Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong called on priests and the faithful to journey together as a “community of pilgrims of hope” during the Chrism Mass held on Holy Thursday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
“As priests and clergy for God and the Father, we are called to build up the kingdom of God on earth. Not as masters of God’s people but companions, journeying in a synodal manner as a community of pilgrims of hope,” Cardinal Chow said in his homily before a packed congregation on the morning of April 17.
The liturgy, which marks the annual blessing of holy oils used in sacraments throughout the year, was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, retired bishops John Cardinal Tong Hon and Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, along with around 30 deacons and 160 priests from across the Diocese of Hong Kong.
In a report by Sunday Examiner, the official news site of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong, Cardinal Chow underscored the role of the Church in today’s divided world, declaring, “I truly believe that the synodal Church is the work of the Holy Spirit at this historical juncture.
“We are struggling in an egoistic and fragmenting world, when countries and ethnic groups are placing their national and ethnic interests first, while undermining and ignoring global interests,” he said.
He warned clergy and the faithful to guard against internal discouragement: “As for ourselves, please beware of the toxic cynicism and a chronic depressed mood in ourselves. These will erode faith and hope in us.”
Highlighting the Church’s prophetic role, Cardinal Chow said, “Now is the time when we as Church can realise our prophetic role, journeying together with active listening, empathy, and communal discernment.
Emphasising the beauty of unity in plurality, while learning to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit who is working among us as well as through one another.”
He encouraged openness to challenges and past errors, emphasizing the importance of learning through deep reflection and evaluation.
He underscored that embracing difficulties can lead to greater transparency, mutual accountability, and a stronger sense of community built on respect, love, and shared hope.
