HONG KONG (SE): Reverend Stéphane Tchanko Ngalamo from the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary [CICM] from Cameroon, was ordained a deacon by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, during a solemn liturgy at St. Teresa’s Church, Prince Edward Road, on 20 December 2025.
During the rite of ordination, Father Dominique Mukonda Kananga, CICM, district superior, formally presented Reverend Ngalamo to Cardinal Stephen. Addressing the ordinand, the cardinal explained the ministry and responsibilities of a deacon, assuring him that Jesus would accompany him in his service. Reverend Ngalamo then declared his willingness to serve with humility and a pure conscience.
Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, Cardinal Stephen invoked the Holy Spirit upon him. Reverend Ngalamo was then vested with the deacon’s stole and received the Book of the Gospels, signifying his new role as a servant of the Word.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Reverend Ngalamo expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, Cardinal Stephen, his CICM community, clergy, religious, family and friends. He offered special thanks to Irene Sam and her family for their care and hospitality during his time in Hong Kong. He shared that although he initially felt anxious upon arriving, Hong Kong has since become his home.
From the age of eight, he served as an altar server for 14 years, an experience that allowed him to accompany priests closely and gradually shaped his desire to become a missionary serving different cultures
He also acknowledged the guidance of his mentors, particularly Father Moses Ngai Tak-man, parish priest of St. Teresa’s Church, where he has been receiving pastoral training, as well as his Cantonese teacher, who has helped him understand the language and culture. He thanked his friends with whom he plays football and highlighted the Church’s openness and welcome to all.
Speaking later in English, French and Ewondo, Reverend Ngalamo thanked those watching the live-streamed ordination from around the world, especially his family and CICM superior general, Father Charles Phukuta Khonde. He asked for their continued prayers, describing his service in Hong Kong as the fulfillment of a long-held dream, and invited everyone to work together to build an inclusive community.
Reverend Ngalamo’s vocation was nurtured from an early age, strongly influenced by his mother, who took him to Mass every Sunday. From the age of eight, he served as an altar server for 14 years, an experience that allowed him to accompany priests closely and gradually shaped his desire to become a missionary serving different cultures, in keeping with the charism of the CICM.
I don’t just bring the gospel message; I let the message guide me. In every culture, there are already seeds of God’s truth. My mission is to recognise those seeds and help them grow
Reverend Ngalamo
His academic and formation journey prepared him for this calling. After completing secondary school in 2012, he studied psychology for two years before entering the CICM for formal religious formation. He studied philosophy in Cameroon from 2014 to 2017, made his first profession of vows in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018, and completed his theological studies between 2018 and 2022.
Recognising the importance of language in mission, he then studied English in Manila, the Philippines, graduating in March 2023, before undertaking Cantonese studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong from September 2023 to August 2025.
Reflecting on missionary life, Reverend Ngalamo acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new culture but said he found strength and support among his CICM brothers, while remaining focused on his calling.
“I don’t just bring the gospel message; I let the message guide me,” he said. “In every culture, there are already seeds of God’s truth. My mission is to recognise those seeds and help them grow.”
He shared that community life in Hong Kong has been a source of joy, from sharing meals with parishioners after Mass to visiting hospital patients for prayer and conversation. While appreciating the cultural differences between Cameroon and Hong Kong, he noted that common values such as faith, love of family and mutual respect unite people across cultures. He also expressed special affection for altar servers, saying their enthusiasm and curiosity reminded him of his own journey of faith.
