Last year, The Beijing Center (TBC) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner that was not just about marking a milestone but about embodying the Jesuit tradition of service and community impact. As the only Jesuit organization of higher education in Mainland China, TBC has always prioritized creating opportunities for real cultural exchange and fostering a spirit of service.
TBC’s commitment to serving others extends far beyond its anniversary celebrations. Throughout the year, our students actively participate in volunteer opportunities such as teaching English, leading arts and crafts, painting classrooms, and engaging in playful activities with children. These experiences not only enrich their understanding of our local culture but also deepen their sense of compassion and service. This tradition of giving back was at the heart of our anniversary dinner, as we sought to make a tangible difference in the lives of others through collective generosity, we leaned on the power of unity and the potential to make a difference, and we turned this festive evening into a force for good to raise funds to support two exceptional organizations: Casa Ricci and Bethel.
The funds raised were directed to two organizations that share a common goal of transforming lives and providing hope to those in need. Casa Ricci is known for its dedication to supporting marginalized communities and focuses on empowering individuals through education, healthcare, and social initiatives. While Bethel, with its mission to care for children with visual impairments, creates opportunities for growth and independence. Both organizations have taken the time to express their gratitude through heartfelt Thank-you letters, which serve as a testament to the impact of our collective efforts. These letters remind us that even small actions, when multiplied by many, can create profound change.
To everyone who attended the 25th-anniversary dinner, participated in the fundraising initiative, or contributed in spirit, thank you! Your generosity exemplifies the values we hold dear: service, compassion, and community. As we look forward to future milestones, let this experience inspire us to continue our service to better our community.
Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to make a difference, one small act of kindness at a time!
This is the first American edition of Anderson’s fascinating account of Britain’s first diplomatic mission to China in 1792. By the end of the eighteenth century the East India Company had been trading with Chinese merchants for two hundred years, but in a strictly limited way.
At the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment, as the 18th century drew to a close, the Western world was eager for knowledge—driven by a philosophical movement that championed reason and science. King Louis XV of France asked for the advice of his trusted Minister of State, Henri Bertin, about how to reform the spirit of the nation, after giving it some thought, Bertin famously responded, “Sire, to inoculate the French with the Chinese spirit.”
A delegation from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), including President Anderson Pedroso, Fr. Roberto Barros Dias, President of the Leonal Franca Priest Foundation, and Yanping Sun, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at PUC-Rio, recently visited Beijing to deepen historical understanding and discuss potential collaborations.
Fr. Seil Oh, S.J., the Vice-President of International Affairs from Sogang University, South Korea, visited The Beijing Center (TBC) on January 6th, 2025. During his visit, he met with TBC’s Executive Director, Simon Koo, to discuss strategies for enhancing the collaboration between their respective institutions.