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Ricci Hall

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Ricci Hall
Ricci Hall
Ricci Hall (low-rise buildings)
Ricci Hall (low-rise buildings)
General information
Location Hong Kong, 93 Pok Fu Lam Road
Inaugurated 16 December 1929
Renovated 1990

Ricci Hall (Chinese: 利瑪竇宿舍) is a hall of residence founded in 1929 by the Society of Jesus in memory of Jesuit Matteo Ricci (1552–1610).[1] Located at Pok Fu Lam Road, Ricci Hall is the only Catholic hostel in The University of Hong Kong. In early 1960, it was decided that space of Ricci Hall was inadequate; it should be renovated and rebuilt. On 8 December 1967, the extension of Ricci Hall was inaugurated.[2]

Ricci Hall is a sports-oriented dorm intended primarily for undergraduate students.

History

Ricci Hall Residence, located on Pok Fu Lam Road, is one of the oldest residential halls at the University of Hong Kong. It is a boys-only hall, with great history and deep heritage.

Ricci Hall Residence was officially opened on 16 December 1929 and was established as a residence for students of the University of Hong Kong by the Jesuit Fathers. Located on Pokfulam Road, the Hall was a beautiful old style building with wonderful unobstructed view of the harbour.

It was mainly meant to accommodate Catholic students who came from the Wah Yan College, Hong Kong, Wah Yan College, Kowloon, La Salle College and St Joseph's College, Hong Kong.

Matteo Ricci was chosen as the Patron of the Hall. He is a Jesuit Father famous for his efforts to bring the West to China and China to the West. He is revered for his learning, for initiating a dialogue of cultures and for his knowledge of Chinese literature and philosophy.

In early 1960, it was decided that the space of Ricci Hall Residence was inadequate and it should be renovated and rebuilt. The renovation of the old block of Ricci Hall was completed in 1966, whereas construction of the new block on 8 December 1967.

Building features

Having five separate blocks connected together in order to foster communication among residents, Ricci Hall is unique in the architectural structure. There are total 120 single rooms with a balcony and 16 corridors. The facilities of Ricci Hall include a tennis court, a car park, a dining hall, two libraries, a billiard room, a chapel, a laundry, and 16 pantries at the end of each corridor.

Motto

  • Latin: Quantum potes tantum aude
  • English: As much as you are able, that you should dare to do
  • Chinese: 汝為君子儒 無為小人儒 (論語: 雍也編)

Emblem

Ricci Emblem originated from the emblem in the armour of St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. The shield in the emblem was divided obliquely: the wolf and hatchet on the right represents Loyola's family and symbolises generosity and hospitality. The helmet on top of the shield symbolises courage, courtesy, honour and spirit of sacrifice. The Latin sentence on the girdle beneath the shield is Ricci Motto.

Hall Colours

Maroon and White

Students' association

All residents are members of Ricci Hall Students' Association Hong Kong University Students' Union (RHSA, HKUSU). The association was established in 1930. Tape Eric Wong is the first Chairperson of RHSA, HKUSU.

Wardens

Ricci Hall wardens:

  • Rev. Fr. Daniel McDonald, S.J. (1929-1936)[3]
  • Rev. Fr. Brian Kelly, S.J. (1936-1941, 1946-1947)[4][5]
  • Rev. Fr. Fergus Cronin, S.J. (1947-1955)[6][7]
  • Rev. Fr. Herbert Dargan, S.J. (1955-1957)
  • Rev. Fr. Richard Harris, S.J. (1957-1962)
  • Rev. Fr. Cyril Barrett, S.J. (1962-1969)
  • Rev. Fr. D Reynolds, S.J. (1969-1970)
  • Rev. Fr. Alfred Deignan, S.J. (1970-1978)[8]
  • Rev. Fr. John Russell, S.J. (1978-1990)[9][10]
  • Rev. Fr. Alvaro Ribeiro, S.J. (1990-1992)[11][12]
  • Rev. Fr. Robert Ng, S.J. (1992-1997; 2011-2014)
  • Rev. Fr. John Coghlan, S.J. (1997-2010)[13]
  • Rev. Fr. John Tang, S.J. (2014-present)[14]

Prominent Old Boys

See also

References

  1. Back to citation University of Hong Kong. Ricci Hall (1954). Ricci: Souvenir Record of the Silver Jubilee of Ricci Hall, Hong Kong University, 1929–1954. Hong Kong University. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  2. Back to citation Bernard Mellor (1 January 1980). The University of Hong Kong: An Informal History. Hong Kong University Press. pp. 117–. ISBN 978-962-209-020-0. Retrieved 31 July 2013. “The reconstructed Ricci Hall, opened on 8th December 1967”
  3. Back to citation "Requiem Mass at Ricci Hall Chapel Father Daniel McDonald, S.J." Sunday Examiner. 24 May 1957.
  4. Back to citation "Death of Father Brian Kelly S.J. R.I.P." Sunday Examiner. 22 February 1974.
  5. Back to citation "Father Brian Kelly, SJ".
  6. Back to citation "英女皇壽辰授勳 龔樂年榮獲勛銜 本港官民四十三人各獲封贈". 公教報. 18 June 1971.
  7. Back to citation "A History of the University of Hong Kong, Volume 1, 1911-1945" (PDF). Hong Kong University Press. p. XX.
  8. Back to citation "Father Alfred Deignan, former Hong Kong Jesuit head and ex-principal of elite Wah Yan schools, dies at age 91". South China Morning Post. 11 December 2018.
  9. Back to citation "Update: Father John Russell returns to the Father's house". Sunday Examiner. 27 September 2023.
  10. Back to citation Fr. John Russell S.J. - His Thoughts, Words and Deeds. Caritas - Hong Kong. December 2025. ISBN 9789887079101.
  11. Back to citation "In loving memory of Fr. Alvaro Ribeiro, S.J." Hong Kong University.
  12. Back to citation Growing with Hong Kong: The University and Its Graduates: the First 90 Years. Hong Kong University Press. 1 January 2002. ISBN 9789622096134.
  13. Back to citation "Update: Jesuit finishes the race of faith". Sunday Examiner. 8 September 2021.
  14. Back to citation "Ricci Hall Old Boys: Build a Legacy. Leave a Legacy" (PDF). Alumni Networks. The University of Hong Kong. p. 48.

22°17′02″N 114°07′57″E / 22.2839°N 114.1325°E

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