HONG KONG (SE): Non-Chinese-speaking communities in the Church expressed their joy over the installation of Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, sj. and felt encouraged when he said in a Catholic channel that he appreciated them for their lively and dynamic celebration of faith.
In a video posted at the end of November on the Catholic Way YouTube channel produced by the Diocesan Audio-Visual Centre, Bishop Chow had said that the non-Chinese-speaking communities are an important part of the Church and expressed his high regards for them.
Father Jay Flandez, the chaplain for the Filipinos, said the Filipino community is happy to see the new bishop installed. “Migrants in Hong Kong are happy to hear that the new Bishop is inclusive in his approach in ministry. The Filipino community felt being welcomed. We feel a sense of belonging as we are not foreigners, but fellow citizens of the same faith. Like what St. Paul said in the Letter to the Ephesians 2:19, ‘So you are now fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of the family of God,’” Father Jay said.
Father Flandez said the Filipino community also felt encouraged to know the bishop’s appreciation for the expatriate community for their lively celebrations of faith. “We hope that we can share the spirit of this joy and hope especially in this time of pandemic with the local people,” he said.
On behalf of the Filipino community in Hong Kong, Father Flandez wished Bishop Chow good health and wisdom to shepherd the faithful in the diocese and said the chaplaincy will give its support and cooperation to the programme and direction of the diocese.
Father Heribertus Hadiarto, chaplain to the Indonesian community also expressed his congratulations to the new bishop, adding that the Indonesian Catholic community in Hong Kong is grateful for his motto of Unity in Plurality. “
Yes, we are one in Christ. In fact, the Catholic Church in Hong Kong has been supporting us by providing ministers and places for our activities,” Father Hadiarto said. He hopes and prays that one day the bishop would join the migrants and celebrate Mass in the communities for migrants from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other countries.
Sister Corazon Demetillo, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos, said the new shepherd of the people of Hong Kong is blessed with an open and discerning mind, heart and will that will enable him to listen deeply and lead people together as one Church.
She said the bishop’s encouragement in the YouTube channel will inspire the non-Chinese speaking community to serve the Church with even more love and joy.
