HONG KONG (SE): “We need to be praying for discernment with our spirit and ourselves, honestly praying because availability for mission is the hallmark of apostolic leaders,” Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., said, as he encouraged hundreds of religious men and women during a Mass marking the 30th World Day of Consecrated Life on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, at Christ the King Chapel, Causeway Bay.
He said this strong sense of mission is shown through their apostles and their identification with the marginalised. At the same time, he urged the consecrated to balance the need to prevent burnout and openness to serve with a “wisdom amid tension”.
The Mass was concelebrated by Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, as well as 20 other priests, and attended by over 200 religious sisters, deacons, and brothers.
In his English homily, he pointed out that identification—the conscious embracing of another’s culture and identity while retaining one’s own—is a core process in religious life. He posed two central questions: how religious communities are identifying with those marginalised or deprived within the Church and society, and how they will continue to deepen this identification.
He also called on religious communities to resist self-centredness, as availability for mission is at the centre of religious life. He warned against spiritual justifications for remaining in comfort zones that limit mission and urged a countercultural openness to serve in different parts of the world. He acknowledged that such closure may feel natural, particularly with age. “And we need more so to counter this so-called normalcy,” he said, stating that it is a long-term temptation that harms religious life and diminishes availability.
He said the principle of availability is linked to the Church’s synodal process, encouraging those present to include unheard voices and to enrich local efforts. The cardinal ended his homily by exhorting missionaries from religious congregations to contribute with their international connections and understanding.
Wisdom amid tensions
In his Chinese homily, Cardinal Stephen emphasised that while many consecrated people may seem unafraid of death, their deeper fears often arise from feelings of failure, loss, decline, or a sense of lost value. He observed that many have put considerable effort into their ministries, but when they do not meet their expectations, it is crucial for them to confront and accept those realities.
The cardinal recognised their vulnerabilities amid heavy workloads and insufficient staffing, and noted that as the average age of group members rises, a tendency towards conservatism naturally develops. This shift often leads consecrated people to prioritise self-protection and distance themselves from the community.
He also noted common self-limiting behaviours that arise from clinging to professional expertise to avoid challenges or stepping outside comfort zones. “These attitudes are not good for us, as we have been consecrated and made our vows. We belong to God, following his orders,” he said.
To address this issue, Cardinal Stephen recommended cultivating a pragmatic attitude that balances self-care with a willingness to serve. He highlighted the importance of wisdom amid tension. “We need to possess a wisdom amid tension that allows us to be open while also protecting ourselves, guiding us to the correct approach. We all have capabilities, as we believe there is strength from God,” he said. “It is not that we cannot do it; we just need to find a position where we can start,” he said.
He concluded by saying that true fulfilment and happiness do not stem from personal achievements, but from serving the greater good with love and trust in God’s provision.
