HONG KONG (SE): In a historic milestone, the Diocese of Hong Kong hosted its inaugural territory-wide Putonghua Mass on May 31, drawing hundreds of faithful to celebrate the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity and marking a major step forward in evangelisation.
The solemn liturgy was presided over by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., who also oversaw an official commissioning ceremony formally sending out pastoral workers dedicated to the city’s rapidly expanding Putonghua-speaking community.
Structured approach to growing community
To manage resources effectively and address the influx of mainland Chinese residents, the diocese established the Pastoral Team for Putonghua-speaking Faithful at the beginning of this year. Under the leadership of coordinator, Paris Foreign Missions Father Bruno Lepeu, and vice coordinator, Divine Word Father Andrew Wang, the team operates through six functional sub-committees overseeing deans, schools, youth communities, formation, promotion and development research.
During the ceremony, this diocesan team, together with representatives from 16 parishes, were commissioned. Joining them were local groups like the Friends of Our Lady of Sheshan from Wan Chai and the Lasallian Educational Outreach.
We need you, our brothers and sisters, as you are People of God. You are the Church. Please reach out and connect with our compatriots. This is very importan
Cardinal Stephen
A call for unity and great love
In his homily, Cardinal Stephen emphasised that communion lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. He explained that the essence of the Holy Trinity is rooted in love and relationship, noting that salvation frees people from eternal death, granting them eternal life. He concluded that life within the Church should actively reflect inclusion and boundless love.
However, the cardinal did not shy away from addressing challenges. He noted with regret that Chinese-speaking communities across different regions sometimes fail to present a united front. “How can we bear witness in this way? How can we make people believe in God?” he questioned.
“God told us to return his love with universal great love, so we have to love our compatriots,” Cardinal Stephen continued. He thanked Father Lepeu for leading everyone in jointly promoting the growth of Putonghua pastoral services. In a lighthearted moment, he joked that a foreign priest is the best leader because he can observe the community from a neutral position.
Looking ahead, the cardinal emphasised a pragmatic, step-by-step approach, acknowledging that while initial capabilities may be limited, ongoing outreach to the many mainlanders arriving to study or live in Hong Kong is essential.
“We need you, our brothers and sisters, as you are People of God. You are the Church. Please reach out and connect with our compatriots. This is very important,” Cardinal Stephen urged, quoting John 17:21: “that all of them may be one… so that the world may believe that you have sent.”
[Cardinal Stephen] noted with regret that Chinese-speaking communities across different regions sometimes fail to present a united front
A pledge to make Church as home
During the solemn rite of commissioning, Father Lepeu presented the candidates, highlighting the enthusiasm of the parish teams to advance the mission. Cardinal Stephen then questioned the assembly on their readiness to build an inclusive Catholic family and bear witness to the gospel. He asked if they would commit to Christian formation under pastoral guidance, fostering communities that embrace the vision of “Hong Kong and the Church as home.”
Finally, he urged them to serve unconditionally, addressing the unique needs of new immigrants. To each invocation, the candidates firmly responded, “We are willing.”
The cardinal then prayed for the Heavenly Father to bless the evangelisers for the Putonghua-speaking community, asking the Holy Spirit to help them faithfully spread the gospel.
Moving forward with realistic actions
Father Lepeu expressed his joy as he felt that the day was a milestone in the history of Putonghua-speaking pastoral work, and he could see the pastoral services are quickly growing, looking for directions in different communities.
Community vitality is already visible at St. Jerome’s Church in Tin Shui Wai. Its Putonghua evangelisation team, formed on April 18, consists of 13 Hong Kong-born members. Father Wang, assistant parish priest, shared that he was deeply moved by the experience during the first meeting of the parish team, seeing so many lay people showing such deep care and dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to this initiative.
Looking ahead, the cardinal emphasised a pragmatic, step-by-step approach, acknowledging that while initial capabilities may be limited, ongoing outreach to the many mainlanders arriving to study or live in Hong Kong is essential
“They feel that we must absolutely continue this service for the Putonghua-speaking community. This is truly the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he recalled.
The team has devised a four-pronged plan: to organise a Cantonese class, a Mass, a catechism class, and a church-guided tour in Putonghua in collaboration with local schools.
Father Wang hopes that, in the long term and with guidance from the Holy Spirit, the Putonghua-speaking community will eventually be led by native speakers, much like the English-speaking community. At present, native speakers already serve as lectors and lead the prayers of the faithful.
Their first monthly Putonghua Mass on May 16 drew over 60 people, followed by sweet soup served by the parish social concern group, strengthening the community.
May Tam, leader of the evangelisation team at St. Jerome’s Church, shared how her group rapidly formed within two months following an initiative by Father Wang. Expecting only three members at the first meeting, the team quickly grew to over 10.
They feel that we must absolutely continue this service for the Putonghua-speaking community. This is truly the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Father Bruno Lepeu
Tam explained that this new mission has revitalised the parish, where many people may have grown numb to routine services and overlooked those with genuine needs. Highlighting the profound importance of empathy and hospitality towards newcomers, Tam remarked: “Put yourself in their shoes. If I were abroad and someone organised a Cantonese Mass for me, I would be deeply moved.”
Tam emphasised that language should never be a barrier to receiving God’s grace.
She said it does not matter even if only a few people attend the monthly Mass later, as the parish team is still serving those who need Putonghua liturgy.
Following the Mass, a two-hour sharing session at the Diocesan Centre focused on the existing sevices for Putonghua-speaking communities performed by various communities and schools, including parent talks, Cantonese classes, pilgrimages, prayer concerts and youth retreats.
