ASIA/HONG KONG - Holy Spirit Study Centre bridge between East and West 25 years at the service of the Church in China

Hong Kong (Fides Service) - Holy Spirit Study Centre in Hong Kong, opened in 1980, has served as a bridge between East and West for 25 years. The Centre offers opportunities for research and study and formation in Christianity, the Catholic Church in China and Chinese culture. The Centre recently marked its 25th anniversary.
A leaflet issued for the occasion says that when the Centre opened in 1980 “China, the sleeping giant was waking up. Isolated for 30 years China was opening to change in all areas of life including religion.” The then Bishop of Hong Kong John Baptist Wu called on the Christians of Hong Kong to open their “hearts to help the brothers and sisters in China”. Filled with pastoral zeal Bishop Wu said he was convinced Hong Kong had a “key role to play to help the Catholic Church of China”. In this spirit he founded Holy Spirit Study Centre and appointed director Fr. John Tong, later, in 1996, appointed auxiliary Bishop of Hong Kong. Missionary priests who worked with the centre included Fr. Angelo Lazzarotto PIME and Fr Elmer Wurth (MM). The Centre started a library of books and international publications and magazines on China and Chinese culture. One of its own first publications launched in 1981 was Tripod published in English and Chinese. Encouraged by Pope John Paul II the Centre began to cater for formation of clergy, religious and laity. It also produced a series of documentary articles and a special feature China Bridge for Hong Kong’s diocesan weekly The Sunday Examiner. (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2006 righe 28 parole 281)