HONG KONG (SE): Over 1,400 catechumens in Hong Kong are preparing to receive their Sacraments of Initiation this Easter. The Rites of Scrutiny and Anointing of the Elect started at Christ the King Chapel, Causeway Bay, on March 3, the third Sunday of Lent in which Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. urged the faithful to pray for the catechumens.
The Rite of Scrutiny is an important ritual in the process of Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults that takes place during the third to fifth Sundays of Lent, providing a time of reflection and self-examination for those preparing to receive the Sacrament of Baptism or be received into full communion with the Church.
The elect on March 3 were mainly from parishes on Hong Kong island, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Wan Chai; St. Margaret’s Church, Happy Valley; Star of the Sea Church, Chai Wan; St. Anne’s Church, Stanley; Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cheung Chau; Epiphany Church, Lantau; as well as St. Andrew’s Church, Tseung Kwan O.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing OFM, officiated the first rite at 2:30pm for 206 elect, while 180 joined the second rite officiated by Cardinal Stephen at 4:30pm.
Cardinal Stephen will officiate the Scrutiny for the Elects from the parishes in New Territories and Kowloon on March 10 at St. Benedict’s Church, Shatin, and on March 17 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Shek Kip Mei. Some parishes will also hold the rite for those elects who cannot attend due to special reasons.
Since 1981, the bishop of Hong Kong has officiated all Rites of Scrutiny in the diocese. This is a special tradition due to the convenience of travelling in the small city. The rites are also officiated by the parish priests of the elect.
As a sign of their acceptance of faith in the Lord and readiness for Church membership, the elect were recommended to the bishop by a representative of the catechists.
In fact, this is a promise made by Jesus Christ to every one of us. As long as we accept him, let him be an important part of our lives, and allow the Holy Spirit to live within our hearts, this eternal happiness is assured
Cardinal Stephen
Cardinal Stephen prayed for the elect’s conversion to the true light of Christ. He then officiated the Rite of Exorcism to help the elect to be free from their sins. Prior to the Rite, the cardinal stressed the importance of forgiveness for freeing their minds of unnecessary burdens. They were later anointed in the presence of their godparents.
In his homily, Cardinal Stephen discussed a passage from the gospel of John 5 which recounts Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman. Despite the woman’s initial hostility, Jesus spoke patiently with her to give her a chance for eternal life. “In fact, this is a promise made by Jesus Christ to every one of us. As long as we accept him, let him be an important part of our lives, and allow the Holy Spirit to live within our hearts, this eternal happiness is assured,” he said.
He encouraged the elect, saying that conversion to God is a lifelong process and that the relationship with our Lord will only deepen and become closer over time.
A Thanksgiving Mass for the newly baptised will be celebrated by Cardinal Stephen on Trinity Sunday, May 26, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Caine Road.
In 2023, around 1,700 catechumens were received into the Church in Hong Kong.
