Our Cultural Exchange activities in 2026
In 2026, the Verbiest Foundation Leuven will organize a range of cultural exchange activities. The Daily Coordination Committee (DCC) has developed a provisional program outlining these initiatives.
Below you will find an overview of the planned cultural exchange activities, all of which are coordinated by the DCC. Please note that this program is tentative and may be subject to change due to unforeseen external circumstances.
2. Open House
Lunar New Year celebration
On February 16, the colleagues of the Verbiest Foundation Leuven have celebrated the Lunar New Year. The celebration began in the morning with a Holy Mass and a Rite of Honoring the Ancestors. Following this ceremony, all attendees were invited to share a lunch at the Chinese College Leuven.
Open House
On 16 May, the Chinese College in Leuven opened its doors to everyone interested in the activities and mission of the Verbiest Foundation. The Open House aimed to underscore its position as a platform for open dialogue with Chinese churches and Chinese communities in Taiwan and China.
The event began with a welcome address by the chairman, Karel Heyndrickx, who warmly greeted all attendees and introduced the entire Verbiest Foundation team. This was followed by a presentation by our vice-chairman, Dr. Dominik Declercq, who provided an overview of the foundation’s mission and research programme. Afterwards, researcher Dr. Simon Yongjun Zheng presented his ongoing research on the life and work of Father Jozef Mullie.
Following the presentations, guests were invited to enjoy drinks and snacks in the garden. During this informal gathering, participants were free to walk around, ask questions, meet one another, and engage in conversation. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn more about the history and current activities of the foundation through an exhibition.
The event was held in English. For participants of the Spring Session, translation earphones with Chinese interpretation were provided by one of our employees to ensure that everyone could fully understand the presentations.
The 30th Biennial Conference of the US-China Catholic Association
The Verbiest Foundation plans to send a representative to this conference in Houston (USA), taking place from July 31 to August 2. The conference brings together intellectual communities, community leaders, members of religious organizations, and nonprofit organizations to explore their role in promoting friendship, dialogue, and peace between people in China and the United States. During the event, the Verbiest Foundation will present its mission and ongoing work.
The 5th European Chinese Catholic Communities in Taizé
The Verbiest Foundation will organize a delegation of 4–5 people to attend this conference in September 2026.
In Memory of Bishop Schraven and the eight Martyrs
The Bishop Schraven Foundation in the Netherlands holds a memorial service every year on the second Sunday of October. The Verbiest Foundation will have representatives attending, and anyone who wishes may participate voluntarily.