HONG KONG (SE): On Sunday, February 2, 2024, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, over 250 religious men and women serving in Hong Kong gathered at Christ the King Chapel in Causeway Bay for a solemn Mass marking the World Day of Consecrated Life.
The event, jointly organised by the Associations of Major Superiors of Religious Men and Women, was presided over by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong; with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha, OFM; bishop emeritus Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, SDB; Monsignor Jose Luis Diaz-Mariblanca Sanchez of the Holy See Study Mission, and over 30 priests concelebrating.
Symbolism of light and renewal
The liturgy began with the blessing of candles, a poignant ritual symbolising the call to holiness and service. The majors superior of religious communities held lighted candles, representing the lives of their congregations’ consecrated and offered to God. The candles were then presented at the altar, echoing Christ’s self-offering as the “light of the world.”
In his homily, Cardinal Stephen reflected on Jesus’ presentation in the Temple, urging consecrated persons to emulate Christ’s sacrificial love. “Like candles burning to illuminate others, your lives must enkindle zeal in hearts and guide others toward the heavenly Kingdom,” he said.
He also emphasised the urgent need for vocations, noting that while Hong Kong has over 200 priests, only 60 are diocesan. “We must ‘fish’ for new vocations to sustain the Church’s mission,” he urged.
Gratitude and commitment
The congregation joined in a soulful rendition of the Magnificat, echoing Mary’s gratitude for God’s gifts. Cardinal Stephen expressed deep appreciation for the religious communities’ contributions to the diocese, highlighting their roles in education, healthcare, and pastoral care.
A highlight of the liturgy was the renewal of commitment, structured around five resolutions leading up to the 2025 Jubilee Year. The religious reaffirmed their vows as “pilgrims of peace,” pledging to:
1. Cultivate silence as a space for encountering God.
2. Proclaim the gospel with courage and creativity.
3. Respond to contemporary challenges with wisdom and solidarity.
4. Live as signs of hope, journeying toward God’s Kingdom.
5 Foster unity in diversity through the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Each resolution was met with the congregation’s resounding response: “Here we are, Lord!”
Like candles burning to illuminate others, your lives must enkindle zeal in hearts and guide others toward the heavenly Kingdom
Cardinal Stephen
Commissioning for mission
The Mass concluded with Cardinal Stephen and Bishop Ha commissioning attendees to be “living witnesses” of God’s love. Emphasising missionary zeal, the cardinal encouraged religious to remain joyful disciples, attentive to the marginalised, and steadfast in building a culture of peace.
The choir, led by Peter Chung and comprising members from 10 parishes across Hong Kong, enriched the liturgy with hymns that underscored the day’s themes of dedication and hope.
As the Church prepares for the 2025 Jubilee, Hong Kong’s consecrated men and women reaffirmed their resolve to walk as “pilgrims on the paths of mission,” illuminating the world with the light of Christ.
