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.
To be honest, I’d never planned to study in Beijing, or even to pursue studying Chinese. What I have had, however, is a lifelong appreciation for languages and cultures.
This past summer at The Beijing Center (TBC), students from Marquette University took TBC’s Chinese language courses for college credit. TBC’s program offers an intensive, immersive curriculum in the heart of Beijing.
This past summer in China, TBC connected students from Notre Dame School of Manhattan and Xavier High School with some of Beijing’s local elementary students. The young children were shy at first, but they eventually loved interacting with their new American friends.
Last summer, The Beijing Center (TBC) hosted Loyola Blakefield High School, Boston College High School, Xavier High School, and Notre Dame High School in China.