As an international academic institution with a Jesuit spirit, TBC is actively welcoming inspired and knowledgeable authors, business professionals, and scholars. On January 7, 2021, we had the pleasure of welcoming Chinese author and academic, Dr. Chen Xinyu. Continue reading “How Tombstones are Helping Uncover the Jesuits’ History in China”
How Tombstones are Helping Uncover the Jesuits’ History in China
Multiplying the five loaves and two fish
Each semester, students at The Beijing Center (TBC) are encouraged to participate in local service-learning activities to practice the Jesuit tradition of helping others and attaining a sense of social responsibility. This fall semester, TBC students volunteered at Five Loaves and Two Fish, an organisation acting to support migrant worker families. Continue reading “Multiplying the five loaves and two fish”
The Bejing Center Welcomes New American Pathway Program Students
On Friday, September 11, 2020, The Beijing Center (TBC) welcomed its Fall 2020 cohort comprised of local Chinese freshman from the College of the Holy Cross, Saint Joseph’s University, University of Notre Dame, and University of the South. Continue reading “The Bejing Center Welcomes New American Pathway Program Students”
THE 410TH ANNIVERSARY OF MATTEO RICCI’S DEATH
Four hundred and ten years ago on May 11, 1610, the world lost a leading facilitator in the development of intercultural communication, and in turn,
solidified his reputation and legacy as the founder of cultural exchange between China and the West. Italian Jesuit missionary, Matteo Ricci (1552-1610), broke the ideological barriers between China and the West through equality and friendship.
Ricci’s contribution is well-known to those who have experienced intercultural communication and have seen the transformation of Chinese and Western relations over the years. Particularly prominent within the Jesuit community, Ricci spent 28 years in China, becoming the first scholar to holistically study Chinese culture. In doing so, he compiled numerous Western natural science books in collaboration with Chinese scholars such as Xu Guanqi, Li Zhizao, and Yang Yanjun. These books covered advanced knowledge of Western science and culture, that gradually contributed to the enrichment of Chinese culture. One of his works in particular, Four Books, has become regarded in the West as the basis for understanding China.
As he left his mark on the world, Ricci’s influence also became engrained in The Beijing Center’s foundation and core values.
His teachings and guidance have shaped the direction and prosperity of the international education and exchanges TBC works towards providing. In a continuing effort to honor and remember Ricci, TBC highlights his legacy by providing students with a tour of Ricci’s tomb in Beijing during their studies, so they can learn about his history in China. This experience serves as a reminder of the union of cultures and how far intercultural exchange has come.
JCAP President Fr Tony Moreno is new Chair of The Beijing Center
Fr Tony Moreno SJ, President of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP), has been named as Chair of The Beijing Center (TBC) to replace Fr Mark Raper SJ who has concluded his service as Board Chair and Board Member after a 12-year tenure. Fr Raper is currently Superior of the Myanmar Jesuit Mission and former JCAP President.
Besides Fr Moreno, Chinese Jesuit Provincial Fr Stephen Chow SJ was elected Vice Chair, a newly created position that is being proposed. Dr Thomas Poon was elected Board Member.
The election took place during the TBC Board of Directors meeting on November 18. The night prior to the meeting, the board members attended the TBC Annual Thanksgiving Dinner in honour of the service learning initiatives this semester.
The event brought together celebrated partnerships and friendships, along with the opportunity to recognise the unparalleled contribution organisations, such as Bethel China, make towards improving the lives of underprivileged and impaired children in China, with the support of partners and volunteers like TBC students and staff.
In his final speech as Chair, Fr Raper said he was grateful for the wonderful reunion between passionate individuals and organisations who continue working to provide students with quality international education.
Read more about the thanksgiving dinner here.