Three deacon candidates share their journey of faith and service

Three candidate-deacons meeting Cardinal Stephen along with Father Chan and their wives on October 27. Photo: supplied

HONG KONG (SE): A special sharing session took place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Wan Chai on October 31 in which three candidates preparing for ordination as permanent deacons—Peter Ho Chun-yi, Gary Ng Man-chung, and Anthony Wai Chung-sau—shared their journeys of discerning and answering God’s call. They will be ordained on November 14 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road.

Their pathways to the diaconate were marked by initial self-doubt and hesitation. However, with the constant accompaniment of priests, senior deacons, and their families, each candidate gradually affirmed his vocation. 

Ahead of their ordination, the candidates met Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. at the Diocese Centre on October 27, accompanied by Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, chairperson of the Diocesan Commission for the Permanent Diaconate. 

While the three expressed deep gratitude for the structured diocesan training system, Cardinal Stephen offered warm congratulations and shared tailored guidance. He encouraged them to handle feedback constructively, discerning between empty criticism and genuine advice, telling them that heartfelt feedback from parishioners—such as tips on improving scripture reading—should be welcomed as valuable fuel for personal growth.

The cardinal reminded married candidates that their ministry must be fully supported by their wives, who deserve immense credit for their shared commitment. For Ho, who is single, Cardinal Stephen said single deacons require a spiritual companion or a trusted friendship to offer spiritual support and practical advice. 

Their pathways to the diaconate were marked by initial self-doubt and hesitation. However, with the constant accompaniment of priests, senior deacons, and their families, each candidate gradually affirmed his vocation

Peter Ho: learning humility and care

Baptised in the year 2000, Ho initially declined the invitation to explore the diaconate. He was later drawn back by the genuine brotherhood of the seminary community and its focus on “learning to be a good person.” Overcoming an initial fear of public speaking, he built steady confidence through formation.

Ho shared that he had gained rich pastoral experience serving in parishes such as St. Paul’s Church in Yau Ma Tei and Visitation Church in Tung Chung, observing how experienced priests humbly managed ordinary daily tasks alongside their holy duties. In Nam Cheong Estate, Ho reached out to recovering drug addicts in a park pavillion, serving meals and building relationships. This experience opened his eyes to the hidden needs within Hong Kong’s prosperous society. 

Addressing concerns about his single status, the 57-year-old candidate shared that relying on their theological formation, pastoral training, and collaboration with senior clergy and experienced married couples, non-married deacons can support families effectively.

In Tung Chung, he shared he could also feel the joy of the vibrant English-speaking community who has treated him as one among a family despite the language differences.

Ho shared that he had gained rich pastoral experience serving in parishes such as St. Paul’s Church in Yau Ma Tei and Visitation Church in Tung Chung, observing how experienced priests humbly managed ordinary daily tasks alongside their holy duties

Gary Ng: supported by faith and family

Coming from a non-believing background, 61-year-old Ng entered the Catholic Church alongside his family. His path to the diaconate involved intense inner struggle, but ongoing support from clergy, senior deacons, and his wife, Cherry—who even studied theology alongside him—helped him realise how the sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders enrich one another.

Ng received his pastoral training at Rosary Church, where he was embraced warmly by the parish community. He often remarked that he felt served and nurtured by the parishioners rather than the other way around. By joining the community, he prayed regularly with church members, building family-like bonds. 

Anthony Wai: surrender and listening

Raised in a Catholic family, 51-year-old Anthony Wai shared that he was baptised in hospital as a premature baby. Encouraged by senior deacons and Father Chan while serving at the cathedral, Wai discerned his call alongside his wife, Rosita. During this time, he also met fellow candidate Ng, who led the parish traffic team.

Assigned first to Holy Cross Parish in Sai Wan Ho, Wai applied his IT background to parish communications and outreach. He helped establish a men’s faith group that expanded across four parishes. Wai remembered that he once spent 90 minutes simply listening to a distressed member sharing his worries at the church’s coffee corner, teaching him that attentive listening and compassionate care lie at the heart of the diaconate.

Ng entered the Catholic Church alongside his family. His path to the diaconate involved intense inner struggle, but ongoing support from clergy, senior deacons, and his wife, Cherry—who even studied theology alongside him—helped him realise how the sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders enrich one another.

In July this year, Wai was assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where he deepened his liturgical knowledge under parish priest Father Thomas Law Kwok-fai and the altar servers. Rosita expressed joy in serving alongside her husband, while their two grown-up children studying overseas offered wholehearted support from afar.

Reflecting on the nature of the diaconate, Father Law emphasised at the end of the session that the diaconate is a calling rooted in being a good husband and a faithful human being with a primary mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ with courage. 

Warning against viewing the Church as a enterprise or treating clergy like corporate managers, Father Law reminded everyone that Church leaders must remain true to their core calling as spiritual fathers and servant-ministers.

Ho, Ng and Wai will continue to serve in Tung Chung, Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai after ordination.