The Diocese of Hong Kong has launched a coordinated pastoral outreach for its growing Putonghua-speaking community, commissioning representatives from 16 parishes and church groups to support evangelization and pastoral care efforts across the city.
The initiative was formally launched in May during the diocese’s first territory-wide Putonghua Mass, celebrated on the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity and presided over by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J.
The commissioning marked a significant step in the diocese’s response to the increasing number of mainland Chinese students, migrants, and families living in Hong Kong, according to a report by Sunday Examiner.
Earlier this year, the diocese established the Pastoral Team for Putonghua-speaking Faithful to coordinate outreach and pastoral services. Led by Paris Foreign Missions Father Bruno Lepeu and Divine Word Father Andrew Wang, the team works through six subcommittees focused on parishes, schools, youth, formation, promotion, and development research.
During the Mass, members of the diocesan team, representatives from 16 parishes, and church organizations involved in Putonghua-speaking ministry were formally commissioned.
In his homily, Cardinal Stephen emphasized that communion and inclusion are central to Christian life but acknowledged challenges facing Chinese-speaking Catholic communities.
Noting that Chinese-speaking communities in different regions do not always demonstrate unity, he asked: “How can we bear witness in this way? How can we make people believe in God?”
The cardinal urged Catholics to welcome and accompany newcomers, saying, “God told us to return his love with universal great love, so we have to love our compatriots.”
He also called on laypeople to take an active role in reaching out to fellow Chinese Catholics.
“We need you, our brothers and sisters, as you are People of God. You are the Church. Please reach out and connect with our compatriots. This is very important,” Cardinal Stephen said, quoting Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 “that all of them may be one… so that the world may believe that you have sent.”
During the commissioning rite, candidates pledged to help build an inclusive Catholic community and support the vision of “Hong Kong and the Church as home.” Asked whether they were prepared to serve the pastoral needs of Putonghua-speaking faithful and participate in ongoing formation under the guidance of the Church, they responded: “We are willing.”
Father Lepeu described the gathering as “a milestone in the history of Putonghua-speaking pastoral work” as the ministry continues to expand across parishes and communities.
One example is St. Jerome’s Church in Tin Shui Wai, where a Putonghua evangelization team formed in April has begun organizing regular pastoral activities. Its first monthly Putonghua Mass, held May 16, drew more than 60 participants.
Father Wang said he was encouraged by the commitment shown by parish volunteers.
“They feel that we must absolutely continue this service for the Putonghua-speaking community. This is truly the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
The parish team has begun developing a program that includes Cantonese classes, catechism instruction, Putonghua liturgies, and guided church visits in partnership with local schools.
May Tam, who leads the parish evangelization team, said the initiative has helped parishioners become more attentive to the needs of newcomers.
“Put yourself in their shoes. If I were abroad and someone organised a Cantonese Mass for me, I would be deeply moved,” she said.
Tam said language should never be a barrier to receiving God’s grace and that the parish would continue offering Putonghua services even if attendance remained small.
Following the Mass, participants gathered at the Diocesan Centre for a sharing session on existing ministries serving Putonghua-speaking communities, including parent talks, Cantonese classes, pilgrimages, prayer concerts, and youth retreats.
