Order of Friars Minor (OFM) - Hong Kong
The Studium Biblicum Franciscanum Hong Kong is the Hong Kong branch of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, founded by Blessed Gabriele Allegra in 1945 in Beijing to support the work of a team of Franciscan friars engaged in the first complete translation of the Catholic Bible in Chinese.
Started by Blessed Gabriele Allegra soon after his arrival in China in 1931, the translation project became a monumental achievement in the history of Chinese Christianity, providing Chinese Catholics with a complete, scholarly translation of the sacred scriptures.
Gabriele Allegra was an Italian Franciscan friar, biblical scholar, and missionary who devoted his life to translating the Bible into Chinese. Born in Sicily, he felt called to bring the fullness of Scripture to the Chinese people and worked tirelessly for decades to complete this sacred task.
Fr. Allegra was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2012 in recognition of his extraordinary dedication to making God's Word accessible to Chinese-speaking Catholics. His translation work, known as the Studium Biblicum Version, remains one of the most significant achievements in Chinese Catholic literature.
Gabriele Allegra arrives in China and begins his mission, with the vision of translating the complete Bible into Chinese.
The Studium Biblicum Franciscanum is officially established in Beijing to coordinate the biblical translation work.
Due to political changes in China, the Studium relocates to Hong Kong, where the translation work continues.
After 40 years of dedicated work, the complete Chinese Catholic Bible translation is finished.
Gabriele Allegra is beatified by Pope John Paul II, recognizing his heroic virtue and extraordinary contribution to the Chinese Catholic Church.
Original manuscripts and working drafts of the Chinese Bible translation, documenting the careful scholarly process.
Biblical commentaries, exegetical studies, and theological writings produced by the Studium scholars.
Letters and documents relating to the translation work, collaboration with other scholars, and mission activities.
Reference materials, linguistic studies, and resources used in the translation and biblical scholarship.
Documents chronicling the history of the Studium and the Franciscan mission in China and Hong Kong.
Personal writings, spiritual reflections, and biographical materials of Fr. Allegra and his collaborators.
The Studium Biblicum Franciscanum collection provides invaluable resources for studying:
Materials from the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum have been digitized as part of the Documentation of Chinese Christianity program, a collaborative effort between Yale Divinity Library and Hong Kong Baptist University Library.
For access to specific materials or inquiries about this collection, please contact the Divinity Library.