Ricci is model for dialogue, mission in globalized world, speakers say

03-03-2010

ROME (CNS) -- Italian Father Matteo Ricci, the 16th-century Jesuit known for his positive relations with the Chinese, is a model for dialogue and evangelization in the 21st-century globalized society, said speakers at a conference in Rome.

Father Ricci's experience and writings remind people "that there are basic similarities in all human beings, in human nature: hope, suffering, questioning the meaning of life. We all share those whether we are Westerners or Chinese," said Jesuit Father Augustine Tsang Hing-to.

Father Tsang was born in mainland China to a Catholic family, "but I escaped by swimming to Hong Kong -- four hours to Hong Kong, at night -- and then went to the States."

The priest, who now teaches at Fu Jen Catholic University of Taiwan, spoke to Catholic News Service March 1 before speaking the next day at a conference marking the 400th anniversary of Father Ricci's death.

Father Ricci, who was born in 1552 and arrived in China at the age of 30, delved into studies of the Chinese language, culture and Confucianism. His respect for the Chinese gradually paved the way for his dialogue with China's government and cultural leaders.

At the same time, "he was very frank and strict, explicit and direct on the goodness of the Christian faith," Father Tsang said, and "he did not hesitate to point out the defects of Taoism and Buddhism."

After his death, missionaries developed the so-called "Chinese rites" -- Confucian-based social rituals involving ancestor veneration and offerings to the emperor -- which allowed Chinese converts to preserve elements of their heritage while being Catholic.

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