The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies (TBC) had the honour of welcoming Bishop Stephen Chow SJ to its campus on 20 April. As the pre-eminent Jesuit education center in mainland China, TBC was delighted to host Bishop Chow who was previously the Provincial of the Chinese Province of the Jesuits, and is a longtime friend of TBC. The centre was especially pleased to welcome him again to its offices in his new role as the Bishop of Hong Kong.

Bishop Chow was accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha OFM, and Fr Peter Choy, Vicar General during their visit. They discussed TBC’s mission and explored potential collaboration between TBC and the Hong Kong Diocese. Bishop Chow and his companions also took time to meet each member of the TBC staff individually, pored over the centre’s rare book collection, and learned more about TBC’s short-term impactful travel programme, ChinaContact, while enjoying tea in the centre’ newly opened teahouse.

“Bishop Stephen Chow’s visit underscores the importance of both TBC’s and the diocese’s roles as bridges between mainland China and Hong Kong,” said Simon Koo, TBC Executive Director. “Over 30 years ago, Bishop Chow was a teacher in my high school, so to reflect on The Beijing Center’s role as a hub for education and exchange with him is something very special on both a personal and professional level, and I really look forward to the future of TBC and Hong Kong relations.”

Bishop Chow’s visit to Beijing was historic, as it marked the first visit by a Hong Kong bishop to mainland China since Cardinal John Baptist Wu’s visit before the city’s handover. During his stay, he also visited churches and the tomb of the Venerable Matteo Ricci, and emphasised that, much like The Beijing Center, the Hong Kong Diocese serves as a bridge.