HONG KONG (SE): “The unexpected bad weather today reminds everyone that humanity is a part of the ecosystem of nature, and should not attempt to control it. Nature’s feedback is not a punishment, but a reminder of the wisdom of the Creator,” said Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. at the beginning of a Mass marking the commencement of the Season of Creation and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si’, on September 7.
The Mass, was organised by the Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development and originally planned as an outdoor Mass at Clearwater Bay Country Park. However, to the raising of the typhoon signal to 3, the location was relocated to the parish hall of St. Andrew’s Parish in Tseung Kwan O.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, more than one hundred attendees came together in a spirit of resilience to pray for ecological conversion. The Mass, conducted in Chinese, employed the Vatican’s newly released liturgy dedicated to caring for creation, reinforcing the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Debby Chan, project officer of the commission, said the commission will still organise outdoor Mass for the Season of Creation when possible in the future, as indoor events limit participants’ connection with nature.
The unexpected bad weather today reminds everyone that humanity is a part of the ecosystem of nature, and should not attempt to control it. Nature’s feedback is not a punishment, but a reminder of the wisdom of the Creator
Cardinal Stephen
The Mass invited people to reflect on the theme chosen by Pope Francis this year: “Seeds of Peace and Hope,” which reminds us that hope can take root even in the most challenging environments. The theme also highlights the interconnectedness between war, destruction, and the degradation of our planet.
The Mass was concelebrated by Father Dominic Fung and assisted by Deacon Anthony Shin. It was co-organised by the Green Messenger and the environmental concern groups from St. John’s the Baptist Parish and Holy Cross Parish.
Sharing his recent vacation experience in Norway in his homily, Cardinal Stephen described the beautiful glacial scenes there and invited attendees to appreciate the beauty of creation and the wisdom of God reflected. He urged the congregation to think about how to aid nature’s recovery and how to leave a better world for future generations. “When individuals gather, changes can be made; that is the meaning of Laudato Si’: to be united for our environment,” he exhorted.
The cardinal said that pride is humanity’s greatest sin, leading us to believe we can control and look down upon all of creation. He noted that the interpretation of Genesis as humanity being rulers over creation has shifted over time into a call for stewardship and now has evolved into a profound call for conversion.
“I pray that there can be a shift in people’s hearts and minds, so that our understanding of God’s creation can be deepened to influence our choices. May it truly impact how we live,” he said.
I pray that there can be a shift in people’s hearts and minds, so that our understanding of God’s creation can be deepened to influence our choices. May it truly impact how we live
Cardinal Stephen
As a vegan, he encouraged those present to reduce their meat consumption, as food production process releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide. He also urged participants to spread the messages they received during the Mass to those who influence government policies or share them with their congregations.
In his English homily, Cardinal Stephen urged everyone to consider how to minimise their needs and reduce their consumption of materials derived from natural resources. Citing Matthew 6:24-35 in which Jesus assured us that God will provide, he said hope and faith in goodness, instead of worrying, can help the planet to recover. Cardinal Stephen also urged attendees not to be discouraged by the notion that the environment has passed the point of no return, encouraging them to maintain hope by leading a life directed toward conversion.
At the conclusion of the Mass, special prayers for the care of creation, incorporating extracts from the encyclical, were offered.
Timmy So, a member of St. Andrew’s environmental group, echoed the urgency of the moment, mentioning how frequent typhoons and three consecutive black rainstorms in early August served as a stark reminder of worsening climate conditions. He expressed hope that participants in the Mass would develop a deeper awareness of environmental issues. Recently, the group organised a recycling initiative where gift points collected through a green app were used to purchase supplies for grassroots communities and the elderly.
Oneki, a 12-year-old attendee from Peng Chau, reflected on the experience, stating that the Mass reminded her to take action in protecting the environment by minimising material usage and that we often do not need as much as we think.
