HONG KONG (SE): The Claretian Missionaries [CMF] in East Asia appointed Father Jijo Kandamkulathy, cmf, as their new Delegation Superior during the 11th Delegation Assembly in Hong Kong.
Father Kandamkulathy, originally from India, has been serving as director of Claretian Publications in Macau and as vicar for the delegation. His election ushers in a renewed chapter of leadership for the East Asia Delegation, which spans Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China.
The five-day assembly, held from November 25 to 29, was a time of reflection, dialogue, and forward planning.
With 27 members in attendance, the gathering was guided by the Appreciative Inquiry process: Discovery, Dream, Design, and Commitment. Presiding over the Assembly was Father Rosendo Urrabazo, cmf, a member of the General Curia in Rome.
The asssembly culminated, emphasising a synodal and fraternal mission, rooted in Christ and audacious in proclaiming the Word.
A highlight of the was an inspirational encounter with Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong. Known for his emphasis on dialogue and synodality, the cardinal celebrated Mass with the missionaries and partners in mission, and shared profound reflections on their mission and faith.
In his homily, Cardinal Stephen encouraged the Claretians to remain steadfast amid challenges, urging reliance on God’s providence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“For years, we have relied on our heads and not on our hearts,” he said, emphasising the importance of integrating both in their mission.
He also touched on China’s evolving sociopolitical landscape, including Sinicsation. “Sinicization is not just about religion or the Church; it touches all aspects of life. This calls for dialogue and openness,” he said. “Our witness is to listen, to be strong in faith, and to communicate without offending.”
Cardinal Stephen concluded with a call to return to devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: “In a heartless world, we are called to share God’s love.”
The assembly reaffirmed its commitment to engaging young people, Biblical animation of all pastoral activities, and completing the Chinese Bible translation, a project central to the Claretian mission in East Asia. It pledged to prioritise the formation of young vocations, ongoing missionary training, and strengthening relationship with mainland China through increased collaboration with local communities and lay partners.
Father Kandamkulathy’s leadership, coupled with the assembly’s deliberations, sets a hopeful course for the Claretians in East Asia: to be a transformative presence in the region, sharing God’s love through the gospel and their lives.
Their vision for 2027 serves as both a roadmap and a prayerful commitment to adapt, grow, and serve amidst a changing world.
