(SE): Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., the Bishop of Hong Kong, visited Macerata, the birthplace of Venerable Father Matteo Ricci, on October 19 and 20.
During his visit, Cardinal Stephen, who is participating in the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, explored significant locations in the Diocese of Macerata related to the Jesuit missionary. Accompanied by Don Giovanni Battista Sun, he toured the Mozzi-Borgetti Municipal Library, met with local clergy, and spent time with Chinese priests and seminarians residing in Macerata, who also work at the Li Madou Study Centre.
On the evening of October 19, Cardinal Stephen visited Bishop Nazzareno Marconi, and the two exchanged gifts.
The following day, Cardinal Stephen celebrated Mass in Chinese at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy before visiting the Musei di Palazzo Buonaccorsi. At the Cathedral of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist, he extended greetings and blessings during Sunday Mass.
After viewing Magi and the Madonna with Child, part of the mechanical astronomical clock at the Civic Tower in Piazza della Libertà, Cardinal Stephen joined in the lunch prepared by the Chinese seminarians before heading back to Rome.
As he departed, the cardinal expressed his gratitude to the people of Macerata for their hospitality, praying that the Lord would soon grant the beatification of Father Matteo Ricci. “On that day,” he said, “I will be present with you along with a large delegation from my diocese.”
He said, “I pray with you that the Lord will soon grant beatification to Father Matteo Ricci.”
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