In his Advent Pastoral Letter for 2022, Bishop Stephen Chow announced “the beginning of something new” for the Diocese of Hong Kong. “In the coming years,” he wrote “the main focus for the Diocese will be Formation in three main sectors: Laity, Young People, and Clergy.” He was remarking on Voices of the Community, the report on synodality that can be read on the diocesan website. Setting the agenda for the future of the diocese, it was published a week before the first anniversary of his episcopal ordination on December 4.
The Synod of Bishops, formally opened by Pope Francis on 10 October 2021, was initially planned for October 2023. But on October 16, the pope announced that it would be extended for an additional year to allow more time for discernment and a greater understanding of synodality.
After completing the diocesan phase, which involved local consultations across the globe, the Synod has entered into its second or continental phase. In Hong Kong, the first phase witnessed parishes, religious communities, Catholic institutions, and small faith groups participating in the consultation process via group discussions, input sessions, and spiritual conversations.
While thanking the respondents for their contributions, Bishop Chow’s pastoral letter noted that analysis and synthesis of such consultations provided the diocese with crucial recommendations for the future. Among these is formation of laity, youth and clergy.
Although formation is a frequently discussed topic in the Church, the growing number of voices from respondents indicates that there is still much to be done. Consequently, the pastoral letter focuses on “forming and sanctifying the laity, supporting young people pastorally, and formation as well as the ongoing formation of the clergy.”
The increasing concerns of respondents about the future of our youth have prompted the diocese to set pastoral accompaniment and formation of young people as one of its priorities. Voices of the Community expressed its alarm about many young people leaving the Church, when they should be its treasure and future. It acknowledges that unresolved social issues of the past have taken their toll on our young people and many perceive the Church as not being with them.
The report calls for strengthening youth ministries in parishes, communities, Catholic institutions and universities with creative approaches. “Besides the usual intellectual dimension,” Bishop Chow says, “the formation should include spiritual, aesthetical, emotional, volitional, and behavioural dimensions as an integral whole.”
“Formation and ongoing formation of the clergy” continue to be a priority for the diocese and the Church. This survey acknowledges criticism of the Church as being bureaucratic and hopes it will serve as a starting point for its self-reform. Bishop Chow hopes that “through integral formation and mutual accompaniment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the people of God will be better equipped for a synodal Church.”
Formation of the laity is crucial to ensure their better participation in the life and mission of the Church. The pastoral letter also identifies the formation of “small faith communities” as a priority, to provide a forum for believers to share their faith experiences, enhance their sense of belonging to the Church, and to give individuals an atmosphere of community support. jose, cmf
