Harley-Davidson Santas visit central Taiwan’s oldest Catholic church for Christmas – Taiwan English News

Nearly 100 Harley Davidson motorcycle owners donned Santa Claus costumes for a procession through Puxin Township, Changhua County, ending at Luocuo Church, known as the oldest Catholic church in the center from Taiwan.

Organized by the “Iron Wings” Motorcycle Club, Harley riders from three counties converged on Puxin at the invitation of the city’s mayor, who is also a member of the club. Puxin County Mayor Zhang Chengyu explained that Lucuo Catholic Church usually holds a light sculpture show every Christmas, but this year the event was canceled due to restrictions related to the pandemic. Therefore, he decided to invite the Iron Wing Motorcycle Club to the city to add some color for Christmas.

Zhang said Iron Wings members often hold rallies based on charity events, such as fundraising for rural elementary schools, but this was their first time hosting a Christmas event.

After meeting in a parking lot on the outskirts of town, the Harley drivers donned their Santa costumes, then slowly made their way through the township until they reached the Luocuo Church.

The procession’s arrival at the church coincided with the end of the Christmas morning service, and worshipers walked out of the church to be greeted by the site of dozens of red and white Santas amidst the dazzling display. of shiny motorcycles.

Father Hu Mingliang introduced the church and its history to visitors, pointing out that although the current building is only a few decades old, the church was founded in 1875, making it the first and oldest church. Catholic from central Taiwan. Priests from many nations served in Luocuo, including Spanish, American, and Vietnamese nationalities. Luocuo Church saw the establishment of the first Western-style group in Taiwan, the first orphanage and the first swimming pool in central Taiwan, and was the first to import and operate a Western alphabet press in Taiwan.

Father Hu concluded by saying that Christmas is the most important day for believers to feel the grace of the Lord. “Whether you are a believer or not, please accept our sincere blessings of peace and joy, light and hope on this day of Jesus’ birth,” said Father Hu.

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