HONG KONG (SE): The Diocese of Hong Kong welcomed two new deacons, Reverend Joseph Lin Ruoqi and Reverend Nicholas Chang Tai-yin, who were ordained by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., at St Francis of Assisi Church, Shek Kip Mei, on September 20.
Despite heavy rain, nearly a thousand faithful filled the church for the celebration. At the beginning of the Mass, Cardinal Stephen warmly greeted those present and gave special thanks to the families of the ordinands. Among the guests were supporters from the Diocese of Shantou, including relatives of Bishop Joseph Huang Bingzhang, who had come to honour Reverend Lin, once a parishioner in their diocese.
Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, John Cardinal Tong Hon, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, and more than 40 priests concelebrated the Mass. Bishop Ha, rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, presented the candidates to Cardinal Stephen, who reminded them of the responsibilities of a deacon’s calling: to serve at the altar, proclaim the Word, and live out acts of charity. He urged them to follow Christ’s example by serving with love in action.
During the rite of ordination, both candidates declared their readiness to embrace this call with humility and love. Cardinal Stephen then laid hands on each, joined by Cardinal Zen, Cardinal Tong, and Bishop Ha, in a moving moment of consecration.
Reverend Lin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the cardinals, concelebrants, mentors, and communities that had guided him in the years of formation. He recalled his pastoral experiences at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Western District; Our Lady of China Church, Tai Kok Tsui; St Francis of Assisi Church; and charitable works with the Missionaries of Charity and Caritas. He paid special tribute to his mother, Chen Wenyi, for sowing in him the seed of faith. She, in turn, thanked God and Our Lady of Perpetual Help for accompanying her son’s journey and prayed that he would remain faithful to God’s will.
Born in Shantou, Reverend Lin was baptised at the Cathedral of St Joseph and developed his vocation through parish activities. After moving to Hong Kong, he became active in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mass Centre and attended Catholic schools, where he experienced the care of teachers who strengthened his faith. In 2018, he entered the Holy Spirit Seminary, the same year in which a 51-kilometre vocation walk deepened his sense of God’s call.
Reverend Chang also traced his vocation to his mother’s influence, recalling her encouragement to trust in God and her support for his service as an altar server at St Jude’s Church, North Point, where he has remained active since his youth. Baptised at the age of three, he further grew in faith through activities at Raimondi College. While studying accounting in the United Kingdom, he discerned his vocation more deeply, and after returning to Hong Kong in 2015, he continued to feel a persistent call to service. He entered the Holy Spirit Seminary in 2018.
As part of their formation, both deacons underwent pastoral training in various parishes and diocesan centres, and spent time in Cambodia serving young people, an experience that strengthened their faith and sense of mission.
Reverend Chang is currently serving at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Tsing Yi.
Following the ordination, Reverend Chang thanked his family, particularly his mother, as well as his fellow seminarians and Reverend Lin, whose companionship he described as a blessing throughout his training. He encouraged the faithful to continue praying for seminarians and to pray for a greater number of vocations among young people.
In his concluding remarks, Cardinal Stephen expressed deep gratitude to the parents of all consecrated persons and reminded priests and religious not to forget their own families, encouraging them to visit their parents more often even amid busy ministries.
Cardinal Stephen, concelebrants and family members with the two new deacons, and (above) Deacon Lin showing gratitude from his friends coming from Shantou.
