By Christina Lam
The Renewal in the Spirit Community [RiS], a lay Catholic community under the Diocese of Hong Kong, marked a significant milestone on February 26 as it celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Over 300 members, friends, and supporters of the community attended a thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Father Joseph Chan Wing-chi, vicar general, and concelebrated by 12 priests. The joyful occasion gave thanks for a quarter-century of faith-filled service and renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In his homily, Father Chan praised the community for its commitment to living out the Church’s mission and called on members to continue walking as “Pilgrims of Hope”, following the invitation of Pope Francis.
“Pray fervently and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and lead RiS to continue to grow and expand in its journey of living out the Church’s mission,” Father Chan said. “Lead more people to know and proclaim Jesus as Lord and Saviour under the movement and prompting of the Holy Spirit.”
Rooted in the Year of the Holy Spirit
The seeds of the RiS Community were sown in 1998 during the observance of the Year of the Holy Spirit. At that time, the Chinese section of the Catholic charismatic renewal was invited by the diocese to organise a major diocesan event celebrating the Holy Spirit. The gathering, titled “Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit”, filled Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai with the faithful seeking a deeper encounter with God.
Following the event, several members of the charismatic renewal felt called to establish a structured lay community that would foster an ongoing experience of life in the Holy Spirit, centred on healing, renewal, and empowerment. After a year of prayer and discernment, guided by several clergy—particularly the late Dominican Father Roman Carter, then spiritual director of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services-Hong Kong chapter—Renewal in the Spirit [RiS] was formally established in 2000.
Registered under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and Inland Revenue Ordinance, RiS was founded with a clear mission: to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and to promote a renewed life in the Holy Spirit.
RiS was formally registered under CHARIS [Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service] following its formation in 2019 at the instigation of Pope Francis.
Formed by the Spirit and guided by the Church
Over the last 25 years, RiS has developed into a vibrant and active community under the spiritual direction of Father Lawrence Lee Len, who has played a key role in nurturing the group’s identity and mission. Speaking at the community’s anniversary lunch celebration,
Father Lee encouraged members to reflect on their journey so far:
“Have we brought hope to others? Have we brought people back to the Church, including those who have distanced themselves or left the Church? Have we seen broken relationships mended or deep wounds healed and forgiven in the name of Jesus? Have we experienced bondages broken by the power of the Holy Spirit?”
Father Lee’s words resonated deeply with members as they considered their call to continue as “Pilgrims of Hope,” trusting that Jesus not only walks with them but carries them through life’s challenges.
Today, RiS includes 27 weekly prayer groups and seven ministries, each fostering spiritual growth, healing, and communal life. The community conducts Life in the Spirit Seminars twice annually, in May/June and October/November, which serve as key entry points for members seeking renewal and empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
…because of the continual renewal of life in the Spirit within a loving Church community, we’ve experienced inner transformation. Our approach to life changes, and over time, we learn to live with greater joy, peace, and faith as Catholic Christians
a member of RiS
Transforming lives through the Spirit
Over the years, RiS has become a home for countless life-changing stories of conversion, healing, and spiritual renewal. Members testify that through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, they have found the strength to endure life’s storms and the clarity to discern God’s will in their everyday lives.
“Even if our life circumstances haven’t changed,” one member shared, “because of the continual renewal of life in the Spirit within a loving Church community, we’ve experienced inner transformation. Our approach to life changes, and over time, we learn to live with greater joy, peace, and faith as Catholic Christians.”
Many members recall their experience at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Rome in 2017, which brought together over 55,000 participants from 127 countries, including a 50-member delegation from RiS. During the jubilee, Pope Francis delivered a powerful message, urging participants to expand Life in the Spirit Seminars everywhere and to deepen their spiritual life and holiness through continual formation, prayer, sacramental life, and works of charity. He encouraged the renewal to bring the “Current of Grace” back to their parishes, describing it as a “Perpetual Pentecost.”
Inspired by the pope’s words, RiS has recommitted to expanding the reach of its Life in the Spirit Seminars and helping others experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
A life in the Spirit, full of joy and hope
As the community looks to the future, its members remain deeply committed to their Vision and Mission—to live out and proclaim the life-changing experience of Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and to build a supportive, prayerful environment where the charisms of the Holy Spirit can flourish.
Pope Francis delivered a powerful message, urging participants to expand Life in the Spirit Seminars everywhere and to deepen their spiritual life and holiness through continual formation, prayer, sacramental life, and works of charity
Reflecting on the past quarter-century, the RiS leadership acknowledges the constant support and encouragement of the clergy and religious from around the world. “We have been blessed by the guidance and formation they have provided us,” a council member said. “Their accompaniment has been a powerful reminder that we are part of the wider Church, united in Christ’s mission.”
But even as they celebrate their past, RiS members know they cannot stay in their comfort zones. As they move forward, they have pledged to “fan into flame” the graces and charisms received through their Baptism in the Holy Spirit, striving to lead others to Christ and to witness to the joy and abundance of life lived in the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30 is the guiding principle of our community: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
An invitation to new life
To those who have not yet experienced this renewal, RiS extends a heartfelt invitation:
“Come and see! Accept our invitation and join us at a Life in the Spirit Seminar. Allow Jesus and the Holy Spirit to touch you, heal you, change you, form you, and empower you to live a truly joyful and bountiful life in the Holy Spirit.”
As the RiS Community embarks on its next chapter, it does so with hope, gratitude, and a renewed sense of mission, trusting in the Holy Spirit, who has guided it these past 25 years and will continue to lead it in the years to come.
Christina Lam is chairperson of the Renewal in the Spirit Community Council
