Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. of Hong Kong, has called for a more engaged and outward-looking Church, emphasizing the need for Catholics to integrate faith into everyday life beyond traditional religious settings.
His remarks came after a six-day visit to the Diocese of Essen in Germany, where he observed how the local Church actively reaches out to the community.
“Sometimes, the Church remains too separate from the world or merely focuses on social services,” Cardinal Chow said in a report by Sunday Examiner, the official news site of the Church in Hong Kong.
“However, we can also enter into people’s daily lives, mingle with them, and manifest faith through our presence. We should consider participating in social events and festivals as well,” the prelate added.
During his visit, which began on February 4, Cardinal Chow met with Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen and participated in various outreach initiatives.
He witnessed firsthand the diocese’s commitment to engaging with the public, particularly through programs that bring the Church into communal spaces.
One such initiative included opening Essen Cathedral for a special light show during the city’s annual Light Festival, incorporating faith into the broader cultural celebration.
Another aspect that impressed Cardinal Chow was the diocese’s focus on Christian unity. The cathedral clergy regularly collaborate with the local Lutheran Church, organizing cultural seminars and an ecumenical blessing ceremony on Valentine’s Day.
They also set up street booths to engage with residents.
“In Hong Kong, could we actively explore establishing sustaining relationships with different Christian denominations and launch long-term collaborative projects?” he reflected.
Cardinal Chow also noted the challenges European churches face, including financial difficulties and the rise of far-right ideologies.
Some Essen parishioners had questioned why their diocese, which is struggling financially, continues to support overseas churches. However, he emphasized the importance of solidarity in faith.
“But this is about living out our faith, like the biblical story of the poor widow who gave all she had. Even in times of scarcity, we must share with one another,” he said.
The cardinal also underscored the potential for deeper youth exchanges between Hong Kong and Essen. He pointed out that both regions have experienced an influx of migrants and asylum seekers, creating opportunities for shared initiatives in social outreach.
Over the course of his visit, Cardinal Chow also traveled to Aachen to meet with leaders of Catholic aid organizations Missio and Misereor, expressing gratitude for their longstanding support of Hong Kong.
In Cologne, he met with Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki and discussed the importance of strengthening ties between German dioceses and the Church in China.
Reflecting on his experience in Essen, Cardinal Chow expressed his appreciation for the diocese’s hospitality and its proactive approach to pastoral work.
He noted that many German dioceses have designated personnel for international Church relations, a model he suggested could be worth considering for Hong Kong.
The visit, he said, provided valuable insights into how the Church can be more present in society. “Sometimes, the Church remains too separate from the world,” he reiterated. “However, we can also enter into people’s daily lives, mingle with them, and manifest faith through our presence.”
