“Exert Yourselves!”

First published in 1642, the catechism Tianzhu shengjiao sizi jingwen (Four-Character Scripture of the Holy Religion of the Lord of Heaven) is one of the Italian Jesuit Giulio Aleni’s (1582–1649) last authored works. Its popularity among Chinese Catholics highlighted its effectiveness and uniqueness as a catechism. Combining biblical stories, Catholic teachings, and practical spiritual advice, the catechism adopted the format of traditional Chinese primers, making it easy to read and memorise. A deeper reading into the content hints at Aleni’s anxiety due to Ming dynasty’s imminent collapse and his fear of a possible wave of anti-Christian persecution. Indeed, Aleni might have intended Tianzhu shengjiao sizi jingwen to be his final work before the dynastic transition. The work mirrored the dreadful hope of Aleni that the Jesuit enterprise could survive the tumultuous period, as well as his desire that the catechism could sustain the faith of the Chinese flock.