HONG KONG (SE): The Diocese of Hong Kong celebrated its 80th anniversary on April 11 with a thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Caine Road. The celebration commemorated the diocese’s elevation from an apostolic vicariate to a diocese by Pope Pius XII on 11 April 1946.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, presided over the Mass, reflecting on the diocese’s history and reaffirming the Church’s commitment to serving marginalised communities.
He also encouraged the faithful to active participation in continuing the Church’s mission of love and service.
The celebration opened with the anniversary theme song, specially composed and performed in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. The lyrics highlighted the diocese’s contributions to social welfare and faith formation over the past eight decades, particularly in the 1950s through education and food assistance in response to post-war needs, underscoring the vital role of lay participation in the growth of the Church.
Along with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, the members of the curia and the concelebrants, Cardinal Stephen paid tribute to Father Theodore Joset, the first apostolic prefect of Hong Kong, by bowing at his tomb. He then led prayers at the Mission Chapel where former bishops are buried, including the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing gratitude for his predecessors’ pastoral leadership and selfless contributions.
Cardinal Stephen reflected on the Church’s identity as one that walks alongside ordinary people. He traced the diocese’s development from its establishment as an apostolic prefecture in 1841, to an apostolic vicariate in 1874, and its ongoing ministry to abandoned infants, refugees, migrants and other vulnerable groups over the decades
The Mass was concelebrated by bishops emeriti, John Cardinal Tong Hon and Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, along with approximately 130 priests and 30 deacons of the diocese.
In his homily delivered in Chinese and English, Cardinal Stephen reflected on the Church’s identity as one that walks alongside ordinary people. He traced the diocese’s development from its establishment as an apostolic prefecture in 1841, to an apostolic vicariate in 1874, and its ongoing ministry to abandoned infants, refugees, migrants and other vulnerable groups over the decades. He noted that the gospel calls the Church to stand with the humble and the marginalised following the example of the Risen Christ.
“The Lord Jesus never intentionally chose elite or powerful individuals to manage his Church. Our Church also remembers to stand with the general public and the marginalised, ensuring that any advantages are used to serve better,” he said as he ended his Cantonese homily.
In his Putonghua homily, the cardinal expressed his gratitude to missionaries, religious congregations, diocesan clergy and lay faithful, noting the diocese’s role to “carry on the legacy, and continue to act as a bridge between the universal Church and the mainland Church, and serve the role as a synodal Church.”
If we have love inspired by the love on the Cross, and faith emboldened by the resurrection, I believe we will be effective Messengers of Hope for the many in Hong Kong and beyond, well into the next 80 years plus
Cardinal Stephen
Concluding his homily in English, Cardinal Stephen urged the faithful to witness to the gospel through concrete actions and remain attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “If we have love inspired by the love on the Cross, and faith emboldened by the resurrection, I believe we will be effective Messengers of Hope for the many in Hong Kong and beyond, well into the next 80 years plus,” he said.
The celebration concluded with a solemn episcopal blessing, during which a plenary indulgence was granted to those in attendance. Approximately 900 people participated in the Mass, including individuals with physical disabilities, and over 10 former residents of Wang Fuk Court occupying the front pews. Sister Monica Zung Men Mawnica, pastoral sister from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Tai Po, shared that she offered prayers for those affected by the recent fire, that they may experience peace and joy. She regularly visited these families and organised community meals where the former neighbours could reconnect.
The anniversary celebrations continued with a youth forum and musical event in the afternoon to engage the community and celebrate the diocese’s history. An exhibition tracing the diocese’s history and contributions will be held at Saint Francis University from May 9 to 31.
