The Catholic Church in Hong Kong has officially commenced its Jubilee Year 2025 with a grand inauguration ceremony and Thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 29.
Coinciding with the Feast of the Holy Family, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, led the celebrations and called on the faithful to be “bearers of hope” for Hong Kong, the nation, and the world.
In his message, Cardinal Chow emphasized that the Jubilee Year extends beyond the Church, according to a report by Sunday Examiner, the diocese’s official news site.
“Hope extends beyond the Church. It is a gift for everyone. Therefore, I encourage you to continue being carriers of this hope and share it with those around us,” he said during the Mass.
He expressed gratitude to leaders of other Christian denominations for their solidarity in attending the celebration, underscoring the importance of unity in conveying hope.
The day began with an introductory rite at the chapel of the Canossian Missions on Caine Road, officiated by Cardinal Chow and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha.
Bishop Ha read the Jubilee Year proclamation, encouraging the faithful to spread hope through their witness.
Over 300 participants, including young people, religious leaders, and parish representatives, then joined a pilgrimage procession led by ten young individuals holding a cross.
The procession stopped at the diocesan center, where leaders from various Christian denominations, including Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming and Bishop Timothy Kwok Chi-pei of the Anglican Church, joined the gathering.
Other representatives included Father Dawood Hanna of the Hong Kong Coptic Orthodox Church, Monk Lazarus of the Orthodox Church, and Reverend Tim Lam-chun of the Methodist Church.
Upon reaching the cathedral, Cardinal Chow invited participants to venerate the Cross, which he described as the “source of our hope.”
He also blessed and sprinkled holy water on the congregation, symbolizing the renewal of hearts and baptism.
The Thanksgiving Mass, officiated by Cardinal Chow with the concelebration of Bishop Ha, Bishops Emeritus Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun and John Cardinal Tong Hon, and over 80 priests, included homilies delivered in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.
In his Cantonese homily, Cardinal Chow acknowledged the Church’s history of conflicts and shortcomings but affirmed the Holy Spirit’s constant presence in guiding the faithful.
“Even though the Church has a history marked by conflicts and shortcomings, the constant presence of the Holy Spirit continues to guide and foster hope among the faithful in their spiritual journeys,” he said.
Speaking in Mandarin, he highlighted the transformative power of love and unity within Christ’s love, which fosters collaboration and addresses global divisions.
In his English sermon, he reflected on the Gospel of Luke (2:41-52), urging parents to trust in God’s plan and calling the Church to embrace synodality as a pathway to hope in a fragmented world.
“As pilgrims of hope, this Jubilee Year is important. So let us also join our fellow Christian churches in other denominations to bring hope to our Hong Kong, China, and the world!” he concluded.
The oil lamp, dubbed the “Light of Hope,” symbolizing the Christian mission to be the salt of the earth and light of the world, was passed to representatives of St. Anne’s Church in Stanley.
Mimi Shum, chairperson of the parish council, announced that the parish would organize guided tours to educate visitors about its history and mission.
The oil lamp will continue its journey across different parishes throughout the Jubilee Year.
The ceremony ended with a jubilant congregation waving torches, a gesture symbolizing their role as bearers of hope.
Cardinal Chow bestowed the apostolic blessing and a plenary indulgence to attendees who met the conditions of repentance, confession, and Holy Communion.
