Cardinal Stephen Chow on April 11 urged the Catholic Church in Hong Kong to uphold its mission to migrants and the marginalized, as the diocese marked its 80th anniversary with a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Approximately 900 faithful attended the liturgy commemorating the diocese’s elevation from an apostolic vicariate in 1946, as Church leaders highlighted its historical role as a refuge for displaced communities and its ongoing commitment to inclusivity, the Sunday Examiner reported.
In his homily, Cardinal Stephen said “Hong Kong has the privilege of a dwelling place where migrants and refugees, particularly in 1950s and 1970s, found their shelters and homes.”
“These provided us with an important mandate — to welcome foreigners to our Church, especially those who were searching for a welcoming embrace and a homestead,” he said, adding, “We must never forget this inclusive mandate.”
He linked this mission to the Gospel, noting that the resurrected Jesus revealed himself not to figures of authority but to those of humble background.
“We might not have abundant wealth or well-connected political power that give us a commanding position here,” the cardinal said. “However, if we have love inspired by the love on the cross, and faith emboldened by the resurrection, I believe we will be effective Messengers of Hope for the many in Hong Kong and beyond, well into the next 80 years plus.”
Cardinal Stephen presided over the Mass with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, bishops emeriti John Cardinal Tong Hon and Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, along with more than 130 priests and 30 deacons.
The celebration included a multilingual performance of a specially composed anniversary theme song and tributes to Father Theodore Joset, the first apostolic prefect of Hong Kong, and past bishops of the diocese.
Established in 1841 and elevated in 1946, the Hong Kong Church has long served migrants and refugees during periods of regional upheaval, a legacy Church leaders said continues to shape its mission.
The diocese also held youth-focused activities later in the day, including a forum on mission and university pastoral care, as it looked to carry this mandate into the future.
