HONG KONG (SE): Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong, emphasised love, hope, and equal opportunities for the marginalised during the Christmas Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road, on December 24.
The Mass was concelebrated by parish priest Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, assistant parish priest Father Joachim Li Yongxin svd along with two other Divine Word missionaries, Father Antonio Wang and Father Andrew Wang. Deacon Francis Choi carried the statue of Baby Jesus to the manger before the altar during the entrance procession, marking the solemn beginning of the celebration.
Welcoming attendees, Cardinal Stephen invited them to seek peace in God and celebrate the birth of our Saviour. In his homily, he reflected on the enduring significance of Christmas, urging the faithful to embrace themes of peace, hope, and social equality in today’s world.
Acknowledging current challenges such as geopolitical conflicts and economic hardships, the cardinal encouraged a hopeful perspective, inspired by Jesus’ humble birth. He highlighted the importance of creating equal opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including low-income families and refugee communities, emphasising their potential with proper educational support.
Cardinal Stephen also called for rebuilding trust and unity within society through empathetic listening and understanding. He encouraged the congregation to reflect on living lives rooted in love and becoming more “lovable” to those around them.
“Christmas invites us to rediscover the heart in our lives. As we were all once babies… let’s return to that innocence with truth, goodness, and love. Let those around us see joy through our love,” he said.
The Christmas Vigil Mass concluded with a message of hope and solidarity, inspiring the faithful to carry the spirit of the season into their daily lives by embodying love and compassion.
