HONG KONG (SE): Marking the 59th World Day of Peace on January 1, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., celebrated Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Alluding to Pope Leo XIV’s World Day of Peace message, he underscored that lasting peace cannot be achieved by weapons alone, but requires the “disarming of the heart” to overcome fear and build mutual trust.
The Mass, organised by the Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development, was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, parish priest Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, and other clergy of the diocese.
At the start of the liturgy, Father Francis Tam Kam-wing and a youth representative led a prayer conveying the worldwide message of the Community of Sant’Egidio, rejecting violence and war while embracing peace rooted in love and justice.
Prayers were offered for regions affected by conflict in more than 20 countries across different continents, including the Holy Land, Afghanistan, Sudan and Ukraine, calling for an end to terrorism, violence and civil wars, and for reconciliation among peoples.
In his address, Cardinal Stephen referred to the pope’s World Day of Peace message, which centres on the theme of disarmament. He stressed that true peace flows from the non-violent path of Jesus Christ, who chose to disarm even in the face of threat.
Peace, he said, goes beyond military disarmament and requires the inner work of “disarming the heart” by easing fear and anxiety. “Genuine peace is founded on mutual trust rather than military power,” he said.
In his address, Cardinal Stephen referred to the pope’s World Day of Peace message, which centres on the theme of disarmament. He stressed that true peace flows from the non-violent path of Jesus Christ, who chose to disarm even in the face of threa
He also led prayers asking God’s forgiveness for violence within families and communities, the prioritisation of military strength over human development, and conflicts carried out in the name of religion.
The homily was delivered by Father William Yip Hing-wah, ecclesiastical advisor to the commission, who reflected on the long history of war, conflict and sacrifice, and on the significance of the Incarnation.
Father Yip reminded the faithful that God became human to reveal divine love and a deep desire for relationship with humanity. Jesus’ mission, he said, is the proclamation of the Kingdom of God, in which believers are called to take an active part, particularly through the Eucharist, by fostering justice and love in daily life.
Father Yip emphasised that, in the face of violence, Jesus offers a non-violent way of living out his ideals, grounded in forgiveness, patience and understanding, and in recognising others as human beings with dignity and feelings.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the congregation prayed for the intercession of Our Lady of China for true and lasting peace throughout the world.
Genuine peace is founded on mutual trust rather than military power
Cardinal Stephen
Nurse shares about serving in Gaza
To mark World Peace Day, the commission also prepared a video message featuring the testimony and faith reflections of Walter Leung Wai-yin, a nurse from Hong Kong currently serving in humanitarian medical aid at a war hospital in Rafah, in southern Gaza.
Leung, who is working with the Hong Kong Red Cross, is on his fourth mission to Gaza, serving in an emergency room amid ongoing armed conflict involving drones, tanks and airstrikes.
Leung described his work as a divine calling to serve selflessly, in the spirit of the Good Samaritan
He recounted a missile attack on a nearby market that resulted in more than 50 injuries and several deaths, including a 12-year-old girl who died despite medical efforts. A six-month-old baby injured in the attack survived after surgery.
Leung described his work as a divine calling to serve selflessly, in the spirit of the Good Samaritan.
The recipient of the 2017 Hong Kong Humanity Award highlighted the urgent need for peace for Gaza’s war-affected civilians and for the protection of medical workers, especially during the rainy season when living conditions deteriorate further. He also appealed for prayers for peace and for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
All offerings collected at the Mass will be donated to the Red Cross to support its humanitarian work in Gaza.
The Hong Kong Red Cross, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, operates a hospital in Rafah and has deployed six medical personnel there, including Leung and Dr. Au Yiu-kai, both Catholics. It has also contributed more than HK$2.9 million to support water, electricity, infrastructure and medical services in Gaza.
