Stručni rad
The Jesuit, Matteo Ricci (1552 - 1610) - Apostle to China
Vladimir Horvat
orcid.org/0000-0002-5473-4400
; Filozofski fakultet Družbe Isusove, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
In the introduction the author emphasizes that St. Francis Xavier's desire to christianize China was fulfilled by a fellow religious, the Jesuit Matteo Ricci, born on October 6, 1552, less than two months before Xavier's death. Subsequently, the author illustrates the course which Ricci's life had taken. Ricci left his birthplace, Macerata, to go to Rome and study law, as his parents had wished, however, in 1571 he entered the Jesuit noviciate. During his years as student of philosophy and science, he asked to be sent on a mission. The request was granted. He studied theology in Goa, and in 1580 was ordained into the priesthood, after which he was sent to Macao, and from there entered China on September 10, 1583 together with Fr. Ruggieri. Ricci mastered the Chinese language and was thus able to write books and give lectures on the sciences, mathematics, geography and also Christianity, for which the Chinese demonstrated an interest. His place of residence frequently varied until the emperor invited him to Peking in 1601. He intuitively felt that the fundamental method for success in his missionary ministry was inculturation. Ricci adjusted to the Chinese Mandarin scholars totally. He demonstrated an appreciation for Chinese culture, philosophy and religion. He noted the connection between Confucianism and Christianity and introduced the use of the Chinese language in the rites of the Catholic Church. Ricci became the bridge between two totally unfamiliar cultures, bringing Western science and Christianity to China and new scientific discoveries from China to the West: he made both dialogue and mutual enrichment possible. The Chinese call him Li Madou, they visit his grave and consider him the most distinguished of all foreigners ever to have resided in China. His name has been entered into the Chinese national encyclopaedia.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
1307
URI
Datum izdavanja:
3.12.2002.
Posjeta: 2.400 *