HONG KONG (SE): A historic gathering of Catholic leaders from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Malaysia recently took place at the Archdiocese of Taipei. The milestone event underscored a unified commitment to mission, synodality, and cultural connection within the Chinese-speaking community.
On the evening of April 22, Archbishop Thomas Chung An-zu as well as bishops from the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference [Taiwan] joined Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing of Hong Kong, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang of Macau, and Archbishop Simon Poh of Malaysia for a fraternal gathering.
Archbishop Chung welcomed the bishops and noted that the event represented one of the largest gatherings of bishops from Chinese-speaking regions. Bishop John Baptist Lee Keh-mien, president of Taiwan’s bishops’ conference, emphasised that missionary work requires the collective effort of all companions to enhance the impact and power of their witness.
Cardinal Stephen shared his happiness at the gathering of brothers for further exchanges and cooperation. “The exchange is important. It is also the wish of the Holy See to promote more understanding among Chinese-speaking bishops for the sake of synodality. This is what we need to do and it is a good beginning,” he said, expressing hope for such annual dialogues in different locations and the eventual inclusion of bishops from mainland China in the fraternal circle.
“I really hope that one day the mainland bishops will be with us. This is a very big wish of mine, and I believe it is the wish of everyone here,” the cardinal said.
The evening concluded in prayer before the image of Mary, Untier of Knots, followed by a fraternal dinner.
The exchange is important. It is also the wish of the Holy See to promote more understanding among Chinese-speaking bishops for the sake of synodality. This is what we need to do and it is a good beginning
Cardinal Stephen
On the morning of April 23, the bishops reconvened at the chancery chapel of the Archdiocese of Taipei for a concelebrated Mass presided by Archbishop Chung.
Concelebrants included Auxiliary Bishop Peter Chao Yung-chi of the Archdiocese of Taipei; Father John Lai Shou-chung, general secretary of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference; bishops from all seven dioceses in Taiwan, alongside the visiting bishops.
In his homily Archbishop Chung, identified “faith” and “receiving the Eucharist” as the two pillars of spiritual life, defining them as the fundamental forces for overcoming spiritual hardships and discerning one’s direction.
He emphasised that when believers feel discouraged or lost, it is specifically through receiving the Body of Christ that they can regain strength, hope, and the guidance needed to practice charity.
“I believe that through the exchanges between our bishops, we will surely be nourished and guided by the Word of God and by Jesus, who is the Bread of Life for us,” Archbishop Chung said.
Following the Mass, the leaders held discussions on future collaboration and development for the Church across the Chinese-speaking world.
