HONG KONG (SE): Cardinal Stephen Chow, S. J., the bishop of Hong Kong, led a delegation from the diocese on a five-day visit to the Diocese of Shanghai at the end of February, marking a significant step in strengthening the ties between the two Catholic communities. The visit, aimed at fostering greater mutual understanding and collaboration, included joint liturgical celebrations, pastoral exchanges, and interfaith dialogues.
On February 25, the second day of the visit, Cardinal Stephen and the delegation joined Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan to concelebrate the Mass, offering prayers for the health of Pope Francis. Bishop Shen presided over the Mass, with Cardinal Stephen, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing OFM, and vicar general, Father Peter Choy Wai-man concelebrating. Deacon Gamaliel Cheng, spiritual director of the Hong Kong Central Council of Catholic Laity assisted in the liturgy, while Ms. Susanna Ching Chi-man, president of the Laity council, proclaimed the readings. The celebration began with the two bishops leading the congregation in reciting the Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan, a significant devotion in the history of the Catholic Church in China.
“This experience is truly unique,” Cardinal Stephen reflected. “I was genuinely touched, and I found myself in tears during the prayer. This location carries immense importance for the Church in China, and it was meaningful to pray alongside Bishop Shen for the Holy Father here.”
I was genuinely touched, and I found myself in tears during the prayer. This location carries immense importance for the Church in China, and it was meaningful to pray alongside Bishop Shen for the Holy Father here
Cardinal Stephen
Bishop Shen, left, and Cardinal Stephen, right, leading the congregation in reciting the Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan before Mass on February 25.Celebrating Mass at the at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan on the morning of February 25.Deacon Gamaliel Cheng assists during the Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan on February 25. The first in line to receive holy Communion is Ms. Susanna Ching Chi-man, who proclaimed the readings.Visiting the library at Sheshan Seminary on February 25 after Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan.The Hong Kong delegation leaving the Cathedral of St. Ignatius of Loyola, February 24.
The delegation began its visit on February 24 at St. Ignatius Cathedral in Xujiahui, stopping to pray together before touring the historic church, the bishop’s residence, and Guangqi Research Centre and Press. The itinerary also included a visit to Tangzhen Church, one of Shanghai’s pilgrimage sites during the Jubilee Year on February 26 and the Sheshan Seminary on February 25, highlighting the deep-rooted faith and vibrant Catholic community of the diocese.
Reflecting on the visit, Cardinal Stephen expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and openness shown by the Diocese of Shanghai. “I feel the Shanghai diocese appreciated our visit and I look forward to their reciprocal visit to the Hong Kong diocese in the future”. He noticed that while the local Church has strong traditions in liturgy and prayer, there may be opportunities to explore more spiritual formation programs, which are precious treasures of the Catholic faith.
The cardinal also observed how the Diocese of Shanghai maintains a delicate balance between the Church and civic society, and encouraged the Hong Kong Church to approach dialogue with different sectors in an open and collaborative spirit.
He thanked the organisers for the hospitality during the trip and looked forward to visiting some more church people and communities when he visits the Shanghai diocese again in the future.
Bishop Ha noted the similarities between Hong Kong and Shanghai as cosmopolitan cities facing the challenge of evangelising and developing pastoral ministries, especially for diverse language communities, in urban environments. He mentioned about the possibilities of both dioceses to collaborating on pastoral care and faith formation.
The cardinal also observed how the Diocese of Shanghai maintains a delicate balance between the Church and civic society, and encouraged the Hong Kong Church to approach dialogue with different sectors in an open and collaborative spirit
Visiting the Songjiang Mosque on the afternoon of February 25.Visiting the Tangzhen Church, one of Shanghai’s Jubilee Year pilgrimage sites on February 26.Visiting the Longhua Buddhist Temple on February 27.Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre on the morning of Febraury 28. Faithful and clergy from the Diocese of Shanghai bid farewell to the Hong Kong delegation on the afternoon of February 28.
Father Choy acknowledged the rapid social and technological advancements in Shanghai and encouraged Christians to witness to their faith through daily life and attitudes, rather than simply through doctrinal debates. “The Church in mainland China is our companion on this journey. Our challenge is to move beyond rigid mindsets and offer a living witness of the gospel.”
The delegation visited various places of worship from other religious traditions, including the Songjiang Mosque, the Christian Sinicization Practice Centre, the Longhua Buddhist Temple, and the Cheng-huang Taoist Temple. In addition, the programme further included visits to economic and technological development sites such as the Yangtze River Delta G60 Science and Technology Corridor, offering insight into the city’s rapid transformation, as well as the Longhua Revolution Martyr Jiniandi.
Ms. Ching reflected on the importance of deepening understanding through participation, not only by listening but by actively engaging with others. “This pilgrimage reminds us that knowing our own parish history and faith traditions is essential—especially during this Jubilee Year, when many pilgrimage sites in Hong Kong are waiting to be rediscovered.”
Deacon Cheng appreciated the Diocese of Shanghai’s desire for mutual understanding, noting that “just as we have received their warm hospitality, we must also be determined to outwardly share our faith with others.”
This pilgrimage reminds us that knowing our own parish history and faith traditions is essential—especially during this Jubilee Year, when many pilgrimage sites in Hong Kong are waiting to be rediscovered
Ms. Susanna Ching Chi-man
Francis Wong Ka-chun, the bishop’s personal assistant and a member of the delegation, echoed what others in the delegation said as he expressed his appreciation for the efforts of various stakeholders in promoting social development in China. He also hoped that the Catholic Church could contribute to nurturing human souls and introducing positive elements into social norms and behaviour.
Cardinal Stephen concluded the visit by expressing hope for future exchanges and collaboration. “The Church is called to be a bridge of dialogue and communion. May this journey of encounter inspire us to walk together in faith and hope, building stronger ties within the universal Church.”
Go to Joseph! Let us entrust the fruits of this visit to St. Joseph, the guardian of the Church in China, and pray that the seeds of friendship and collaboration sown in Shanghai will continue to bear fruit in the years to come.
