HONG KONG (SE): A year after the groundbreaking visit of Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., and his delegation to the Diocese of Beijing in April 2023, the cardinal led another delegation of Hong Kong representatives, this time to three regions of South China from 22 to 26 April 2024.
Ten Church representatives, including members of the diocesan curia, visited three regions in Guangdong, China: the Diocese of Guangzhou, the Diocese of Shantou, and the Church in Shenzhen. The delegation sought to strengthen their understanding of one another and explore opportunities for future cooperation.
The Hong Kong delegation consisted of Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, along with Vicar Generals Father Peter Choy Wai-man, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, and Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu. Other members included Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, the Chief Executive of Caritas-HK, Deacon Gabriel Lau Nam-shan, chairperson of the Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and the Family, Sherman Cheng Ching-man of the Hong Kong Catholic Marriage Advisory Council, Connie Chung To-hing, director of Diocesan Catechetical Centre and Wong Ka Chun, the personal assistant to the cardinal.
They were warmly welcomed by Bishop Gan Junqiu of Guangzhou, Bishop Su Yongda of Zhanjiang [Beihai], and Bishop Huang Bingzhang of Shantou, along with other Church officials.
The Diocese of Hong Kong expressed a desire to visit the dioceses in Guangdong. This comes after a strengthened relationship of brotherhood between the two regions, which began during Hong Kong’s visit to Beijing in April of last year, followed by Bishop Li Shan’s reciprocal visit to Hong Kong in November. Preparing for the trip took several months, as multiple dioceses were involved. The visit was not publicised, as it was only intended to bring the dioceses in South China closer together.
This was Cardinal Stephen’s first visit to these three dioceses, and it gave him new experiences. He is impressed by the large number of parishes a priest needs to serve in China, citing the proportion of two parish priests to 31 parishes in Shantou as an example. He also noted that the priests are dedicated to their services and have an attitude of family bonding.
The Diocese of Hong Kong expressed a desire to visit the dioceses in Guangdong. This comes after a strengthened relationship of brotherhood between the two regions, which began during Hong Kong’s visit to Beijing in April of last year, followed by Bishop Li Shan’s reciprocal visit to Hong Kong in November
He was also impressed by the variety of ministries in the big city of Guangzhou, which creates a lot of common concerns to discuss with the representatives of different organisations in Hong Kong.
The delegation had the opportunity to exchange thoughts on various areas, including youth ministry, catechism, and family issues. Moreover, they gained insights into different aspects such as the devotion and commitment of Catholic laity, the significance of upholding Catholic marriage, and the importance of environmental protection.
Cardinal Stephen also expressed his belief that the Church in Guangdong is similar to the Church of Vietnam, which he visited earlier in April. Both have continued under communist/socialist rule for many years and are functioning well, with individuals evangelising in a creative manner.
The cardinal believes cultivating friendship with respect is the bottom line of the trip. He recalled that in the last sharing session of the trip, representatives from Hong Kong reflected on the work of Venerable Matteo Ricci together, as the historical missionary’s long journey in China reminded them to dialogue with respect for the culture of local people in China.
“We must acknowledge and respect the culture and customs of others while still maintaining our faith in God. They are eager to communicate with us but have their own way of doing things,” he said.
The cardinal believes cultivating friendship with respect is the bottom line of the trip. He recalled that in the last sharing session of the trip, representatives from Hong Kong reflected on the work of Venerable Matteo Ricci together, as the historical missionary’s long journey in China reminded them to dialogue with respect for the culture of local people in China
The cardinal believes the laity also have a part to play in the bridge-building process, and the Holy Spirit will help them during their frequent mingling with the faithful in South China. “I encourage Hong Kong people to invite the brothers and sisters there to gather in Hong Kong as they travel to mainland China. Let’s visit one another and create more chances to meet; this is a sign of a family,” the cardinal said.
The delegation also discussed with the Church officials the chances of future cooperation with Hong Kong in a regular formation centre in China.
Bishop Ha considers these visits a chance to cultivate and deepen the relationship between dioceses. “It is to concretise the universality of the Church because ultimately all of us were all baptised in Christ, sharing the same Holy Spirit,” he said, adding that visiting each other emphasises this sense of communion.
Father Kam expressed that his first trip to the mainland to meet with bishops and church officials felt like a visit with friends and family. He felt grateful for the opportunity to share and learn from them. The experience of praying together and discussing opportunities for cooperation was beautiful and meaningful to him. According to him, there are plans to organise a youth activity in a formation centre in Shantou in July.
Father Choy described the trip as a valuable chance to explore the three churches in Guangdong which have developed differently based on their historical and economic contexts. The Sacred Heart Cathedral, finished in 1888, has many fascinating stories to tell. It was his first visit to the Diocese of Shantou, which is known for its rural culture and strong sense of family ties.
We must acknowledge and respect the culture and customs of others while still maintaining our faith in God. They are eager to communicate with us but have their own way of doing things,
Cardinal Stephen
On the other hand, the Church in Shenzhen, a city with a large number of migrant workers from various regions, left a lasting impression on him due to its inclusive nature and outreach to people from diverse backgrounds to assist them with their spiritual needs.
Father Choy said this visit seeks to strengthen ties in the region, given their shared language and cultural background, by deepening the existing close relationship between the Church in South China and Hong Kong.
Father Chan shared that it has been more than 10 years since he last visited China, and he was amazed at its quick development in different aspects, such as the publications, liturgy and community growth.
Visiting the construction site of the Bishop’s House, Diocese of Shantou, April 24
At the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, Guangzhou Diocese, aUer a sharing session, April 23.
The Hong Kong delegation pray at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, Guangzhou Diocese, April 23.
Cardinal Stephen imparts blessings on participants during his visit to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Shenzhen on April 26.Cardinal Stephen speaking during the Mass celebrated at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Shantou, on April 24. During his conversation with both the lay people and the clergy of the mainland Church, he noticed their interest and eagerness to learn more about the synodality of the universal Church and the participation of the lay people. Evidently, they were eager to be informed and involved in future cooperation with the Hong Kong Church.
On April 23, the delegation visited the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Guangzhou Diocese. They celebrated a Mass with three bishops at the chapel of the cathedral. During a sharing session held at the cathedral, Father Yim introduced the work of Caritas Hong Kong to the attendees. Cardinal Stephen blessed the faithful before leaving. They also visited the Huanghuagang Mausoleum of the 72 Martyrs on the same day.
Father Choy said this visit seeks to strengthen ties in the region, given their shared language and cultural background, by deepening the existing close relationship between the Church in South China and Hong Kong
The delegation arrived in Shantou on April 24 and visited the construction site of the Bishop’s House. Bishop Huang presided over the Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Shantou, concelebrated by Cardinal Stephen and other clergy.
During the liturgy and homily, Bishop Huang predominantly used Cantonese to express his appreciation for the visitors. Meanwhile, Cardinal Stephen delivered his prayer in Putonghua. Hundreds of people attended the Mass, including a group of pilgrims from Hong Kong.
On April 25, they visited the Holy Family Church and St. Roch’s Church in Shantou. During their visit to the latter church, the delegation presented the gift of an image of the Holy Spirit incorporated with a painting of Hong Kong scenes designed by Catholic artists. On April 26, they also visited St. Anthony’s Church and Christ the King Church in Shenzhen. During a sharing session at Christ the King Church, the Diocesan Catechetical Centre was also introduced to the gathering.
“I think we all have a clear feeling that we belong to one family in Church, and we feel so joyful,” Cardinal Stephen said as he summarised the bridge-building trip.
