HONG KONG (SE): As part of the year-long celebrations marking the 80th Anniversary of the Diocese of Hong Kong, a symposium will take place on September 11 and 12 at Saint Francis University. Centred on the question, “How can the Catholic Church, as a messenger of the gospel, bring hope to people in Hong Kong?”, the two-day gathering invites clergy, scholars, and the faithful to reflect deeply on the Church’s ongoing mission.
Conducted in both Cantonese and English, the in-person event is not merely a retrospective of eight decades of diocesan history, but an active invitation to foster synodal dialogue aimed at discerning the signs of the times.
The symposium will open on September 11, with welcoming addresses from Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the 80th Anniversary Celebrations.
In a promotional video, Bishop Ha explained that the presentations are structured to bridge history and the present. He noted that the sessions will first review and reflect on how the diocese has engaged with Hong Kong society throughout its history, after which scholars will respond by analysing the current situation and considering how the Church can engage socially in the future to bring hope to all.
Urging the faithful to register, Bishop Ha highlighted the vital role of participants in discerning how the Church can continue building on the past and opening up the future in various areas of social engagement, thus becoming true messengers of hope for Hong Kong society.
Bishop Ha explained that the presentations are structured to bridge history and the present. He noted that the sessions will first review and reflect on how the diocese has engaged with Hong Kong society throughout its history…
The inaugural keynote address, titled “God’s Grace of Love in History”, will be delivered by Irish Jesuit theologian Father Gerry O’Hanlon. Known for his work in social theology and synodality, the former provincial of the Irish Jesuits is expected to explore how God’s love acts as a transformative force in history—urging the Church to walk in solidarity with the marginalised and to offer compassionate witness during times of uncertainty.
Throughout the gathering, scholars and pastoral workers will explore five thematic areas: work and development; family and caregiving; life and death; social reconciliation; and caring for our common home.
In addition to formal presentations, parallel sessions under the theme “Word Made Flesh” will showcase practical expressions of faith and community care, highlighting local initiatives such as MercyHK, Angel Garden, the Light Up Education Fund, and parish-based environmental projects.
The event will culminate on Saturday afternoon with an open forum led by Professor Anselm Lam Wing-kwan of the Fu Jen Faculty of Theology of St. Bellarmine. Liturgical celebrations will anchor both days, with Bishop Ha celebrating Mass at the end of the first day and Cardinal Stephen celebrating the closing Mass on the second day.
Registration is now open to the public, and all interested faithful are encouraged to join.
