Hong Kong’s Cardinal Chow says celebrating Christmas will bring hope after fire
Christmas can provide ‘way out to a radically new and promising life’, he says in wide-ranging message that also touches on economy, AI challenges
Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, head of the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong, said in his Christmas message on Tuesday that the festival also pointed towards “a clear way out to a radically new and promising life”, following the blaze in Tai Po that broke out on November 26 and killed 161 people.
“The recent disastrous fire at Tai Po brought us once again to a keen awareness of the fragility of life,” he said.
But Chow said Hongkongers could celebrate Christmas even as the tragedy continued to sadden many, noting that the festival of joy and hope shares “sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and the heat of our humanity”.
In a chancery notice issued last week, Chow also called on the faithful to celebrate Christmas gently, encouragingly and joyfully.
“Keep Christmas activities simple, but add lighthearted and joyful elements … Let prayers for our deceased brothers and sisters be followed by a ‘moment of hope’ to share gratitude, support and small joys together,” the notice read.
“Gestures in remembrance of the fire victims need not be exaggerated – a warm drink, a sincere blessing or a smile can all be angelic Christmas actions.”