The Pastoral Sisters met on March 27 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Hong Kong, uniting 25 sisters from various congregations dedicated to pastoral ministry. Held quarterly in different parishes, these gatherings provide a vibrant occasion for the sisters to exchange experiences, renew their mission, and encourage one another in their shared service.
Building on this spirit of collaboration, the gathering began with Father Bruno Lepeu calling on the sisters to prepare for a new mission field taking shape in Hong Kong. As increasing numbers of people from mainland China settle in the city, he stressed the importance of welcoming newcomers, sharing the gospel, and learning Putonghua to better serve the expanding community.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, then addressed the assembly, reflecting on the vital role of pastoral Sisters in contemporary society. He highlighted the significance of synodality, describing it as an ongoing spiritual journey of discernment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Cardinal Stephen reminded the sisters that discernment is a continuous process, often demanding patience and deeper reflection. He acknowledged that differing views are both natural and valuable, but emphasised that these differences should ultimately lead towards convergence—a shared path for the common good.
The cardinal stressed the necessity of inner conversion, urging each person to begin by transforming themselves so as to listen more deeply and respectfully to others. He encouraged the sisters to embrace a mission of “going out”—not only teaching through words but listening with compassion, cultivating respectful dialogue, and nurturing the growth of community.
Above all, Cardinal Stephen stressed that prayer forms the foundation of synodality. Authentic dialogue and discernment, he said, must be rooted in prayer and entrusted to the Holy Spirit. Through prayerful listening, communities can be guided towards fruitful outcomes, deepening communion and advancing their mission.
“Divergent views are natural and even valuable, but they must ultimately lead toward convergence—for the sake of the common good,” he said.
-Pastoral Sisters
