HONG KONG (SE): Three diocesan seminarians, Francis Choi Chor-fung, John Vianney Chu Yen-tsung and Benedict Sham Hin-ho, were ordained deacons by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, in Christ the King Chapel at St. Paul’s Convent, Causeway Bay, at 3:00pm on September 14.
Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, John Cardinal Tong Hon, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, and over 50 priests concelebrated the Mass.
During the Mass, Cardinal Stephen expressed his happiness at the ordination of three new diocesan deacons. He emphasised the importance of praying for more vocations for diocesan priests, highlighting the need for more priests to effectively serve the diocese.
In the ordination ceremony, Bishop Ha, rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, recommended the candidates to the cardinal. The cardinal proceeded to outline the responsibilities of deacons in relation to the ministry of the Word, the altar, and acts of charity. He emphasised the significance of serving others with love and humility while following the example of Christ. The candidates then expressed their readiness to be ordained and made a solemn vow to serve with humility and a clear conscience and to be obedient to the bishop and his successors.
During the consecration, Cardinal Stephen then conferred the diaconate by imposing his hands on the candidates’ heads. Cardinal Zen, Cardinal Tong and Bishop Ha also placed their hands on the three.
Cardinal Stephen expressed his happiness at the ordination of three new diocesan deacons. He emphasised the importance of praying for more vocations for diocesan priests, highlighting the need for more priests to effectively serve the diocese
Following the ordination, the three newly-ordained deacons expressed their gratitude to Cardinal Stephen, the two other cardinals, Bishop Ha, their mentors, and everyone in attendance at the ceremony.
Deacon Chu expressed gratitude to his father, Deacon Charles Chu Nientsu, for raising him in a devout Catholic household and guiding him through baptism. He also expressed his appreciation to all those who supported him but were unable to attend.
Deacon Choi expressed his gratitude to the communities at the Holy Redeemer Church, Tuen Mun, for inspiring and nurturing his faith during his formative years. He specifically acknowledged the positive influence of former parish priests from St. Francis Church, Ma On Shan, Father Manohar Jyothi of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, and Father Timothy Yan Ho-fung, and Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, the parish priest of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. He said that their mentorship and support enriched his journey and contributed to his personal and spiritual growth while training in the parishes.
“A lot of people have inquired if I am prepared to serve as a deacon. I think there is no such thing as total readiness. I’m more likely to believe in the overflowing grace of God, which extends not just to us but to all of you,” Choi remarked.
“Let’s all work as the grace of God leads us and be witness of his love,” he continued.
Shum said the three diaconate ordinations on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross will be a constant reminder for them to serve others, quoting Pope Francis, who said that Jesus is glorified on the Cross as he was willing to humble himself to be a servant.
A lot of people have inquired if I am prepared to serve as a deacon. I think there is no such thing as total readiness. I’m more likely to believe in the overflowing grace of God, which extends not just to us but to all of you
Deacon Choi
He shared that the kindness of consecrated people inspired his vocation. “Thanks to God, I have been chosen to be a deacon today, and it is my turn to serve others. I can’t forget how God brought his love to me through the clergy. Therefore, I long to pass on the graces I have received,” he said, urging people to pray for vocations to the priesthood.
Peter Chu Hao-tsu, the uncle of John Vianney Chu, told the Sunday Examiner that the father of the new deacon had shown strong faith in facing family trials which made it necessary for the family to migrate a few times between Shanghai and Hong Kong in the 1950s. The family survived with faith, and the children were educated under a challenging situation. He believed that perseverance and faith had passed on to the next generation, enabling both the father and the son to pursue their vocations one after another. He hopes Chu can keep his persevering but humble attitude as he serves God.
The new deacons will continue serving at the parishes where they underwent pastoral training. Deacon Choi will serve at the Cathedral Parish, in Central and Mid-Levels; Deacon Chu at Ss. Cosmas and Damian Parish in Tsuen Wan; and Deacon Shum will serve at St. Margaret Mary’s Parish in Happy Valley.
Teresa Tam, a parishioner of the Cathedral, said she came to support Deacon Choi, who has been dedicated to offering services at the parish. Antonieta Chan, a catechist from Holy Redeemer Church said she has known him since he was an altar server there, and she was happy to see him be ordained a deacon after a long journey.
At the end of the ceremony, Cardinal Stephen urged the friends of the young deacons present to consider pursuing their vocation if they have one.
