Part of Fr Allegra's plan for the Biblical apostolate was to found an Institute whereby the laity would be trained in the Biblical sciences. This was realised in 1989 when the Studium initiated the founding of the Hong Kong Catholic Biblical Institute with the co-operation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, the Salesians, the Jesuits and the Diocesan.

The Institute is affiliated to the Studium Biblicum Jerusalem and offers 3 annual prizes to the 3 top students through the generosity of the Franciscan Province of Salerno in memory of Bl. John of Montcorvino, the 1st Catholic missionary to China. The Institute offers a 3 year programme whereby graduates may obtain a Diploma in Biblical Sciences from the Studium Biblicum Jerusalem. A part-time Open Programme (non-diploma) is also available.

2000-2001 (Diploma programme)

  • The Psalms (Sept. - Dec. 2000)
    Fr Benjamin Leong OFM
  • Wisdom Literature (Jan. - March 2001)
    Fr Benjamin Leong OFM
  • General Introduction to the Bible (April - June 2001)
    Fr Benjamin Leong OFM

2000-2001 (Open programme)

  • Isaiah (3rd semester)
    Dominic Ng
  • Wisdom Literature and the Psalms (2nd semester)
    Fr Benjamin Leong OFM
The original group of bible professors that met on March 25th 1987at the Studium Biblicum to discuss the inauguration of the Hong Kong Catholic Biblical Institute

The inaugural meeting of March 25th 1987 in session; chaired by the Prefect of the Studium Fr Marcus Chen