HONG KONG (SE): “As priests and clergy of God and the Father, we are called to build up the Kingdom of God on earth—not as masters of his people, but as companions, journeying together in a synodal spirit as a community of pilgrims of hope,” said Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong, as he celebrated the Chrism Mass on April 17 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road. He called on the nearly 200 priests present to be pilgrims of hope in a fractured world, and to serve with love, humility, and spiritual vitality.
Bishops Emeritus John Cardinal Tong Hon and Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, together with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, concelebrated the Mass.
The Chrism Mass is a significant celebration of the communion between priests and their bishop. It recalls the Last Supper, when Jesus gathered his apostles around him, highlighting the close relationship between the bishop and his flock.
At the beginning of the liturgy, Cardinal Stephen welcomed the priests, around 30 deacons, and the congregation in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.
As priests and clergy of God and the Father, we are called to build up the Kingdom of God on earth—not as masters of his people, but as companions, journeying together in a synodal spirit as a community of pilgrims of hope
Cardinal Stephen
Acknowledging the social and emotional toll of political unrest, economic pressure, and growing alienation, Cardinal Stephen emphasised the need for priests to become sources of hope in today’s world. “Precisely because of these difficulties, we clergy must all the more cultivate spiritual vitality, emotional balance, and a hope-filled vision that others can see and draw strength from,” he said in Cantonese.
He stressed that the foundation of hope is love—not anger or hatred—and that the Lord’s ‘day of vengeance’ does not bring destruction but transforms evil through his truth, goodness, and love. “Once liberated from the bondage of sin, we enter into the Lord’s loving light, experiencing a love that empowers us, fostering strength, confidence, and a deepened sense of hope,” he added.
Cardinal Stephen also drew a parallel between priests and the holy oils, describing both as instruments of grace, mediating between God and his people. “Through the priest and the sacred chrism, God bestows various blessings upon his people—joy and identity, healing and hope, sanctification and mission,” he said. “All of these are expressions of God’s love for us.”
He underlined the priest’s role as a bridge between God and his people, called to bring love, hope, and faith to others. While acknowledging the challenges of this mission—including misunderstanding and criticism—noting that such difficulties are minor when compared to the sacrifices made by Jesus.
We can learn from our mistakes through deep reflection and evaluation, moving towards greater transparency and mutual accountability
Cardinal Stephen
Reiterating Christ’s call to serve and not to be served, Cardinal Stephen urged the clergy to move away from a mindset of power, embracing instead the identity of a “synodal Church”—a pilgrim people walking together in mutual discernment, empathy, and humility.
In his English homily, Cardinal Stephen addressed broader global concerns, noting how nations and ethnic groups often prioritise their own interests over the common good. He warned against succumbing to toxic cynicism and a pervasive sense of despair, which can erode faith and hope. “Now is the time for us, as Church, to embrace our prophetic role—journeying together through active listening, empathy, and communal discernment,” he said.
He encouraged priests not to fear failure or suffering. “We can learn from our mistakes through deep reflection and evaluation, moving towards greater transparency and mutual accountability,” he said. “With respect and love for one another, we can truly become a community of pilgrims of hope.” Citing Romans 5:3–4, he reflected on how suffering leads to endurance, which builds patience, and ultimately helps hope prevail.
After delivering his homily, the cardinal asked the faithful to pray for him, Bishop Ha, and the two cardinals.
…we clergy must all the more cultivate spiritual vitality, emotional balance, and a hope-filled vision that others can see and draw strength from
Cardinal Stephen
The priests then renewed their priestly promises before the bishop and God’s people, affirming their commitment to serve out of love as faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Eucharist and other liturgical rites.
The deacons also renewed their promises to serve with a pure conscience and a love for those in need.
Cardinal Stephen further called on the congregation to pray for all the faithful, the unity of the Church, the sick, and the deceased.
Following the renewal of promises, Cardinal Stephen and Bishop Joseph Ha exchanged the sign of peace with Cardinal Tong, Cardinal Zen, and all the priests and deacons at the altar before the blessing of the holy oils and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Together with the concelebrants, the cardinal then blessed the holy oils—the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Sacred Chrism. These oils were subsequently distributed to parishes for use in the sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick, Baptism, and Confirmation.
The Mass was attended by nearly 800 people.
