HONG KONG (SE): In a short meeting with the media after his episcopal ordination and installation Mass, Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan sj, expressed his wish to act as a platform for reconciliation between different people in a divided society, but urged different parties to let go of their adamant positions and be sincere in seeking communication.
Bishop Chow told the press that unity in plurality is always his motto and an understanding of different views is important in his mission. The bishop expressed faith in creating understanding between people provided they are willing to abandon the obstinate views. “We all have our own core values. But we can still find a common ground out of these core values. The point is, how to express the values,” Bishop Chow said.
“If all parties are sincere and willing to talk or communicate, the Church is glad to act as a bridge for this to happen,” he continued. “It won’t be smooth right at the beginning as trust is a problem. It takes time to test the waters. I believe if all sides are sincere it can be done. And God will help with his justice and great love,” he said.
When asked how he is different from previous bishops, Bishop Chow responded with a tint of humour: “I am just different!” He said that unlike the diocesan priests, he is a Jesuit and received his formation in a different culture. The Jesuits are formed in the spirituality of St. Ignatius. “The spiritual background is important. It helps me to see the world, helps me to see about human relationships and humanity,” he said. “A sense of mission is important too. God has his mission. His mission of love and life. And we are the collaborators,” he continued.
He also reminded the young people to have a wide vision like a giraffe and not to be discouraged by the present situation. He said it is important to let the young people express themselves on a platform and lead them to see their future.
He said that as young people are the ones who take over the Church in the future, it is also important to listen to their views while formulating the direction of the Church.
He concluded by encouraging people to live in hope and positivity, which will bring about healing. He stressed that negative views are true too, but negative feelings will not lead people forward far enough.
