HONG KONG (SE): On June 13, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong will welcome three new priests when Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., ordains Deacon Benedict Shum Hin-ho, Deacon Joseph Lin Ruo-qi, and Deacon Nicholas Chang Tai-yin at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Caine Road following years of spiritual formation and diverse pastoral service.
From Hong Kong to Kenya
Deacon Shum’s vocation was sparked during his youth through frequent visits to Rosary Church and interactions with school priests, whose zeal for prayer and liturgy deeply inspired him. Baptised in 2014 at Yau Ma Tei Catholic Primary School, he entered the Holy Spirit Seminary shortly after secondary school.
During his formation, he served in various local parishes, including Mother of Good Counsel and St. Margaret’s Church. In September 2024, he was ordained a transitional deacon and shortly after, sent to Kenya, for a year of pastoral immersion, serving at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Nairobi.
In Kenya, Deacon Shum lived a life of simplicity while ministering within the Kibera slum, one of Africa’s largest informal settlements. Serving communities of Ethiopian immigrants and marginalized groups, his growth was later commended by Cardinal Stephen during a pastoral visit in July 2025.
Following his return to Hong Kong in late 2025, the deacon has been serving at St. Margaret’s Church.
A journey of endurance and grace
For Deacon Joseph Lin, the road to the priesthood was symbolised by a literal journey: a 51-kilometre “vocation walk” in 2018. Overcoming physical exhaustion and obstacles during the trek allowed him to feel the tangible grace of God, solidifying his decision to enter the seminary that same year.
Born in 1989 and baptised at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Shantou Diocese, Deacon Lin’s faith was nurtured by several communities, including the Mary Help of Christians Parish and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mass Centre in Hong Kong. His formation has been defined by different pastoral experiences in elderly homes, Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers [New Territories], as well as the Diocesan Commission for Marriage and the Family.
Through a training in clinical pastoral education and a short-term mission to Cambodia, he has developed a compassionate approach to ministry. He currently serves at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Sham Shui Po.
Trusting the divine call
Deacon Chang’s faith was anchored early by his mother, who encouraged him to become an altar server and taught him to trust in God’s providence. Though baptised at the age of three, it was during his time at Raimondi College and later, while studying accounting in the United Kingdom, that he began to seriously discern his vocation.
Despite returning to Hong Kong in 2015 to pursue a professional career, the desire to share his faith remained an undeniable force. He eventually entered the Holy Spirit Seminary in 2018. His training has seen him serve at various Caritas centres and parishes such as St. Andrew’s and Holy Redeemer.
Like Deacon Lin, Deacon Chang’s service in Cambodia allowed him to connect with young people in developing communities and deepen his resolve. He is currently stationed at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Tsing Yi.
