HONG KONG (SE): Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J.,of Hong Kong, is slated to deliver the commencement address at Boston College on May 20, the Boston Globe reported on April 13.
Boston College president, Jesuit Father William P. Leahy, will present an honorary degree to Cardinal Stepehen and four other honorees during the 1.00pm ceremony at Alumni Stadium.
The university noted that the cardinal’s work to strengthen the relationship between Hong Kong and Beijing is unprecedented in the time since China and the Vatican severed diplomatic ties in 1951.
The Boston Globe cited the Associated Press as saying the invitation to Cardinal Stephen was viewed as a symbolic but meaningful gesture “that could strengthen the fragile relationship between China and the Vatican.”
The Jesuit research university, located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, was founded in 1863, and has more than 15,000 total students. Although classified as a research university, still uses the word “college” in its name to reflect its historical position as a small liberal arts college.
Others who will be honoured include Mary Skipper, superintendent of Boston Public Schools; Dana Barros a former NBA and Boston College basketball star; Sister Maria Teresa de Loera Lopez, who serves poor people in Mexico; and Dr. James O’Connell, president of Boston Health Care for the Homeless, the Boston Globe reported.
