HONG KONG (SE): The Diocese of Hong Kong celebrated the priestly ordination of Francis Choi Chor-fung and John Vianney Chu Yen-tsung. The two were ordained by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Caine Road on June 14.
Bishops emeritus, John Cardinal Tong Hon and Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, as well as Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, and over 80 priests concelebrated the liturgy. Over 20 permanent deacons of the diocese and approximately 1,300 people attended the solemn liturgy.
During the ordination ceremony, Bishop Ha, the rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, presented Choi and Chu to Cardinal Stephen, who explained the priestly responsibilities to the candidates. The cardinal urged them to dedicate themselves to their roles as priests by adhering to the principles of Vatican II in the spirit of synodality, supporting the bishop, and preaching authentically to move people’s hearts.
He also emphasised the importance of being devoted to their priestly responsibilities, offering confessions with compassion. On a lighter note, the cardinal recognised their dedication during their time as deacons and emphasised the importance of carving out personal time for themselves, even amidst their busy duties.
Photo: Joseph Lam
Choi and Chu subsequently vowed to dedicate themselves to their priestly responsibilities, share the gospel, and dedicate their lives to God. Cardinal Stephen then placed his hands on Choi and Chu and bestowed his blessings upon them, followed by the other cardinals, Bishop Ha, and all the clergy in attendance.
Following the cardinal’s laying on of hands, signifying the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the apostolic succession, the candidates were vested with the stole and chasuble, symbols of their new priestly ministry. Assisting them in this significant moment were Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming and Father Timothy Wan Kwok-kwong.
Cardinal Stephen then anointed the hands of the newly ordained with sacred chrism, consecrating them for their sacred duties in the service of the Church. This was followed by the presentation of the bread and wine—elements of the Eucharist—which the new priests received from the cardinal as a sign of their role in celebrating the sacrifice of the Mass.
From now on, I am a priest for God, serving him with dedication. May all our brothers and sisters walk the path to the Kingdom of God and sanctification—which is never easy while carrying our crosses
Father Chu
The liturgy also included the gesture of thanksgiving and family participation. The parents of Father Choi and the aunt and cousin of Father Chu brought forward the offertory gifts, symbolising their support and the spiritual fruit of their family lives.
As the rite of ordination concluded, Fathers Choi and Chu exchanged embraces with the cardinals, bishop, priests, and deacons present, before warmly greeting family members and one another amid a wave of thunderous applause from the congregation.
An emotional moment came as Father Chu embraced his father, Deacon Charles Nientsu. a permanent deacon of the diocese, at the altar. Deacon Chu later shared with the Sunday Examiner that his son’s ordination was “a tremendous blessing from God.” He quietly told his son in that intimate moment that he believed his Father Chu’s mother, who passed away two decades ago, was present with them in spirit.
In an earlier interview with the Catholic Way, Chu said he felt it was God’s blessing to be ordained a priest on the 10th anniversary of the diaconate ordination of his father. “He brought his faith to me with his passion. Now it is my turn to spread our faith to brothers and sisters around me,” he said.
The newly ordained thanked all present at the end of the ceremony.
It is a mystery of God to choose a sinner with weaknesses to carry out this sacred mission
Father Choi
Father Chu recalled that during the ordination of Father Wan, he had been moved by the call to ask, “What can I do for God?” Now a priest himself, he expressed heartfelt thanks to his father for passing on the faith, his late mother for blessing him from heaven, and his family and all who had prayed for him.
“Your prayers have given me support and encouragement,” he said. “From now on, I am a priest for God, serving him with dedication. May all our brothers and sisters walk the path to the Kingdom of God and sanctification—which is never easy while carrying our crosses.”
Fatter Choi, for his part reflected on the mystery of God’s grace in choosing him for the priesthood. “It is a mystery of God to choose a sinner with weaknesses to carry out this sacred mission,” he said. He thanked Cardinal Stephen for accepting him, his parents for their generosity, and all those present for their prayers.
Quoting St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests—“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”—Father Choi explained that he and Father Chu had chosen the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the emblem on their stoles and souvenir cards, a symbol of their commitment to radiate Christ’s love.
“To live out this mystery,” he added, “we must sanctify ourselves and dedicate ourselves fully to show Christ’s love for the Church.”
In a touching moment, the cardinal knelt before the two newly ordained and received a blessing from them
At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Stephen expressed gratitude to the families of the new priests for their sacrifices and to all who came to the joyful occasion.
He urged parents to encourage and support the religious vocations of their children, reminding them that diocesan priests remain close to their families through prayer and presence even while serving the Church.
In a touching moment, the cardinal knelt before the two newly ordained and received a blessing from them—an ancient tradition symbolising their entry into the presbyterate.
Liza Yuen, the mother of Father Choi, expressed gratitude and support for her son’s decision to pursue a religious vocation, emphasising the importance of an open family attitude and faith in discernment. She had recognised her son’s calling since childhood and is proud of his growth and commitment after entering the seminary, acknowledging the effort he has put into this journey.
In a prayer service for his ordination of at the Cathedral on May 31, Father Chan, the parish priest, said Father Choi had served the parish with humility, dedication and eagerness to learn about Catholic teachings.
Both priests celebrated their first Masses as newly ordained ministers on the day following the ordination.
Father Chu offered his first Mass at Ss. Cosmas and Damian Church in Tsuen Wan, while Father Choi celebrated his first Mass at the cathedral where they will begin their ministry as assistant parish priests.
