Hong Kong appoints first catechists under Pope Francis’ 2021 mandate, marking a new chapter in lay ministry and faith formation.
Newsroom (24/04/2026 Gaudium Press)The Diocese of Hong Kong has formally commissioned its first group of lay catechists under the framework established by Pope Francis, marking a significant development in the local Church’s pastoral and missionary life.
On April 19, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, seven catechists were appointed and sent forth in a ceremony presided over by Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong. The commissioning follows the Apostolic Letter Antiquum ministerium, issued by Pope Francis in May 2021, which formally instituted the lay ministry of catechists across the universal Church.
According to the diocesan weekly KungKaoPo, the liturgy was concelebrated by Diocesan Vicar Joseph Choi Wai-man, who also serves as Chairman of the Diocesan Commission for the Ministry of Catechists, alongside numerous priests. During the rite, the newly appointed catechists received a silver cross, a symbol of their mission. In a shared declaration, they expressed their commitment to “contribute to the building up of the local Church,” particularly within parish communities, by serving as “witnesses of the faith, guides, interpreters of the mystery of God, companions on life’s journey, and educators.”
In his homily, Cardinal Chow called on the catechists to embrace their vocation with openness to spiritual renewal. “Be open to the Holy Spirit and give the mission of catechists a new, multifaceted, and profound meaning,” he said. Drawing on the Gospel account of Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Cardinal underscored the relational nature of faith formation. Those who encounter Christ, he noted, are invited not only to receive revelation with open hearts but also to share it through lived relationships.
He encouraged the catechists to continually deepen their formation, highlighting the importance of ongoing growth in knowledge, spiritual life, and personal experience of faith. “You catechists can live out your vocation through the various ministries, constantly renewing yourselves,” he said.
The newly commissioned catechists will serve across multiple sectors of diocesan life, including parish communities, the Catholic Students’ Association, and the Pastoral Commission for Marriage and Family. Their deployment reflects a broad and integrated approach to catechesis, extending beyond traditional classroom instruction into diverse areas of pastoral care and accompaniment.
Each of the catechists completed a year of intensive formation prior to receiving the mandate. Following the ceremony, they voiced hope that their example would inspire others to discern a similar calling. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they expressed a desire to see more individuals place their personal gifts at the service of the Church through catechetical ministry.
Looking ahead, the Diocese of Hong Kong plans to assess the implementation and impact of this new ministry. Diocesan Vicar Joseph Choi indicated that the experiences of the first cohort will be evaluated over the next two years, after which decisions will be made regarding future development and expansion of the program.
The commissioning signals not only a local milestone but also participation in a broader ecclesial vision promoted by Pope Francis—one that recognizes and formalizes the role of laypeople in transmitting the faith and strengthening Christian communities.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Fides News
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