Matteo Ricci

Born: October 6, 1552

Died: May 11, 1610

Matteo Ricci’s accurate prediction of eclipses and other astronomical events necessary for the preparation of the imperial calendar gave him access to the inner court of Emperor Wanli. He also helped translate Euclid’s Elements of Geometry into Chinese and took care of the different gifts—such as mechanical clocks and a clavichord—he had given to the emperor. Finally, with the help of two Chinese collaborators, he produced several versions of his Chinese “Map of the Myriad Countries of the World.”

Ricci’s second approach was the writing of a comprehensive presentation of Catholic doctrine in a language and categories that related well to Chinese traditional culture and Confucian classics.

His one goal was to win the Chinese people—starting with its scholars and ruling class—for the kingdom of God. In recognition of his contributions and in an extraordinary exception to the prevailing law, Emperor Wanli allowed Ricci to be buried in the capital on imperial grounds.

—Father Francisco Carin, C.M.F.