HONG KONG (SE): “The whole synodality, the whole communion is for mission. It is in order to proclaim the Gospel. And this proclamation of the Gospel is the essence of the Church,” said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J., relator general of the Synod of Bishops (2023–2024), during his visit to Hong Kong from 9 to 11 September.
The Archbishop of Luxembourg visited Hong Kong while returning from Japan at the request of Stephen Chow, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong. The Jesuit cardinal was a missionary to Japan for nearly two decades before Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Archbishop of Luxembourg on 12 July 2011. His aim was to foster a deeper understanding of synodality, the theme guiding the Church’s life through the Synod of Bishops. He was accompanied by Father Diego Delima from Luxembourg.
Two public talks were organised by the Diocesan Ad Hoc Committee for Synodal Development under the theme “What Do We Mean by Synodality”, held at the Catholic Diocese Centre auditorium. Cardinal Hollerich was welcomed by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., Bishop of Hong Kong, and Father Peter Choy Wai-man, chairperson of the diocesan committee. Opening the first session on September 9, Cardinal Stephen expressed his joy in hosting the visit, noting that the Luxembourg cardinal would offer valuable insights and practical experiences on how synodality is shaping the Church today.
In his address, Cardinal Hollerich described synodality as a spiritual and experiential journey, rather than a simple organisational model. At its heart, he explained, synodality means listening—to both members of the Church and the Holy Spirit. This marks a shift from the traditional “top-down” style of leadership towards a more participatory model in which every baptised Catholic has a voice in the Church’s discernment.
Cardinal Hollerich recalled that Pope Francis was deeply involved in the recent Synod., Every decision was presented to him, and he consistently gave his full support, after reading the texts early in the morning. Having complete trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the process, Pope Francis often told them that the Spirit first creates a “big mess” before establishing a “new harmony,” akin to the Pentecost.
He observed that much of the Church’s vitality is now found outside Europe, in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, where communities live their faith vibrantly and face challenges that arise directly from life. “Europe has much to learn from these communities,” he said, adding that synodality helps the Church to listen with empathy and discover together where the Spirit is leading.
The cardinal went on to explain the multi-stage synodal process, which begins at the parish level and culminates in Rome. This method, he said, enables a wide consultation across the Church and provides space for voices from all backgrounds. “When you do a synodal process, you have no idea what will be at the end,” he remarked, stressing the openness required in genuine discernment.
He acknowledged that the journey has revealed that many groups, particularly women, often feel excluded from Church discussions.
Synodality, he said, calls the Church to be more inclusive: “The tent has to be made large, so that all the people enter it.”
Reflecting on the method of conversation in the Spirit, Cardinal Hollerich noted that the synod does not aim for compromise through debate, but for consensus through prayerful listening.
He contrasted this with European models of debate or Japanese methods of consensus-building, saying that the synodal process involves structured group conversations in which each person listens deeply and reflects before responding. The aim, he explained, is to reach “a new, inspired consensus” through discernment.
He recalled that during the Synod, strict rules ensured balanced participation: each person could speak once, which initially caused irritation but was later appreciated. The final documents were adopted paragraph by paragraph, each receiving a two-thirds majority.
The Luxembourg cardinal emphasised that synodality is not about endless meetings or structures but about mission. “The whole Church exists to proclaim the Gospel,” he said. “Every Christian has gifts and charisms from the Holy Spirit for the building up of the Church, and these should be recognised and used.”
He gave examples from Luxembourg, where lay people lead funeral services to support grieving families, multicultural pastoral councils have been established, and lay-led finance committees ensure transparency while freeing priests to focus on pastoral care. Some priests, he admitted, find it difficult to hand over responsibility, but the result is a stronger, more mission-oriented Church.
“Synodality is a gift of the Holy Spirit for our time,” he added, helping the Church rediscover its spiritual treasures.
The two-day gathering drew priests, religious, and lay participants keen to explore synodality. Dominican Father Fernando Muñoz Martin observed that while prayers for synodality are regularly offered at Mass, many still lack a clear understanding of its meaning. He said it is vital for parish leaders and priests to grasp its true significance.
Father Aloysius Mak, parish priest of St Francis of Assisi in Shek Kip Mei, acknowledged that some are concerned about confusion between clerical and lay roles, but he stressed that the heart of synodality lies in discerning the will of God under the guidance of the Spirit, rather than relying only on human judgement.
During the question-and-answer session, Cardinal Hollerich underlined that synodality is not a democratic process but a shared search for God’s will.
He encouraged the Church to engage with young people directly, saying: “Young people are the ones who can proclaim the Gospel in their world. We have to be there for real people.” Reaching them, however, remains a challenge amid competing distractions.
On technology, he acknowledged the power of artificial intelligence but warned against over-reliance. “I do not worry so much about the surplus of artificial intelligence,” he said. “I worry about the lack of natural intelligence.”
Addressing the role of women, the cardinal affirmed Pope Francis’s efforts to ensure women feel fully part of Church life, while maintaining doctrinal boundaries on priesthood and showing openness to discussions on the diaconate. He cautioned, however, against divisions that have troubled other Christian traditions.
The gathering concluded with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing leading a prayer of
thanksgiving, asking for God’s blessing on the local and universal Church as it continues its synodal journey.
Cardinal Hollerich, closing his remarks, encouraged participants to be bold: “You have to see, share, try. Sometimes you may fail, but time will prove what is truly from the Holy Spirit. We have to begin the dynamic—and love must always remain at the centre.”
