HONG KONG (SE): “We need to thank Bishop Chow for the invitation, and we are very grateful to the diocese for all the arrangements so that our journey has been smooth. We had the chance to visit the Diocesan Centre, the seminary and the Caritas House. We have seen the diocese’s concrete development in the process, and we have learned a great deal for our seminary and parish. We will work hard for the better development of our Church,” Bishop Joseph Li Shan of the Diocese of Beijing said as he visited Holy Spirit Seminary in Aberdeen on November 14.
At the invitation of Stephen Cardinal Chow, SJ, Bishop Li and four delegates, including Father Zhen Xuebin, secretary general for the Diocese of Beijing visited the Diocese of Hong Kong on November 13. The bishop and his delegation’s three-day reciprocal visit resulted from Cardinal Chow’s visit to Beijing in April this year.
On the last day of his visit on November 15, Bishop Li celebrated a Mass together with Cardinal Chow, Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of the Diocese of Zhoucun, John Cardinal Tong Hon, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, priests in the delegation, and other priests.
During the Mass, Cardinal Chow expressed his gratitude to Bishop Li, Bishop Yang, and all others present, saying, “This is a Church of communion, a Church of the Chinese people. So with thankfulness, we ask that Jesus Christ Our Lord bless our hearts and our efforts.”
He requested those present to pray that a theological conference to be held later at the diocese centre would bear beautiful fruit in God’s will.
This is a Church of communion, a Church of the Chinese people. So with thankfulness, we ask that Jesus Christ Our Lord bless our hearts and our efforts
Cardinal Chow
In his homily, Bishop Li said it is important for us to have faith, praise and gratefulness. Referring to the day’s gospel about Jesus’ healing 10 men with leprosy, he reminded those present to go to Jesus and give glory to God and that praise has to be given in whatever circumstances.
He also expressed his gratitude to God for the theological conference and thanked Cardinal Chow and others for their support.
At the end of the Mass, the cardinal expressed his hope that one day, all Chinese brothers and sisters could pray together in the same place.
In his opening remarks at a theological conference entitled “The Synodal Church and the Church in China: Communion, Participation, Mission”, Bishop Li emphasised the importance of combining Chinese culture and faith for wisdom in life.
“We pray that under the guidance of the revelation of the Holy Spirit of God, under the direction of the spirit of the Church’s communion, and under the diligent exploration of all of us, the Chinese Church will be able to promote the work of evangelisation and spirituality along the direction of sinicisation,” he said.
The Church should keep abreast of the times and promptly adjust the focus, methods and modes of evangelisation as society develops and progresses. It should strive to fulfil its proper functions, engage in social responsibility, and pay attention to people’s livelihoods
Bishop Li
“The Church should keep abreast of the times and promptly adjust the focus, methods and modes of evangelisation as society develops and progresses. It should strive to fulfil its proper functions, engage in social responsibility, and pay attention to people’s livelihoods,” Bishop Li remarked in his address.
The conference started with a prayer led by Cardinal Tong and a message from Cardinal Chow, who pointed out that we need to understand our mission first before participating in any actions, and understanding requires listening with empathy, sincere sharing and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The delegation also met with different diocesan offices to promote exchanges and interactions between the two dioceses.
The delegation from Beijing visited the Holy Spirit Seminary in Aberdeen on November 14. Cardinal Tong welcomed them at the Holy Spirit Study Centre. The cardinal explained to the delegates how the centre has been acting as a bridge between the China and Hong Kong Church for research and studies since its establishment.
Cardinal Tong, Bishop Ha, Bishop Yang, and priests of the delegation participated in a concelebrated Mass by Bishop Li at the Holy Spirit Seminary in the evening.
