HONG KONG (SE): Around 350 young pilgrims from Asia and Europe convened in Hong Kong for a four-day Taizé gathering titled “Messengers of Hope,” from April 30 to May 3 at St Benedict’s Church in Shatin and various ecumenical venues. Marking the 80th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, the event emphasised ecumenical unity and youthful faith as participants aimed for spiritual renewal and intercultural connections.
The event attracted over 200 from mainland China, about 70 from Hong Kong, and young people from Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, France, and Italy, demonstrating the global reach of the meditative approach to faith.
Finding God in the silence
On May 1, Brother Matthew, the prior of the Taizé Community, conducted evening prayers and redefined silence from simply being an absence to a “place of struggle” where people must face their true selves.
Brother Matthew remarked that silence reveals our core by removing masks. He encouraged the young people, saying that although vulnerability can feel intimidating, it’s where they meet a welcoming God. Using the story of the wedding at Cana, he explained how Jesus transforms everyday, imperfect parts of life into a “new wine” of joy. He highlighted that God values one’s presence over perfection, providing a “quiet fullness” even during times of perceived deficiency.
Brother Matthew remarked that silence reveals our core by removing masks. He encouraged the young people, saying that although vulnerability can feel intimidating, it’s where they meet a welcoming God
A call for a big heart
During the morning Bible reflection on May 1, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., spoke to pilgrims about the global mental health crisis and increasing despair. He advised them to look beyond the “echo chambers” of modern life that confine people to narrow views. The cardinal emphasised that to create a fuller understanding of reality, one must be open to engaging with diverse and challenging perspectives.
Reflecting on Matthew 5: 14-16 about the mission of the faithful to bring light to all, he reminded those present to share God’s unconditional love without the distraction of seeking personal glory. Using the giraffe as a symbolic guide, the cardinal encouraged the young people to adopt a “big heart” and a broad vision, looking above the immediate trials to become true “Messengers of Hope.”
The Franciscan journey of transforming failure
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing discussed the theme “St Francis—Bearer of Hope,” recounting the saint’s life not as a string of successes but as a journey marked by overcoming deep disappointments. Through setbacks in his worldly goals, the saint found solace in solitary prayer and rediscovered hope, eventually establishing the Order of Friars Minor based on the principles of humility and brotherhood.
The saint’s internal hope translated into external peace, especially when he sought to resolve conflicts by building friendships with the Muslim world in Egypt. The bishop also described the Stigmata, received by St. Francis later in life, as a powerful symbol of Christ’s love, portraying him as a “good friend” who shares both suffering and hope.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., spoke to pilgrims about the global mental health crisis and increasing despair. He advised them to look beyond the ‘echo chambers’ of modern life that confine people to narrow views
A lifelong renewal journey
On May 2, Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming of the Anglican Church, shared a thoughtful biblical introduction, highlighting the cleansing of the temple from John 2:12-13. He reminded the gathering that they are like living temples of the Holy Spirit, shining with divine presence.
He thoughtfully highlighted some modern challenges that can cloud the heart, such as commercialised faith, rigid formalism, and the influence of secular ideas, encouraging us to stay true to our spiritual journey.
The archbishop stressed that spiritual renewal is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of sincere repentance and meditation on scripture.
This sentiment of ongoing renewal was echoed during the final evening prayer on May 3, where Brother Matthew urged participants to seek inner peace, encounter the Risen Christ personally, and share his forgiveness as messengers of unity.
The four-day programme offered a diverse experience with Bible study, small-group sharing, and cultural exchange. Workshops explored various topics, including ecological meditation, art, and the distinctive “coffee meditation.”
Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming of the Anglican Church … reminded the gathering that they are like living temples of the Holy Spirit, shining with divine presence
Participants also visited the Franciscan house and convent, along with St. Francis of Assisi Church, gaining insight into its efforts to assist victims of the 1953 Shek Kip Mei fire.
Overseas participants were accommodated by 60 host families, various parishes, and schools, with support from the Anglican Holy Spirit Church and St. Paul’s Church. One of the local hosts was Krieser Marynie, a French resident who has lived in Hong Kong for nine years.
Having attended Taizé meetings in Europe for a decade, she expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to shift from being a guest to a host.
Similarly, a couple from Shenzhen returned for their second year, noting that Taizé prayer had become a vital part of their daily routine. They valued the direct engagement with the Taizé brothers, which helped them navigate practical spiritual questions in their daily lives.
The gathering concluded with an interdenominational blessing from Bishop Ha, Bishop Matthias Clement Der of the Anglican Church, and Reverend Leung Mei-ying of the Lutheran Church. It was a beautiful ending to an event filled with unity and hope, all centred around a shared, peaceful faith.
