Hong Kong (SE): The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate [OMI] in Hong Kong have welcomed a new deacon into their Community. On November 9, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., presided over the ordination of Deacon Stebin Thomas, to the order of diaconate at St. Alfred’s Church in Tai Wai.
Born on 30 August 1986, in Kerala, India, Deacon Thomas was raised in a devout Catholic family within the Syro-Malabar Church, an Eastern Catholic Rite. This strong foundation of faith inspired his vocation and shaped his path toward missionary service.
His academic journey began with bachelor’s degrees in physics and philosophy. It was during his college years that he encountered the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, sparking his interest in missionary life. In 2013, he participated in a “Come and See” programme in Hong Kong, a pivotal experience that deepened his calling to serve with the Oblates.
Before beginning formal formation, Deacon Thomas spent a year working in an Indian Oblate mission, where he immersed himself in pastoral and missionary work. In 2016, he entered the Oblates’ Postulancy programme in the Philippines. He made his first vows on 21 May 2018, following a year of novitiate formation, marking his commitment to the mission and charism of the OMI Congregation.
…Deacon Thomas spent a year working in an Indian Oblate mission, where he immersed himself in pastoral and missionary work. In 2016, he entered the Oblates’ Postulancy programme in the Philippines…
His theological and pastoral education was extensive, earning a master’s degree in theology from the Loyola School of Theology in the Philippines. To further equip himself for ministry, he pursued a second master’s degree in counselling ministry at Ateneo de Manila University.
In 2023, he returned to Hong Kong to begin his missionary work and professed his perpetual vows in the OMI congregation during a solemn ceremony on September 14. For greater integration and effective communication with the faithful and friends in Hong Kong, Deacon Thomas has also been pursuing an intensive Cantonese language programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Now in his second year of language training, he is keen to serve the local community and share the gospel in a language close to their hearts.
The new deacon’s journey exemplifies a life rooted in faith, academic rigour, and service. His path from the Syro-Malabar Church in India to missionary work in Hong Kong reflects the universal call to serve God’s people, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, known for their commitment to serving the marginalised and fostering faith in diverse communities, see Deacon Thomas as a beacon of hope and dedication. His ordination marks not only a personal milestone but also a moment of joy and renewal for the Oblate community and the wider Catholic Church in Hong Kong.
As he embarks on this new chapter of ministry, Deacon Thomas’ story stands as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of faith and the enduring mission of the Oblates to bring God’s love to the world.
