Cardinal Silvano Tomasi of the Scalabrinians Visits MWR, Igniting a Deep Spiritual Dialogue
The year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Museum of World Religions (MWR). On the afternoon of April 11, the museum hosted an interfaith exchange of profound contemporary significance.
His Eminence Cardinal Silvano Tomasi of the Scalabrinian Missionaries, accompanied by three priests, was joined by Minister Huang Jung-jung of the Embassy of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) to the Holy See during his visit to the MWR. A spiritual dialogue that transcended religious boundaries and envisioned a shared future for humanity unfolded with Venerable Master Xian Yue, CEO of the MWR Development Foundation.
The 85-year-old Cardinal Silvano Tomasi of the Scalabrinian Missionaries previously served as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and shares a profound bond with Taiwan, having visited the island in 2007 and 2018. He is accompanied on this visit by a delegation of three distinguished priests: Rev. Fr. Carlos Caetano, CS, Vicar General and General Treasurer of the Scalabrinian Congregation; Rev. Fr. Marcio Toniazzo, CS, Executive Director of the Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN); and Rev. Fr. Bruno Ciceri, CS, Regional Coordinator of the Stella Maris Scalabrinian Catholic Network.
A Dialogue Unfolding Through the Great River of Faith
Venerable Master Xian Yue and his team extended a warm welcome, leading the guests through the long river of global religious history. The journey began at the eight-word calligraphic motto: "The doors to Goodness, Wisdom, and Compassion are opened by keys of the heart." Passing through the Water Curtain, the Pilgrims' Way, and the Wall of Palm Prints, they entered the Golden Lobby and the Great Hall of World Religions. The delegation expressed profound admiration for the diverse religious cultures and the intricate architectural scale models. They were deeply captivated by the photography exhibition, "The Vatican Through a Monk’s Eyes," currently on display in the "Nature In Me" Gallery.
Venerable Master Xian Yue shared the inspiring life journey of the museum’s founder, Grand Master Hsin Tao, the Founding Abbot of Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM), and recounted the visionary origins of the museum. The CEO highlighted the museum's collaboration with Harvard University’s Center for the Study of World Religions, which established the MWR as a premier platform for interfaith dialogue.
Amidst the global ecological crisis, the Master’s "Spiritual Ecology" initiative was introduced, advocating for a profound shift in how we relate to the Earth. This vision seeks to unite interfaith spiritual forces, calling upon all religions to become collective guardians of our planet's ecology.
Sowing Seeds of Love, Letting Peace Take Root
The MWR presented the visitors with spiritually significant gifts, including scrolls of calligraphy inscribed by the Grand Master, featuring the message: "Love is like flowers and seeds." Cardinal Tomasi and his delegation remarked that the MWR beautifully manifests the spiritual core of diverse faiths through its physical space, playing a vital role in fostering global understanding and peace. They further expressed profound admiration for the Master’s unwavering commitment to love, peace, and "Spiritual Ecology," honoring his lifelong dedication to loving and healing the Earth.
Rev. Fr. Carlos Caetano highly praised the MWR as a magnificent establishment, beautiful both in its physical environment and its spiritual soul. He noted that the museum serves as a vital interface for addressing global issues, particularly in the realm of Spiritual Ecology. By making the potential for interfaith cooperation visibly tangible, the MWR opens doors for collective action, and Father Caetano expressed his eagerness for further opportunities for deep exchange in the future.
In a warm and sincere atmosphere, this visit opened a new chapter for the interfaith promotion of Spiritual Ecology. It injected a powerful sense of hope into the present era—a force built upon understanding as a bridge and love as its quintessential core.
His Eminence Cardinal Silvano Tomasi of the Scalabrinian Missionaries, accompanied by three priests, was joined by Minister Huang Jung-jung of the Embassy of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) to the Holy See during his visit to the MWR. A spiritual dialogue that transcended religious boundaries and envisioned a shared future for humanity unfolded with Venerable Master Xian Yue, CEO of the MWR Development Foundation.
The 85-year-old Cardinal Silvano Tomasi of the Scalabrinian Missionaries previously served as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and shares a profound bond with Taiwan, having visited the island in 2007 and 2018. He is accompanied on this visit by a delegation of three distinguished priests: Rev. Fr. Carlos Caetano, CS, Vicar General and General Treasurer of the Scalabrinian Congregation; Rev. Fr. Marcio Toniazzo, CS, Executive Director of the Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN); and Rev. Fr. Bruno Ciceri, CS, Regional Coordinator of the Stella Maris Scalabrinian Catholic Network.
A Dialogue Unfolding Through the Great River of Faith
Venerable Master Xian Yue and his team extended a warm welcome, leading the guests through the long river of global religious history. The journey began at the eight-word calligraphic motto: "The doors to Goodness, Wisdom, and Compassion are opened by keys of the heart." Passing through the Water Curtain, the Pilgrims' Way, and the Wall of Palm Prints, they entered the Golden Lobby and the Great Hall of World Religions. The delegation expressed profound admiration for the diverse religious cultures and the intricate architectural scale models. They were deeply captivated by the photography exhibition, "The Vatican Through a Monk’s Eyes," currently on display in the "Nature In Me" Gallery.
Venerable Master Xian Yue shared the inspiring life journey of the museum’s founder, Grand Master Hsin Tao, the Founding Abbot of Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM), and recounted the visionary origins of the museum. The CEO highlighted the museum's collaboration with Harvard University’s Center for the Study of World Religions, which established the MWR as a premier platform for interfaith dialogue.
Amidst the global ecological crisis, the Master’s "Spiritual Ecology" initiative was introduced, advocating for a profound shift in how we relate to the Earth. This vision seeks to unite interfaith spiritual forces, calling upon all religions to become collective guardians of our planet's ecology.
Sowing Seeds of Love, Letting Peace Take Root
The MWR presented the visitors with spiritually significant gifts, including scrolls of calligraphy inscribed by the Grand Master, featuring the message: "Love is like flowers and seeds." Cardinal Tomasi and his delegation remarked that the MWR beautifully manifests the spiritual core of diverse faiths through its physical space, playing a vital role in fostering global understanding and peace. They further expressed profound admiration for the Master’s unwavering commitment to love, peace, and "Spiritual Ecology," honoring his lifelong dedication to loving and healing the Earth.
Rev. Fr. Carlos Caetano highly praised the MWR as a magnificent establishment, beautiful both in its physical environment and its spiritual soul. He noted that the museum serves as a vital interface for addressing global issues, particularly in the realm of Spiritual Ecology. By making the potential for interfaith cooperation visibly tangible, the MWR opens doors for collective action, and Father Caetano expressed his eagerness for further opportunities for deep exchange in the future.
In a warm and sincere atmosphere, this visit opened a new chapter for the interfaith promotion of Spiritual Ecology. It injected a powerful sense of hope into the present era—a force built upon understanding as a bridge and love as its quintessential core.