BUDAPEST (SE): Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, paid a pastoral visit to Hungary from October 3 to 5 at the invitation of the Jesuit Provincial, Father Attila Andras, S.J., where he shared reflections on the Church’s synodal journey and his experience with the Church in China.
During his visit to Budapest, Cardinal Stephen delivered two talks: one titled “The Synodal Path from Rome to Hong Kong: An Asian Context”, and another offering his personal reflection on his encounters with the Church in China.
In addition to his talks, Cardinal Stephen was interviewed, celebrated Mass, and joined a conversation session with young men discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
“I was much impressed by the number of young people coming to the Jesuit church,” he noted. “Sunday afternoon and evening Masses for young people attract around 2,000 participants.”
Cardinal Stephen described his encounter with the local Church and the Jesuits there as both inspiring and fraternal. “It was a pleasure to meet my fellow Jesuits, to share our experiences, and to enjoy our fraternity,” he said.
He also met with Péter Cardinal Erdő, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, and Archbishop Michael Banach, apostolic nuncio to Hungary. Reflecting on these meetings, he said he found it “interesting to learn about the Church and the country, especially its history as a communist state.”
