Charmain Lam
Throughout the long history of the Church, beginning at least in the 16th century, specific devotions have been associated with entire months. In this tradition, the month of April has been dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. This month, a special occasion took place for a group of young adults in Hong Kong and around the world.
As the universal Church celebrated Tuesday of the second week of Eastertide, the Diocesan English Youth [DEY] joined the adoration team to commemorate the 10th anniversary of its monthly adoration evenings.
What started as a test run in 2014 has, by the providence and loving will of God, quietly persevered over the past 10 years. Ten years is no short while for those on the pilgrim journey, especially in these times. Calling it a decade may sound even longer.
If one were to tell those who started that first trial evening on 1 April 2014 that 10 years later, the evenings would still be going on, seeding and sustaining friendships with Jesus, and among those who attend or serve each month, few may have ventured to believe or agree.
Providentially drawn together by a common desire to journey further in their faith and share with others the comfort and peace that Christ gives—coupled with a thirst to have in this bustling city a peaceful experience like Nightfever, which is present elsewhere in the world, an eclectic group of Catholic young adults of different nationalities, backgrounds and parishes banded together to hold a simple evening of Eucharistic Adoration.
The 10th anniversary, celebrated on April 9, was blessed by the presence of Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., who joined the current priests supporting the evenings: Father Miguel Diez, Guadalupe Father Tito López Martin, chairperson of the Diocesan Youth Commission [DYC], and Maryknoll Father Mike Sloboda, to pray with those present and offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Along with candlelight, prayer, soft music and silence, and through the invaluable support of the Diocesan Youth Commission [DYC], Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and the numerous priests who have graced these evenings, this tiny spark has endured and slowly spread, offering a quiet space in the evenings of the first Tuesday of each month for all those seeking comfort and solace in our Lord amidst their busy lives.
The 10th anniversary, celebrated on April 9, was blessed by the presence of Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., who joined the current priests supporting the evenings: Father Miguel Diez, Guadalupe Father Tito López Martin, chairperson of the Diocesan Youth Commission [DYC], and Maryknoll Father Mike Sloboda, to pray with those present and offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
In addition to celebrating 10 years, the theme for this month was Pope Francis’ monthly prayer intention for April 2024: for the role of women, and the group came together to pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognised in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.
The evening began with a short reflection by Cardinal Stephen. He reminded everyone present that Our Lady is a good starting point for reflection on this topic. He pointed out that although the Church is often perceived from a feminine perspective, such as the Bride of Christ or Holy Mother Church, this aspect is not yet fully realised in the Church.
Cardinal Stephen spoke about the efforts to increase the presence and impact of women in the Church. He pointed out that the Church’s definition of influence differs from that of the world, where influence is equated with power.
Providentially drawn together by a common desire to journey further in their faith and share with others the comfort and peace that Christ gives—coupled with a thirst to have in this bustling city a peaceful experience like Nightfever, which is present elsewhere in the world, an eclectic group of Catholic young adults of different nationalities, backgrounds and parishes banded together to hold a simple evening of Eucharistic Adoration
Instead, he invited the faithful to contemplate how Mother Mary influenced the early Church. She did so by being present, praying, and accompanying the disciples. It was her prayerful presence that “influenced” those first disciples and gave the early Church the confidence to proclaim the kingdom of God.
In our world, which is increasingly divided by hatred, violence, and power struggles, humanity is in dire need of the feminine qualities of tenderness and compassion. Cardinal Stephen reminded us that mothers are often the first to forgive, the first to try to bring the family together, and the peacemakers in disagreements. The role of women should be celebrated and not set aside. The Church needs different roles that complement each other. He invited those present to pray that feminine qualities become more visible and celebrated in the Church and the world. He emphasised that the feminine role is also for men, as everyone needs a balance of femininity and masculinity for healthy growth in their spiritual and psychological lives.
The readings during Eastertide, especially during the joyful Octave of Easter, bring to mind the experiences of the Apostles in the days and weeks following Jesus’ death and before his ascension into Heaven.
It’s interesting to note how Jesus appears unexpectedly to them, such as walking into locked rooms of their fear, or waiting for them on the shores of their weariness. He also greets them amid their despair.
In our world, which is increasingly divided by hatred, violence, and power struggles, humanity is in dire need of the feminine qualities of tenderness and compassion
During the evening’s adoration, those who had been a part of this event over the years couldn’t help but draw parallels to their own experiences.
Looking back at the last decade, it is crystal clear that Jesus has been a constant presence in the personal, economic, social, and political ups and downs of both this city and the lives of the people who have come to spend time with him.
He has been there through sickness and health, through the joy of new life and the loss of loved ones, from starting school to graduating, through unemployment and employment, from being single to getting married, through immigration and emigration, from heartbreak to healing, from anger to forgiveness, through despair and hope, from frustration to gratitude, from indifference to care, from struggles to freedom, from being alone to being with others, from stagnation to growth, through darkness and light, from coldness to warmth, from timidity to boldness, from fear to love.
No matter what, no matter where, no matter when, Christ has been, is, and will continue to be with us, always.
He is the constant in the changing seasons of our life. Although nearly all members of the original team from a decade ago have either moved away or returned to their homes in other parts of the world, new members have since stepped in and continued the evening’s activities.
And no matter old or new, a deep connection in the Eucharist continues to tie all who have been involved and are currently involved with this evening together, wherever they are in the world and in life—the faithful, constant and unfailing devotion and companionship with and in Jesus Christ. “And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time” [Matthew 28:20b].
DEY’s Eucharistic Adoration is held every first Tuesday of the month from 8.00pm to 9.30pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. For details, please follow DEY [hongkong.dey] on Facebook or Instagram.
Thanks be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits you have given me,
for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly, day by day.
Amen.
—Prayer of Saint Richard of Chichester
