Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – Father Matteo Ricci, his personality, his missionary contribution, the inculturation of evangelization, the timeliness of his spirit and his work ... These were the main themes of the second "Forum on Catholic Studies for Young Chinese Scholars," held December 7 to 10 in the Diocese of Beijing, with the participation of 49 scholars, both Christians and non-Christians. According to the organizers, "Bei Jing Institute for the Study of Christianity and Culture," led by Fr. Peter Zhao Jian Min, Director and Vicar of the Diocese of Beijing, the Forum was the occasion to promote and uphold the study of Catholicism in China, to the honor of the great Jesuit missionary, in view of the solemn celebration of the 400th anniversary of his death. Information received by Fides emphasizes that a researcher from the Social Academy in Beijing, Prof. Ren Yan Li, and Fr. J. B. Zhang, Director of the Faith Institute for Cultural Studies (FICS), respectively, presided over the opening and closing of the Forum. During the 4 days of study, 44 of Ricci's texts were presented, divided into 9 parts, by professors, researchers, academics, and priests with doctorate degrees and licenses obtained abroad. Reflecting on the great Jesuit missionary, they have addressed issues such as dialogue and cultural conflict, moral acceptance and recognition, historical experience, Catholic theology and inculturation, studies of Matteo Ricci, the historical study of Catholicism, theology, and experience of faith. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 18/12/2009)
