HONG KONG (SE): “Many priests have shown their creativity and enthusiasm in their pastoral work. They approach their parishioners or those in need in various ways so that they do not feel lonely or abandoned,” said John Cardinal Tong Hon, apostolic administrator of the Hong Kong, during his homily in the Chrism Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on April 9.
The annual Chrism Mass, during which the sacred oils used in administering the Sacraments of Christian Initiation and Anointing of the Sick are blessed by the bishop at his cathedral, dates back to the 2nd century. This year, however, the celebration took place in a near-empty cathedral, but broadcast live online due to the social distancing constraints in place to mitigate the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.
The Mass was concelebrated by Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, and around 10 priests from the diocese.
Cardinal Tong noted that the Chrism Mass is traditionally a big occasion for priests to gather with the bishop on the morning of Holy Thursday and renew their commitment to serving God. Parish representatives would usually also be there to collect the holy oils. The ceremony is a sign of the unity of the Church.
The cardinal expressed his appreciation for the pastoral work of priests who have worked hard to journey with the faithful during the present pandemic. Many priests, parish representatives as well as other faithful had to watch the Mass online, in spite of their eagerness to join.
He encouraged the faithful to be united with the Church amid the isolation caused by the outbreak. “During the outbreak, we need to keep a social distance, finding ourselves more or less living in isolation. We need to rediscover and deepen the value of the Communion and unity of all members of the Church. Walking with Christ, we will never be alone, instead we will be one in Christ,” he continued.
While expressing his gratitude towards the medical personnel for their selfless service, the Cardinal Tong invited people to pray for those suffering from Covid-19 and for those who have passed away.
The cardinal also shared his concerns about the shortage of priestly vocations as it may hinder the mission of pastoral care and evangelisation as Jesus called for disciples and their successors to serve with faith and through the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of the Holy Communion.
The cardinal also expressed his gratitude to God as the number of people responding to vocations in certain places is still increasing and added that priestly vocation is a gift of God and therefore prayer is a good way to promote vocations.
Cardinal Tong reminded priests to be good examples and serve with faithfulness. They must love the Eucharist and their flock. Recalling Pope Francis’ first words after he was elected as pope in 2013— that he was a sinner, Cardinal Tong called on priests to serve with humility. Citing the pope, he said, “A pastor should stay with his flock and smell of the sheep.”
Recalling that it was seeing dedicated priests during his childhood that stirred up his own vocation, the cardinal said the diocese as well as parishes should give good formation to young people so that they can respond to God’s call.
The few concelebrating priests renewed their vows to follow the example of Jesus Christ in serving the Church. The permanent deacons present also renewed their commitment to serve with pure conscience and love for the needy.
The cardinal then blessed the holy oils—Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism, for use in the coming year and led the prayer for vocations, for the subsiding of the pandemic as well as for a shepherd for the diocese.
In concluding, Cardinal Tong invited people to bear the sufferings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in a spirit of personal conversion and urged them as soon as there is a chance, to go to confession, receive Communion and pray for the Holy Father’s intentions so that they might receive the plenary indulgence announced by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See (Chancery Notice, March 27).
