Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - The exhibition dedicated to Father Eusebio Francesco Chini, entitled "bold minded missionary, indomitable spirit and adventurous heart" will be open until June 30, at the Library "Francisco Xavier Clavijero at the University Iberoamericana (UIA) in Mexico City. According to information sent to Fides by the General Curia of the Jesuits, the exhibition, organized by the University Iberoamericana, will celebrate the 300th anniversary of Father Chini`s death (1645-1711). Over 100 documents are exhibited, including manuscripts, letters, books, maps and objects owned by the archives of the Mexican Province of the Society of Jesus, Iberoamericana University, individuals and governments of the states of Sonora and Baja California who have all kindly lent what they had for the occasion. Father Chini (or Kino according to another spelling), also known as the Father of Pimería Alta, region included today between the State of Sonora and southern Arizona, is considered one of the most important evangelists of the Society of Jesus in America. He was a geographer, explorer, cartographer, writer, committed to improving the living conditions of indigenous peoples and respect for indigenous rights. In 1975 a statue in his honor was placed in the U.S. Capitol in the National Statuary Hall, the national pantheon of the Great Americans. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 09/06/2011)
