art for God, Artworks and Spiritual Reflections, which is written in both English and Chinese here, or request the book here. Learn more about the small but dedicated section of Regnum Christi in Hong Kong here.

Note: translated from the original English into Spanish.