HONG KONG (SE): Around 2,500 people were baptised during Easter in different parishes in Hong Kong, including approximately 1,600 adults and 900 infants. At the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, eighty catechumens received baptism and confirmation during an Easter Vigil Mass celebrated by Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. on April 4.
The Mass was concelebrated by parish priests Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming and Father Francis Choi.
In his homily, the cardinal reflected on the significance of the liturgy, highlighting it as the year’s most sacred time, rooted in God’s grand plan of salvation. He outlined creation as an act of love, with redemption embodying life-giving sacrifice. While affirming Israel’s unique role in salvation history, he critiqued the current government for prioritising military might over moral strength.
He recounted Jesus’ resurrection, stressing the initial doubt of the disciples regarding the angel’s message and Jesus’ appearances to Mary Magdalene and others.
Cardinal Stephen congratulated the newly baptised for believing in the resurrection and rising with Jesus Christ, urging them to embrace faith and witness God’s love in their new lives.
“We should learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and discern his call to us. In this way, we can journey together with God’s people and our Church in this world in synodality, working for the well-being of all and the common good while being good messengers of hope,” he said.
The baptism was administered by the cardinal and Father Chan after the candidates’ renunciation of sin and profession of faith.
The newly baptised then received first Holy Communion in the Eucharistic celebration, giving thanks for Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
The vigil begins in darkness, symbolising sin and death, with the blessing of new fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle, representing Christ leading us from darkness into light.
During the Liturgy of the Word, reflections were made on God’s wondrous works from creation to the Exodus, and the fulfilment of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The ceremony concluded with a blessing from the cardinal, who called for renewal from sin, lives lived in the light of Christ’s resurrection, and witness to faith in the world.
