A prayer service for four individuals, who are set to be ordained as permanent deacons at the end of June, was held on June 15 at St. Francis Church in Ma On Shan.
According to Sunday Examiner, the weekly publication of the Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong, the candidates for permanent diaconate—Wilson Choi Wai-san, Joseph Ng Wai Hang, Francis Mok Chun-keung, and John Siu Sze-chuen—were joined by approximately 100 people including family, friends, and clergy.
During the service, Francis Mok led the congregation in reflections on Acts 6:1-7, which narrates the appointment of the first deacons in the early Church.
He connected these reflections to the demands of the diaconate, emphasizing commitment and sacrifice. “The life of St. Stephen, the first martyr, shows us that being a deacon involves significant sacrifice,” said Mok.
Wilson Choi shared his personal journey toward the diaconate, mentioning his extensive involvement with the Hong Kong Catholic Marriage Advisory Council and Caritas Community Centre-Ngau Tau Kok.
“I am deeply thankful for the support of my family and mentors, especially the late Deacon Joseph Chow Yu-hong, who showed me the true meaning of dedication in ministry,” Choi said.
Joseph Ng discussed the spiritual challenges and rewards of the diaconate. “Despite the trials, the joy comes from a deeper relationship with God,” he explained, reflecting on his experiences serving in various church capacities.
Francis Mok, soon to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Religion, talked about his call to service, particularly towards the underprivileged. “If God calls you, it becomes impossible to ignore,” Mok said.
John Siu highlighted the communal and familial aspects of his calling. “The diaconate is a vocation that involves the entire family. It shows others that the mission of the Church is to serve,” he said.
The ordination ceremony, to be led by Bishop Hallward at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, will officially welcome these men into their roles as deacons, ready to serve and enrich the Hong Kong Catholic community.
During a 2021 address to a group of permanent deacons in Rome, Pope Francis articulated three principal expectations for deacons.
Firstly, he stressed the importance of humility, advising them to shun ostentation and egocentrism.
Secondly, he underscored the significance of their roles as spouses and as fathers or grandfathers, noting that their genuine simplicity could offer comfort and support to couples encountering difficulties.
Lastly, the Pope urged deacons to serve as “sentinels,” sensitive to the needs of the marginalized and equipped to help the Christian community recognize Jesus in the poor and the distant, as He reaches out through them.
