HONG KONG (SE): On March 28, Holy Thursday, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., presided over the Chrism Mass, which united more than 170 priests and over 20 deacons of the diocese with their bishop as they renewed their commitment to priestly service and the vows they took at their ordinations. Bishops Emeritus John Cardinal Tong Hon, Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing were among the clergy who concelebrated the Chrism Mass.
“The mission that Jesus read out more than 2,000 years ago is still our mission today. Please pray for the wisdom of discernment, the freedom of the heart, and the prudence but courage of the spirit that we need!” said Cardinal Stephen as he celebrated the Mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Caine Road.
The Chrism Mass manifests the communion of the priests with their bishop, signifying the close communion between the bishop and his flock.
During the Mass, the Cardinal blessed the holy oils and consecrated the holy oil of chrism. He first blessed the oil of the sick, which will be used in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, followed by the oil of the catechumens, which will be used to anoint individuals preparing for baptism during this year. The cardinal then consecrated the sacred chrism, from which the Mass derives its name. The sacred chrism will be used throughout the coming year for baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and the consecration of altars and churches.
Reflecting on the gospel of the day [Luke 4:16-21], Cardinal Stephen said Jesus’ reading of the passage from the Book of Isaiah in the synagogue shows God’s plan for the Messiah. He believes that the Word of God continues to be relevant for the present world, where the marginalised are valued and cared for and that they are also capable of demonstrating love through their actions.
The mission that Jesus read out more than 2,000 years ago is still our mission today. Please pray for the wisdom of discernment, the freedom of the heart, and the prudence but courage of the spirit that we need!
Cardinal Stephen
The mission of priests today is to serve their brothers and sisters, making them feel fulfilled and healed by God’s love in the gospel. He said that the Church’s mission is also to bring people out of evil forces and save them from a victim mentality, which can hurt them and others.
The cardinal acknowledges that, given the impact of the ideological “right and wrong” in today’s world and the demands of national security, the clergy also need to adjust their pastoral methods, which may make them feel a bit entangled and uncomfortable.
“However, what remains unchanged is our perseverance in the love that Jesus taught us. We will not abandon our brothers and sisters who need our companionship in times of trouble. We will not be afraid to pay any price for the integrity of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but rather to preserve it without compromise,” the cardinal said.
In his homily, Cardinal Stephen also acknowledged that the low number of vocations in recent decades could be attributed to the poorly tarnished image of the clergy caused by sexual abuse against minors, infighting and gossiping among the clergy, unedifying lifestyles among the clergy, etc.
But he believes every priest and deacon present joined the rank of clergy with a noble heart to serve God and God’s people, for they are called to serve the Lord who sacrificed his life for the salvation of all.
…what remains unchanged is our perseverance in the love that Jesus taught us. We will not abandon our brothers and sisters who need our companionship in times of trouble. We will not be afraid to pay any price for the integrity of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but rather to preserve it without compromise
Cardinal Stephen
He reminded those present that the nobility of the priesthood does not come from social status, academic standing, or the number of followers on social media but from God, who ordains his only son to be his high priest.
“Hence, as bishops, priests, and deacons, we have no hesitation in preserving the integrity of the sacraments and the proper celebration of them, the channels through which salvific grace is communicated to God’s people. My brother clergy, I believe this is what we can assure the people of God in our diocese,” he said.
“We will also uphold the freedom of worship for all, including preserving the freedom of religion we have been enjoying in our civil society while observing legal obligations.”
The cardinal added that the Church should also welcome groups and individuals who find themselves at the margins or outside of our Church and be concerned about creation as our common home.
Priests and deacons then renewed their promises of Holy Orders before the bishop and God’s people and exchanged the sign of peace with Cardinal Stephen, Cardinal Tong and Bishop Ha at the altar.
During the liturgy, together with the concelebrants, Cardinal Stephen blessed oils for the sick and catechumens and consecrated the Chrism. The oils were distributed to different parishes for the sacraments of the anointing of the sick, baptism and confirmation.
