HONG KONG (SE): On July 26, a thanksgiving Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Diocesan Commission for the Permanent Diaconate. The milestone highlighted the deacon’s core identity: humble service and charitable witness, bringing the gospel to the marginalised.
The Mass was celebrated by vicar general, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, and concelebrated by Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, chairperson of the commission, together with Father Christopher Chor Yuk-wah, Father Benedict Lam Cho-ming, and Father Francis Xavier Wong Kwan-yau, assisted by over 30 permanent deacons.
In his homily, Father Chan expressed his appreciation for the various services the deacons have provided for the marginalised, and noted that—formed by both clergy and laity—the commission’s establishment three decades ago already demonstrated the spirit of synodality.
Initiated in 1990 under John Baptist Cardinal Wu Cheng-chung, Hong Kong was among the first Asian dioceses to restore the permanent diaconate following the Second Vatican Council. An official commission was later set up in 1996, chaired by Father Chan. After years of preparation, the first two permanent deacons were ordained in 1997. Today, there are 48 deacons actively serving across various sectors, including hospitals, prisons, schools, hospice care, and parish ministries.
Reflecting on this 30-year journey, Father Chan shared that when the ministry was first introduced, only about 20 per cent of the clergy surveyed in 1992 supported it, due to widespread misunderstandings regarding their role.
While permanent deacons assist bishops and priests by carrying out the threefold ministry of the Word, liturgy, and charity, Father Chan emphasised that the diaconate was not established to address a priest shortage or create “secondary priests,” as deacons fulfil a distinct mission. “The ministry of the deacon is mainly to represent the Church, giving witness within society,” Father Chan said. “It puts into practice the gospel spirit and brings the experience back to the parish, showing that the Church is not just a place for spiritual devotion, but also about caring for society.”
He added that it is a matter of responding to Vatican II ecclesiology by considering the mission of the Church.
Recent diocesan evaluations show clerical support has climbed to 80 per cent, with lay acceptance reaching 96 per cent. “This dramatic rise in acceptance demonstrates a profound shift in mentality in the Church,” Father Chan explained.
Promoting synodality with dual identity
Father Chan believes the permanent diaconate embodies “synodality” by fostering deeper communion among clergy, religious, and laity as they walk together as one Church. “Because a permanent deacon is himself a layperson, and also a member of the clergy,” he noted, “he can help the Church by serving as a bridge between the clergy and the faithful.”
He noted that, as married men form the vast majority of candidates, formation emphasises family spirituality and spouse accompaniment, reaffirming that the Sacrament of Matrimony and the Order of Deacons harmoniously enrich each other.
Looking ahead, the commission plans to refine the deacon’s distinct theological and pastoral role, enhance ongoing formation, and strengthen support for deacons’ families.
