TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Monday thanked French priests for decades of service in eastern Taiwan as she attended the launch of a new book documenting their work and local communities.
CNA reported that the book records the priests’ daily lives and experiences in eastern Taiwan. Hsiao said it also preserves local history, languages, and Indigenous culture through documents, photographs, oral histories, academic research, and personal accounts.
Hsiao said Father Liu Yi-feng (劉一峰) arrived in Taiwan about 60 years ago after traveling for more than a month. She recalled seeing Liu lead recycling work in Yuli, Hualien, while helping vulnerable families and people with disabilities.
Hsiao said the French priests originally came to Taiwan as missionaries but gradually became part of Taiwanese society. She said their work showed the importance of long-term care and support for local communities.
Liu also helped establish a home for people with disabilities in the Yuli and Fuli areas, Hsiao said. She thanked him and other priests for setting an example of service for people across Taiwan.
Hsiao said the book also reflects the close relationship between Taiwan and France. She said exchanges now cover areas including technology and culture, while the two sides also share values such as democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Hsiao said the spirit of helping others has also spread beyond Taiwan, with Taiwanese volunteering overseas and assisting communities affected by disasters. She said she hoped younger generations would continue this tradition of care and service.
Hsiao said she hoped the book would help more people learn about Taiwan, its communities, and the history preserved through the priests’ work and experiences. She also thanked those who contributed to the publication and helped preserve the stories for future generations.
