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.
During their visit, the group, accompanied by Simon Koo, Executive Director of TBC, toured the Zhalan Cemetery, where they paid their respects at the tomb of Matteo Ricci, S.J. The delegation also honored the memory of other influential Jesuits, such as Johann Adam Schall von Bell S.J., and Ferdinand Verbiest S.J. They showed particular interest in the Portuguese Jesuits, including Gabriel de Magalhães S.J. and Antonio Gomes S.J., reflecting on their contributions to cultural exchanges between China and the West.
The visit was not only a pilgrimage to the resting places of these historical figures but also an opportunity to explore the extensive history of missionaries in China. The delegation’s engagement with this history highlights the deep roots of intercultural dialogue that both PUC-Rio and TBC value.
Later, discussions turned towards future cooperation. President Pedroso emphasized the significance of the partnership with TBC, viewing the visit as a crucial step towards broadening international collaborations and dialogues. He expressed a strong desire to foster sustainable growth and deepen mutual understanding between the institutions.
This visit marks a milestone in the ongoing relationship between PUC-Rio and TBC, setting the stage for future projects that will benefit both communities and further the cause of global education and intercultural understanding.
The 5th Forum of European Researchers in China, co-organized by the EU Delegation to China, EURAXESS China, and the Europe-China Partnership Facility (ECPF), recently convened 13 European scholars based in China for a series of academic exchanges in Beijing.
Over spring break, I was given the opportunity by TBC to take a scholarship-supported trip to Macau, and from there, enjoyed just over three days in Hong Kong. Lamma Island, a small island in Hong Kong, is where most of my mom’s China stories take place.
Recently, Thomas Michael, a professor at The Beijing Center (TBC), was interviewed our staff and shared with us his perspective on studying Daoist thought and living in China. Professor Michael is a researcher at the School of Philosophy at Beijing Normal University.
Five Loaves and Two Fish is a volunteer organization centered on providing support and international education opportunities to the local migrant children who comprise its student body.