HONG KONG (SE): “Let’s not forget that our witness should never be a passive one, or out of an intention to let us feel good … it has to be connected with the culture in society today, which is ever-changing,” Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., told hundreds of men and women religious during a Mass marking the 28th World Day of Consecrated Life on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, at Christ the King Chapel, Causeway Bay.
On the day commemorating the consecration of Jesus in the Temple by Joseph and Mary 40 days after his birth as prescribed by the Law of Moses, celebrants entered in a solemn procession with lighted candles symbolising the light of the world and the lives of consecrated women and men called to reflect the light of Christ.
John Cardinal Tong Hon, Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, the former bishops of Hong Kong, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing and Monsignor José Luis Díaz-Mariblanca Sánchez, head of the Holy See Study Mission, were among the concelebrants.
The Mass started with a procession of celebrants and the superiors of different congregations bringing candles to the altar, symbolising the enkindled zeal in their hearts and the guidance of people towards the heavenly kingdom.
Cardinal Chow said in his homily that consecrated people should bear witness to God with an open mind while listening to the people in a changing world. “Even contemplative communities are aware of their needs to understand what happens in the outside world and what difficulties or challenges people are facing so that they know how to pray better,” he explained. “And it is even more true for congregations serving in the secular world,” he said.
Let’s not forget that our witness should never be a passive one, or out of an intention to let us feel good … it has to be connected with the culture in society today, which is ever-changing
Cardinal Stephen
“The kingdom on earth is indicative. One way to recognise God’s truth, kindness, beauty, and love is through consecrated people… through our community life,” the cardinal said, while also acknowledging human limitations.
He urged the consecrated people from different congregations to live out the spirit, to not lose their way and to remember the blessings and gifts from God by discerning and listening to the Holy Spirit. “From time to time, we need to go back to our founders and remember our prime missions. Why was the religious order set up?” he said.
He said religious congregations faced many trials, and some even disappeared naturally as they completed their historical missions. However, there have also been revivals. “Because they have the courage to let go of what they have been doing, change their old lives, make use of their gifts from God and present them in the new world,” he said. “Young congregations surely have vitality, but the ones with senior members are not doomed,” he pointed out.
He encouraged the congregations to cooperate and see how they can share their resources to achieve a synergy effect, which he understands is difficult. He also reminded them that their examples and positive attitudes are important for young people.
Three religious superiors, on behalf of different congregations and religious orders, renewed their commitment before Cardinal Stephen to follow Christ for the glory of God and the salvation of humanity. The cardinal then led the prayer for them to be a reflection of God’s light and an instrument of God’s Spirit of peace.
From time to time, we need to go back to our founders and remember our prime missions. Why was the religious order set up
Cardinal Stephen
The Mass, organised by the associations of men and women religious major superiors in Hong Kong, concluded with a commissioning ceremony.
Sister Virgin Mary Tai of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, vice-chairperson of the Association of Major Superiors of Religious Women in Hong Kong, thanked God for their vocations, which empowered them to face trials with courage, and thanked Cardinal Stephen and the concelebrants for their presence.
Precious Blood Sister Selina Leung, pastoral sister of the Diocesan Youth Commission, told the Sunday Examiner that she was touched as Cardinal Stephen reminded them not to worry too much about the survival of a congregation but should focus on their present missions, even though the vocation issue makes it seem difficult to pass on the torch. She thanked the cardinal for reminding them to be joyful before young people even if they meet difficulties so as not to discourage them in their pursuit of their vocations.
She agreed that consecrated people should spend more time praying and listening to their flock. She believes one way to find more time to do so is to simplify their administrative work. “In fact, our key mission is to go into the crowd, to lead more people to know God, to be listeners of people, and to be the spokesperson of God,” she said.
The World Day of Consecrated Life was established in 1997 by Pope St. John Paul II to pray for people who have consecrated their lives to God through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
