One of the districts of the great metropolis of Shanghai, bustling with life and dense with skyscrapers, is called Xujiahui (or, in other script, Zikawei). At the crossroads of the main streets are perfectly manicured bulletin boards with a plan of the district and an explanation of its name (“Property of the Xu family at the junction of two rivers”) and the places of historical interest. At the edge of a major artery, one comes across a powerful modern bronze statue in the middle of a flower bed; it depicts a wise and authoritative man, seated and dressed in traditional clothes.
He looks upward, holding a book in one hand and a celestial sphere in the other. This is Xu Guangqi, from whom the district takes its name and whose tomb is located in a nearby park, that makes a peaceful oasis among the urban clamor; there’s a museum recounting his life and some sculptures represent him in his most famous activities: teaching peasants how to grow potatoes; instructing soldiers in the use of cannon; promoting astronomical studies. In short, he is clearly a great servant of the people and the country, to whom his city gives due honor.
But that is not enough. In front of the small hill that covers his grave stands a large cross. Not far from the tomb is a large church in the neo-Gothic style. It is the cathedral of Shanghai. Other well-preserved buildings stand nearby. These include one of the best high schools in Shanghai today, an ancient library, a professional school, an ancient astronomical observatory. . .[…] In fact, Xu Guangqi was a Christian, one of the most famous of Fr. Matteo Ricci’s disciples and friends and the founder of Shanghai’s Christian community. On the land purchased by him and belonging to his family, and where he is buried, the main center of the Jesuit mission in China was built in the mid-19th century, a kind of Christian “citadel.” It is still home to the center of the diocese of Shanghai. But let us recall history in due order.
This article is reserved for paid subscribers. Please subscribe to continue reading this article
Subscribe
The most respected digital Catholic journal from Rome. A must-read on all the present issues alive in the Church. Discover top Church scholars interpreting the history, politics, culture, science and art in the light of the Christian faith.
© Union of Catholic Asian News 2023 | All Rights Reserved.
Except for any fair dealing permitted under the Hong Kong Copyright Ordinance, no part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior permission.
