Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – The Jubilee Year commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Hong Kong (1946-2026) has the motto “Messengers of Hope” and will be celebrated until December 8, 2026, under the sign of hope and synodality. This journey began on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast of the diocese and its cathedral.
The solemn Eucharistic liturgy celebrated to mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year, in addition to Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, and Cardinals Joseph Zen Ze-kiun and John Tong Hon (Bishops Emeritus of the same diocese), was attended by a distinguished group of high-ranking prelates from distant lands. Among them were Cardinal Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo and President of Caritas Internationalis; Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, California; and Franz-Josef Overbeck, Bishop of Essen, a German diocese twinned with Hong Kong for over 60 years through friendship and collaboration.
The Diocese of Essen has provided financial support to the Diocese of Hong Kong since its early years, funding the construction of several churches. During the concelebrated Mass, presided over by Cardinal Chow, the Bishop of Hong Kong highlighted some details of the new permanent diocesan symbol. In February 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong launched a competition to design an emblem inspired by the theme of “Synodality.” The Diocesan Emblem Design embraces with the vision and mission of the Diocese. Journeying together in listening and sharing hope.
Before imparting the Apostolic Blessing, Cardinal Chow led the prayer for the 80th anniversary of the founding of the diocese, also praying for the victims of the November 26th fire.
The celebratory year will be marked by a rich program of initiatives: a concert dedicated to prayer, love, and becoming messengers of hope (January 18, 2026); the Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving (April 11); The Taizé Youth Prayer (April 30-May 3); an exhibition on diocesan history (mid-May to late May); an Open Day at the Seminary and Schools (October 1); and the Caritas Bazaar (early November). The closing Mass of the Diocesan Jubilee Year will be celebrated on December 8, 2026, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception. (Agenzia Fides, 14/12/2025)
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