Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tai Pei (Agenzia Fides) – "Matteo Ricci and the communion and dialogue between Chinese and Western culture" was the theme of the talk given by Cardinal Paul Shan, Emeritus of the Diocese of Kao Hiung, during the International Conference held at the Catholic University of Fu Ren in this special year marking the 400th anniversary of death of the Jesuit missionary, which occurred in Beijing on May 11, 1610. Cardinal Shan divided his speech into 5 parts: Introduction; Matteo Ricci's Respect For Chinese Culture; Knowledge of Matteo Ricci Brought to Chinese Culture; Matteo Ricci and Communion Between the Chinese and Western Culture; Conclusion. The Cardinal emphasized the invaluable contribution of his Jesuit brother, because "he opened the iron door of the Chinese Ming Dynasty," "he became the bridge for cultural exchange between China and the West" and "at the same time, he brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ in China, thus founding the Chinese local Church.” “He explained faith in God using Chinese concepts" and "became a witness of faith with his life and his entire being." Cardinal Shan also revealed that Fr. Matteo Ricci already anticipated the Second Vatican Council four centuries earlier, stating the three principles of interreligious dialogue: "mutual respect, mutual understanding, sincere collaboration." The secret of his missionary success lies in diligent study of, knowledge of, and respect for Chinese culture, without any "blind devotion". "He brought Western science to China with humility and reformed the Chinese court that was full of useless theory, and all this - said Cardinal Shan - is highly relevant and more important than ever for the mission of evangelization in the Chinese world today. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 08/05/2010)
