HONG KONG (SE): The Jubilee Year 2025 commenced with an inauguration ceremony and a thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on December 29, the feast of the Holy Family in Hong Kong. During the event, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, emphasised that the Jubilee Year is meant for the whole world, not just the Church. He urged those present to become bearers of hope, motivating them to share hope in Hong Kong, across our nation and beyond.
Before the liturgy, Cardinal Stephen guided a procession that included religious, young people, and representatives from various parishes, highlighting the significance of engaging with the community beyond the Church.
“I was deeply moved to see so many brothers and sisters gather for our liturgy today…When we unite, we have immense strength to motivate one another and spread hope throughout Hong Kong, our nation, and the world.
“Hope extends beyond the Church. It is a gift for everyone. Therefore, I encourage you to continue being carriers of this hope and share it with those around us,” the cardinal stated at the conclusion of the Mass. He also expressed appreciation for the leaders of other Christian denominations who attended to demonstrate their solidarity in conveying this message.
The celebrations began with an introductory rite at the chapel of the Canossian Missions, Caine Road, officiated by Cardinal Stephen, and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha. Cardinal Stephen shared that God’s hope is revealed to us through the Word made flesh, with the support of the Holy Spirit.
Following the reading of the Jubilee Year proclamation by Bishop Ha, which encouraged participants to spread hope through their witness, a pilgrimage procession of over 300 people began. Led by ten young individuals holding a cross, the procession included Cardinal Stephen, Bishop Ha, deans of the eight deaneries, priests from the diocesan curia, deacons with Deacon Johnny Wong holding a Bible, altar servers, and over 250 representatives from different parishes. Participants walked along Caine Road, singing hymns.
During the procession, Cardinal Stephen and Bishop Ha paused at the diocesan centre to greet leaders of various Christian denominations. Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming, Bishop Matthias Clement Der Tze-wo, and Bishop Timothy Kwok Chi-pei of the Anglican Church, as well as Father Dawood Hanna of the Hong Kong Coptic Orthodox Church, Monk Lazarus of the Orthodox Church, and Reverend Tim Lam-chun of the Methodist Church, joined the procession outside the Diocese Centre.
Upon reaching the cathedral, Cardinal Stephen invited participants to venerate the Cross, the source of our hope. He then blessed the water and sprinkled holy water on himself and all those present, serving as a reminder of their baptism and renewal of hearts.
The Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family was officiated by Cardinal Stephen, with Bishop Ha and Bishops Emeritus Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun and John Cardinal Tong Hon, along with more than 80 priests concelebrating.
In his homily delivered in Cantonese, Cardinal Stephen recognised that even though the Church has a history marked by conflicts and shortcomings, the constant presence of the Holy Spirit continues to guide and foster hope among the faithful in their spiritual journeys, especially as they strive to bring hope to both Hong Kong and the wider world.
The cardinal subsequently delivered his sermon in Mandarin, expressing that our affection for others — be it friends, family, or strangers — reflects our existence within Christ’s love, which is profoundly linked to the Holy Spirit. Being united with the Holy Spirit empowers us to accept love that is both inclusive and varied, fostering hope and collaboration to tackle the divisions present in the world.
In his sermon in English, Cardinal Stephen referenced on the Gospel of Luke 2:41-52, reflecting on the emotional distress that Mary and Joseph likely experienced upon discovering Jesus was missing and their relief upon finding him in his Father’s house. He underscored the significance of having faith in God’s plan and the need for parents to collaborate with divine guidance. Additionally, he urged the Church to adopt synodality and serve as bearers of hope in a fragmented world.
He concluded by encouraging the faithful to collaborate with fellow Christian denominations to spread hope throughout Hong Kong, China, and beyond. “As pilgrims of hope, this Jubilee Year is important. So let us also join our fellow Christian churches in other denominations to bring hope to our Hong Kong, China and the world!” he said.
The oil lamp “Light of Hope”, which symbolises the mission of Christians to be salt of the earth and light of the world, was passed to parish priest Father Paulus Waris Santoso and Chinese- and English-speaking representatives of St. Anne’s Church, Stanley. Mimi Shum, chairperson of the parish council of the Stanley parish, told the Sunday Examiner that, in response to the Jubilee Year, the parish will organise guided tours for all, which is seen as an opportunity to spread news and educate parishioners, visitors and tourists about the history of St. Anne’s. Established in late 1940s in Hong Kong, the parish is one of the early parishes of the diocese and has a larger international community with more English Mssses than Chinese ones.
The oil lamp will stay at the parish until January 11. It will be passed successively from one parish to another during the Jubilee Year 2025 and in anticipation of the 80th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong in 2026.
Cardinal Stephen subsequently bestowed the apostolic blessing, along with a plenary indulgence, to all attendees who are genuinely repentant, have confessed their sins, and received Holy Communion.
The Mass concluded with a jubilant congregation waving torches as an express-ion of being bearers of the light of hope.
