HONG KONG (SE): Father Joseph Liu Ah-lun, the parish priest of Holy Cross Parish, Shau Kei Wan, said attending the Parish Priests for the Synod in Rome was fruitful, particularly in strengthening his determination to build up conversation in the Spirit in his parish for all communities.
The gathering took place from April 28 to May 2 at the Fraterna Domus in Sacrofano, near Rome. The focus of the international meeting was on how to establish a local synodal Church on Mission. The outcome of the meeting will help create the working document for the Second Session of the Synodal Assembly, which is scheduled for October 2024.
Representing the Diocese of Hong Kong, Father Liu met around 200 parish priests worldwide from 89 countries. They were divided into around 20 groups of about 12 people, each with representatives from different continents. Parish priests in Father Liu’s group came from the Philippines, Indonesia, the United States, Malawi, and other places, while a representative from the Oriental Catholic Church also joined.
At the papal audience on May 2, Pope Francis reminded parish priests to be missionaries of synodality and to listen to the voices of different people in the Church through conversations in the Spirit. He emphasised that all people of God, including children, have gifts and wisdom to share.
The pope also encouraged them to discover the gifts of the laity to promote their participation, maintain close communication with the bishop in communion, and share their difficulties openly.
Father Liu met around 200 parish priests worldwide from 89 countries. They were divided into around 20 groups of about 12 people, each with representatives from different continents
Father Liu recounted how, at the end of the audience, Pope Francis shook hands with each participant and exchanged a few words with them. Father Liu took the opportunity to request the pope to pray for the Diocese of Hong Kong and China, to which the pope agreed. Father Liu expressed his delight and mentioned that, although it was his first time meeting Pope Francis, he felt a close connection with the kind Holy Father.
As for the five-day discussions, Father Liu recalled that there were few guidelines, as parish priests were encouraged to freely share their own stories. The main topic he presented was the spirit of synodality of the Church, which has always been present in Hong Kong through lay ministries and parish councils but was further promoted during recent the preparation process for the synod of bishops.
The parish priest also shared that parishes in Hong Kong worked hard to continue organising online Mass during the pandemic and evangelising passionately despite different social restrictions.
For the situation in his parish, he particularly talked about the trials young people face, such as the lack of youth groups, the difficulties in finding time to gather, and the need to give formation to youth leaders. He stressed on the need to understand the views of young people and see what they need.
…Pope Francis reminded parish priests to be missionaries of synodality and to listen to the voices of different people in the Church through conversations in the Spirit
He also shared the conclusions of the Hong Kong synthesis for the Synodal Church, published in August 2022. The report summarised the results of the diocesan consultations that took place in 13 previous consultation meetings, which were attended by nearly 1,200 people, as well as spiritual conversations and group discussions attended by 930 people. The report highlighted several challenges faced by the Church in Hong Kong.
According to the respondents, one of the primary issues was the communication gap between the young people and the Church. The report suggested addressing this gap through innovative ministries that leverage arts and music. Additionally, respondents emphasised the importance of transparency in the Church to encourage the participation of the laity.
Father Liu mentioned that during the meeting, parish priests commonly agreed that engaging in conversations guided by the Spirit is one of the effective ways to help young people feel connected to the parish.
While we listen, we can see what the situation tells us so that we can think of how we can understand the situation of the young
Father Liu
He added that it would be beneficial if young people could participate in these conversations and discuss the challenges they face or their expectations while listening to one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“While we listen, we can see what the situation tells us so that we can think of how we can understand the situation of the young,” he continued.
“We all hope that we can use it in our own country, in youth groups, teen groups, or even children’s communities,” he said.
Father Liu said the meeting gave him clear direction that conversation in the Spirit should be continued and promoted in pious associations, youth groups, and the parish council in his parish so as to listen to different voices. However, he admitted that conversation in the Spirit is not easy and needs to be learned by the clergy, group leaders, and the faithful.
During the meeting, parish priests were also reminded of their digital synod mission, that is, to get into the lives of young people through the digital world, where young people can be listened to and receive messages of faith.
Some priests were apprehensive that a synodal Church or that diverse voices might lead to confusion or a lack of direction. Father Liu agreed with the Pope Francis’ statement during the meeting emphasising the importance of people in positions of authority listening to others. “Only through listening and the guidance of the Holy Spirit can our Church lives be enriched,” he said.
