天主教香港教區深切哀悼教宗方濟各

天主教香港教區深切哀悼教宗方濟各

天主教香港教區主教周守仁樞機謹代表香港教區及全體信友,就教宗方濟各於2025年4月21日息勞歸主,表達深切哀悼及思念。

教宗方濟各是繼教宗本篤十六世於2013年2月辭任教宗後,於2013年 3月13 日,以 76 歲高齡,當選為羅馬天主教會第 266 任教宗。 教宗方濟各1936年出生於阿根廷,他於1998年獲任命為阿根廷首都布宜諾斯艾利斯總主教,2001年獲任命為阿根廷樞機。他是首位耶穌會士教宗,首位來自拉丁美洲的教宗。

教宗方濟各在任期間,於2023年9月訪問蒙古;此行也讓梵中關係受到關注。 教宗方濟各在推動跨宗教對話和促進世界和平方面不遺餘力,他決心改革教廷,當中包括由女性參與決策層等。教宗方濟各在任期間備受教會成員尊重和愛戴。

教宗方濟各頒佈2025年禧年詔書《望德不叫人蒙羞》,並於2024 年12 月24 日開啟梵蒂岡聖伯多祿大殿的聖門,以象徵開啟2025 禧年,他敦促教友於禧年期間,讓失望的人重燃希望,讓每個人都成為「希望的朝聖者」。

教宗方濟各弔唁及追思彌撒安排

弔唁及追思彌撒安排如下:

弔唁

日期:4月22日(星期二)上午7:00 至 4月26日(星期六)下午4:00
地點:香港半山堅道 16 號 聖母無原罪主教座堂

追思彌撒

日期:4 月28 日(星期一)
時間:晚上8:00
地點:香港半山堅道 16 號 聖母無原罪主教座堂

香港天主教社會傳播處 謹啟

天主教香港教區主教周守仁樞機2025年復活節文告

圖片提供:Joseph Lam

2025年復活節文告
不要讓懼怕死亡使我們變得軟弱 !

他們就彼此說:「當他在路上與我們談話,給我們講解《聖經》的時候,我們的心不是火熱的嗎?」(路24:32)

復活節是基督的教會慶祝生命戰勝死亡、光明穿透黑暗、修和拉近分歧、希望取代絕望的時期。然而,面對著如今日益自我中心、咄咄逼人的專横文化,人們要保持希望,已經變得太奢侈、太難達到了。

在撰寫這文章時,美國總統特朗普宣布了針對全球各國和地區不同的關稅方案。全球情緒變得黯淡、擔憂和悲觀。人們愈來愈擔心全球經濟可能出現衰退。這跟困擾全球的區域戰爭、地緣政治緊張局勢和自然災害可能同時出現。至於那些經濟條件差、國際或社會地位低微的人民,永遠是最受苦的一群。

第二次世界大戰後各國多年來建立的所謂「國際社會」究竟發生了甚麼變故?公認的世界秩序在不同程度上支持著我們在商業、金融、跨境流動、國際社會政治事務等領域的運作,如今這些秩序又何去何從?然而,這些我們習以為常的國際條約和慣例,看似在我們眼前逐漸瓦解,同一時間又看不到任何可替代的世界秩序,能夠重建人們的信心。

我們留意到出現了根本性的改變,但面對這些改變時卻感到無助。我們能否影響國際情緒的演變軌跡?還是,我們必須扮演坐以待斃的角色,任人宰割?

耶穌基督,世界的救主和歷史的主宰,為我們眾人而死,無論基督徒與否。「至於我,當我從地上被舉起來時,便要吸引眾人來歸向我。」(若望12:32)然而,當耶穌在十字架上受難之後,這福音卻不被全部門徒所接受。許多人視耶穌會帶來個人風險而逃走。當耶穌被釘十字架後,一切關乎他的盼望與計劃,都變得毫無意義。

但有關他死而復活、那最不可能的報道,卻徹底地改變了整個敍述。那原本無意義的變成了有意義。原本無希望的變成了有希望。死亡的惡臭變成了復活的芬芳。看似是絕對和最終的事情,其實是等待上主生命之光介入前的黑暗時期。光明告訴世人,黑暗永遠不是絕對的,邪惡和死亡不會得意到最後。因此,為我們和世界來說,最重要的是,即使在最黑暗的時刻,也不要失去希望。

當我們內心有了希望之光,便可確信,大家團結起來時便可帶來改變。就像那些沮喪的耶穌跟隨者,當他們徹底失望地離開耶路撒冷時,卻與復活的基督相遇,之後他們

便懷著新得來的希望返回他們的團體當中,為基督的復活作證(參路 24:13-35)。他們帶著由復活而來的希望,幫助建立自己的團體。

在當前處境,人們開始失去希望,這轉變的速度驚人,對於奮力保持積極態度的我們又有甚麼意義?讓人憂愁的變化看來是不可避免的,而我們不知曉的新世界秩序似乎在形成的過程之中。

然而,因著基督復活的緣故,死亡成為了人類通往榮耀永生的門徑。我們可以繼續對那創造萬有生命的生命、對那在最黑暗時刻仍陪伴著我們的大愛抱持希望。因為上主就是那生命與大愛。我們相信,死亡與轉變都是引領我們走向更嶄新、更遼闊視野的門徑。

在死亡這邪惡的終極武器前,我們千萬不要失去希望。如果我們任由自己在邪惡的閙劇下失去希望,死亡便成為我們的終局。但基督的復活為我們揭示了一個截然不同的現實—— 當中充滿了希望和令人振奮的無盡可能,帶領我們走向生命。我們可選擇走上那一條路:死亡或復活。要相信希望的集體力量和人的意志力,也要相信我們作為全球公民的聯合行動,我們不僅僅是各自國家的愛國者。

生命與大愛的上主常與我們同在、啟迪我們、賦予我們力量,為了上善與更好的生命而同心合意,特別是為了那些最末後無靠、最失落無救和最卑微無助的人們。

最後,東西方的基督教會今年都在同一天慶祝復活節,這是慶祝我們共同傳承的最好機會。祝大家在這 2025 年以至往後的年月,都有一個蒙福而充滿希望的復活節 !基督的確復活了,亞肋路亞 !

+周守仁樞機

2025年復活節

按此下載中文PDF文件檔

Easter message 2025
Let not the fear of death weaken us! 

Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

Easter is a time when Christian churches celebrate life overcoming death, light piercing through darkness, reconciliation bridging divisions, and hope replacing despair. However, in today’s increasingly egoistic and aggressively domineering culture, it has become too luxurious and unattainable for anyone to remain hopeful.

While this message is being composed, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced different tariff schemes for countries and territories around the world. Global sentiments have turned bleak, worrisome and pessimistic. There are growing fears of a potential global recession. This could occur alongside regional warfare, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters that have been distressing our world. Those who will suffer the most are always those with little means and low international or social status.

What has happened to the so-called international community, which different countries have built up over the years since the Second World War? What about the recognised world order that has, in varying degrees, supported our approach to commerce, finance, cross-border mobilities, international socio-political affairs, and more? However, these conventions that we have mostly taken for granted seem to be dissolving before our eyes, with no apparent alternative world order available to instil confidence.

We can sense fundamental changes are happening, but we feel helpless in the face of them. Can we alter the course of changes that affect international sentiments? Or, must we play the role of sitting ducks, ready to be shot at?

Jesus Christ, Savior of the world and the Lord of history, has died for all of us, Christians or not. “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32). Nonetheless, this good news was not well received by all of his disciples after his death on the cross. A good number of them fled as they perceived him as a personal risk. Every hope and plan that included Jesus simply became pointless after his death on the cross.

But the most unlikely reports of his rising from the dead changed the entire narrative. What was pointless became meaningful. What was hopeless became hopeful. The stench of death was turned into the fragrance of resurrection. What seemed to be absolute and final was, in fact, a darkened phase awaiting the intrusion of God’s life-giving light. The light that tells the world that darkness is never absolute and that evil and death cannot have the last laugh. Therefore, what is of utmost importance for us and the world is that we must not lose hope even in the darkest hours of the night.

With the light of hope within us, we can be certain that, collectively, we can make a difference. Like the dejected followers of Jesus who encountered the risen Christ as they were leaving Jerusalem in utter disappointment, they returned to their community testifying to his resurrection with newfound hope after their encounter with the risen Christ (cf. Luke 24:13-35). They helped in the building up of their community with Easter hope.

What does this mean for us struggling to remain somewhat positive amid current situations where hope is fading away at a distressing rate? Disturbing changes are apparently inevitable while a new world order unknown to us seems to be in the making.

But because of Easter, death has become the gateway to the glory of eternal life for the entire humanity. We can remain hopeful in the Life that creates all lives and the Love that accompanies us even in the darkest hours. For God is that Life and Love. We can believe that death and change are gateways leading us to newer and greater horizons.

Never lose our hope against death, the ultimate weapon of evil. Should we allow ourselves to become helpless with the follies of evil, death will also become our final destiny. But Easter presents us with a totally different reality — one filled with infinite exciting possibilities and hope leading us to life. It is our choice as to which path to follow: death or resurrection. Have faith in the collective strength of hope and human willpower, as well as in our united actions as global citizens, not only patriots of our respective countries.

The God of life and love will always be with us, enlightening and empowering us, united in heart and mind for a greater good and a better life, especially for those who are the last, the lost and the least.

Last but not least, Christian churches in the East and West are celebrating Easter on the same day this year — a perfect opportunity to celebrate our common heritage. Have a blessed and hope-filled Easter throughout 2025 and beyond! Christ is indeed risen, Alleluia!

+ Stephen Cardinal Chow, S.J.
2025 Easter

來源:天主教香港教區

香港教區主教周守仁樞機2025年四旬期牧函:蒙召為希望而皈依

圖片:天主教香港教區

蒙召為希望而皈依

按此閱讀英語牧函 English Version

各位親愛的姊妹兄弟:

我們進入了一個本質上不主要是禁食和做補贖的節期。四旬期召叫我們踏上真正皈依的旅程,這代表著它不只是知性上的皈依。我們是被召喚去投入一次發自內心、不斷深化的轉向行動。當我們的心和理智經歷了皈依,我們的靈性也會有所轉化,特別是當我們在祈禱的寧靜中默觀這樣的召叫。

皈依的一個重要指標,是認識到天國不是抽象的概念,而是與我們的生活處境扣連一起。它就在我們現實處境的核心。天國是體現於正義、和平與仁愛之中,這些都是主的福音所提及的特徵。

「正義」可見於葡萄園家主的愛心,他給所有僱工相同的工資, 包括最弱小和不受歡迎的僱工( 參瑪 20:1-16)。「和平」是建立在宗徒間最大的哪一位的謙卑(參路 22: 24-30),並通過共融聖事彰顯出來的合一之上(參格前 10:14 -17)。「仁愛」徹底地體現在耶穌為門徒洗腳(參若 13: 1 -17)和他對井邊被邊緣化的撒瑪黎雅婦人的慈愛之上(參若 4:5-30)。我們如何在自己的處境中識別這三個特徵?又如何在我們各自的處境中實踐這些特徵出來?

我們蒙召叫要把天國帶進不斷轉變的自身處境當中,所以,我們要認真地去辨別:我們應該擁抱甚麼,或是放下甚麼,好能騰出空間,容讓天國在我們中間實現出來?

以「聖神內交談」作為基礎的「共同辨別」是值得推薦的方法,可用來辨別哪些要捨棄,哪些要保留,又或是要設立甚麼,從而使我們的教會在複雜而交織著張力的處境中實踐使命。作為天主子民,既要有教會傳統的智慧,又要有聖神在這些處境中指引給我們的創意。因此,我們要學習如何在自己的處境中透過團體分辨,去開展具同理心的交談,這是非常值得的。

然而我們也留意到,人有著支配別人的慾望,也受著誘惑要不惜代價去繼續鞏固自己的特權地位。不幸地,這種慾望和誘惑正成為我們文化規範的一部分。但我們基督徒的生活可不應如此,儘管世俗文化跟我們說著相反的觀念。我們的心在哪裡,也將引導我們未來走到哪裡,包括塵世寓居後的生活。因此,明智的做法是審視我們的內心,把它重新定位向著我們想走去哪永恆之處。

當然,還有其他力量在爭奪我們的靈魂,例如恐懼、焦慮、嫉妒、怨恨,以及其他虛耗生命的能量。它們限制著我們極其需要、在信德上的跳躍,好讓我們得以成長和享有更大的美善。在福音蕩子的故事中,哥哥就是一個典型例子(參路 15: 25 -30)。他和父親一起生活並不快樂,感到的是恐懼和焦慮。作為順從的兒子,哥哥從不忤逆父親,這是他唯一可以有的選擇。但很不幸,他不會想像自己是一位愛著和信任父親的兒子。不然的話,他可放心地、自由地提出要跟朋友好好地歡宴慶祝。

那麼,在我們的個人意識中,又會用甚麼來參照天父的形象呢? 我們真的能接受並感激一位總是憐憫罪人的上主嗎?而那些得蒙憐憫的人包括我們鄙視、敬而遠之、以及那些不悔改而看似不配天主憐憫的人。作為共議同行的教會,在麈世的旅途上要與別人偕行的子民, 包括那些我們拒絕或忽視的人,我們要細聽聖神在我們內心的聲音。因此,容讓生命和愛的聖神轉化我們的心,我們便可成為真正懷抱著希望的朝聖者。

我們基督徒的希望是建立在天主無條件的大愛之上,天主子為世人的自我犧牲,實現了天主救贖的應許。因此,我們完全有理由去懷抱希望、持守希望、並把這希望分享給渴望看到它的人。我們內裡或在周遭有著虛耗生命的邪惡能量,它們能產生那些限制著我們的感覺和思想,如果我們能超越它們,就可以憑著包容的大愛,與天主與別人建立更深厚的關係。這樣,我們就會變得更自由,也會看到希望即將來臨。

最後要說的是,我們很多人都喜歡看到螢火蟲在夜空共舞的景象。多麼瑰麗的情景!它們一起照亮了四周的黑暗,給觀賞者帶來喜樂和希望。由希望的朝聖者所組成、共議同行的教會,確實可以成為現今世界的壯麗景象。

周守仁樞機
天主教香港教區主教

來源:天主教香港教區

天主教香港教區主教周守仁樞機2024年聖誕賀辭

圖片:香港天主教社會傳播處

聖誕節和新年是希望、愛、和平與夢想的時刻 !
+
天主教會將慶祝 2025 禧年

「期待所希望的幸福,和我們偉大的天主及救主耶穌基督光榮的顯現。」 (弟鐸書 2:13) 

在我們現今的世界,希望似乎比以往更難獲得。隨著全球和地方經濟的復 蘇慢於預期,世界多處地區的戰爭哀號更趨強烈,地緣政治日益緊張,達致功能失調的心理健康問題增多、特別在青少年和長者組別,令人沮喪的關係貧窮,具破壞力的零和競爭,以及自然生態的黯淡前景。 

就是在這些令人沮喪和焦慮的現實當中,我們仍再次等待聖誕帶來的喜樂 和希望。明白聖誕節原意的人都知道,它不是世俗的商業慶節。聖誕是愛 的慶節,永遠愛著我們的天主派遣祂獨生子與我們一起走人世路,直接介 入我們人類的歷史之中。聖誕的救贖目標,是要向我們展示上主那無疆界的慈愛。 

上主的愛為祂與人之間帶來了寬恕與修和。因此,那些經驗過而又接受這 愛的人們,可以帶著明確的希望去面對生活中的挑戰和失望。這不是隨意 的一種希望,而是在今生、以至今生以後,對上主堅懈不屈和永恆的愛的 希望。是的,天主的兒子,我們的厄瑪奴耳的到來,是要給世界這個保證、尤其是當希望看似漸趨渺茫的時候。 

天主教會將慶祝 2025 禧年。事實上,禧年是每 25 年慶祝一次。這次禧年 的主題是「希望的朝聖者」,因為「望德不使人蒙羞」(羅馬書 5:5)。 我們要記得人人都只是過客;沒有人能夠永遠地活在這世上。讓我們感到 安慰的是我們相信自己正在通往另一生命,將會在永恆中與我們慈愛的創 造主、我們所愛的人、以及那些愛我們的人團聚。 

聖誕節讓我們經驗到上主慈愛的應許。因此我們朝聖者可以懷著希望,以不同的步伐甚至不同的模式,與生命和愛的源頭一起邁步,走向永恆。 

因此,透過我們的意識中的這種愛與希望,可以把愛帶到不同的團體裡 去。我們要強化這希望,它不會讓我們愛的人、跟我們合不來的人、以至 為我們是陌生的人感到失望,尤其是那些在不同的社會邊緣掙扎、感到無 用和被遺棄的人。 

我們會想到那些在戰亂地方掙扎求存而承受著似是無盡折磨的人們、那些為尋求具尊嚴的未來的流離失所者和難民、那些期待新生活的在囚人士、那些因看不到穩定前景而不敢生兒育女的夫婦,那些看不到可信的理由讓他們勾劃出希望的未來的青年,那些孤獨和被遺棄的長者,那些在醫院內 感到寂寞的病人。 

禧年有一個別具意義的傳統,就是寬免那些永遠無法償還、或未能完全償還的債務,讓借債人有機會開展新生。我們相信所有人都在分享共同家園 裡的眾多資源,這意味著我們需要學習公正和互相依存地生活,以提高整 體的生活質素,或最低限度要共存下去。這個「我們」必須包括構成共同 家園的其他生命。 

當我們能幫助疲弱的一方健康壯大起來,讓我們一起擁有更美好的現在和充滿希望的未來時,這便符合我們以至後代的最佳利益。公義不是透過報 復、而是藉著同理心,讓有關各方能攜手共建新的現實所達致的。這是否 太過天真、不切實際呢?不,才不是,這為我們共同的未來是必須的。 

我們要懷著希望去面對本地和全球的經濟、關係 —— 特別是那些受苦於 關係貧窮的人、政治穩定與和諧,以至生態環境的健康。為我們在香港這 個家生活的人來說,一定要鼎力支持香港。大家以慈愛相待,特別是對青 年、長者、移民和旅客,香港可望成為充滿希望、愛和生命的充滿活力之都! 

最後,聖誕節和新年是希望、愛、和平與夢想的時刻!沒有希望和夢想, 就沒有更美好的未來。尤其是為我們的年青人來說,我們需要與他們同行,為他們具創意的希望和夢想加添力量。 

祝大家和我們的共同家園有一個歡樂的聖誕和充滿希望的 2025 年。

+ 周守仁樞機

 

Christmas and the New Year are a time
for hope, love, peace, and dreams!

+
The Catholic Church to celebrate
the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025!

“We await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God  and saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) 

Hope seems harder to come by in our world today. With the slower-than expected recovery of global and local economies, there are growing war  cries in different parts of the world, increasingly tense geopolitics, rising of dysfunctional mental health problems, particularly among the younger and  elderly populations, depressing relational poverty, devastating zero-sum competitions, and a darkening outlook of the natural ecology.  

Even within these depressive and anxiety-provoking realities, we await  once again the promise of joy and hope of Christmas. Those who  appreciate the original meaning of Christmas should know that it is not a  secular commercial feast. It is a feast of love through the direct  intervention of the ever-loving God into our human history. This was made  possible by sending God’s only Son to journey with us. Its salvific objective is to show us the compassionate love of God that knows no bounds.  

This love of God brings forgiveness and reconciliation between God and  humanity. For those who have come to experience and accept this love  can, therefore, face challenges and disappointments in life with definite  

hope. Not just any hope, but a hope for the unyielding and eternal love of  God, both in this life and the life after. Yes, the coming of the Son of God,  our Emmanuel, is to give the world this assurance, especially when hope  seems ever dimmer.  

The Catholic Church is to celebrate the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025.  The Ordinary Jubilee, in fact, occurs once every 25 years. The theme of this  Jubilee Year is “Pilgrims of Hope,” for “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans  5:5). We are reminded that everyone is only a sojourner; no one can live forever in this world. It is consoling when we believe that we are on our way  to another life, reuniting with our loving Creator in eternity, our beloved  ones, and those who loved us.  

Christmas allows us to experience this loving promise of God. Because of that, we can have hope, as fellow pilgrims, to journey together towards eternity with the Source of Life and Love, though at different paces and even in different modes. 

Therefore, with this love and hope in our consciousness, we can help  bringing love to our communities. We need to reinforce this hope that does  not disappoint those we love, those with whom we have di[iculties, and  those who are strangers to us, especially those who are struggling in the social margins, feeling unwanted and abandoned.  

We can think of those who are struggling in war zones with seemingly  endless torment, displaced persons and refugees looking for a dignified future, prisoners waiting for a new life, married couples who cannot see a  su[iciently stable future for childbearing, young people who fail to identify convincing reasons to envisage a hopeful future, the elderly who are lonely  and abandoned, and those who are sick and lonely in hospitals.  

The one meaningful tradition of a Jubilee Year is to forgive the debts of  those who will never be able to repay or repay fully, so that they can have a  chance to restart their lives anew. We believe all of us share many  resources of our Common Home, which means we need to learn to live justly and inter-dependently in order to enhance the overall quality of life or  our mutual survival at the least. This “we” must include other life forms  constituting this Common Home.  

It is in our best interest, and that of future generations, when we can help  the weaker parties to become stronger so that together we can have a better present and a hope-filled future. Justice is better not sought through  vengeance but through empathy so that all the parties concerned can co construct a new reality hand-in-hand. Is this not too naïve and unrealistic?  No, it is not, but a must for our collective future. 

We certainly need to have hope in the economy, both locally and globally,  in relationships, especially for those su[ering from relational poverty, in  political stability and harmony, and in the health of the ecology. For those  of us living in Hong Kong, which we call our home, it definitely needs our  utmost support. Together with lovingkindness to each other, especially towards young people, the elderly, migrants, and visitors, Hong Kong will  shine as a vibrant city filled with hope, love, and life! 

Finally, Christmas and the New Year are a time for hope, love, peace, and  dreams! Without hope and dreams, there will be no better future.  Especially for our young people, we need to walk alongside them and  empower their creative hopes and dreams. 

A joyous Christmas and a hope-filled 2025 to you all and our Common  Home!  

+ Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J.

來源:香港天主教社會傳播處

直播彌撒:周守仁樞機主持「聖母進教之佑紀念日-為中國教會祈禱」感恩祭

教宗本篤十六世在2007年向中國教會發表牧函,把5月24日聖母進教之佑紀念日定為「為中國教會祈禱日」,呼籲普世教會在這一天以祈禱,與中國的教會聯合在一起。天主教香港教區主教周守仁樞機將於香港時間2024年5月24日,星期五,晚上7時,(北美東岸 上午7時,北美西岸 凌晨4時)在聖母無原罪主教座堂主持「聖母進教之佑紀念日-為中國教會祈禱」感恩祭。

收看直播:

按此下載中文禮儀經文

按此下載閱覽《頌恩:信友歌集》

請為中國教會祈禱:《向佘山聖母誦》

按此重溫教宗本篤十六世《致中國教會信函》

按此下載教宗本篤十六世《致中國教會信函》PDF 文件

教宗本篤十六世親撰《向佘山聖母誦》

至聖童貞瑪利亞, 降生聖言之母,

又是我們的母親,

您在佘山聖殿被尊稱為「進教之佑」,

整個在中國的教會滿懷熱愛瞻仰您,

今天我們投奔您台前,求您護佑。

請垂顧這天主子民, 並以母親的關懷

帶領他們,走上真理與仁愛的道路,

使他們在任何境況下,

都能成為促進全體人民和諧共處的酵素。

您在納匝肋順從主旨,說了「是」,

讓永生天主子在您貞潔的母胎中取得肉軀,

使救贖工程從此在歷史中展開,

您又懇摯地奉獻自己協助這工程,

讓痛苦的利刃刺透您的心靈,

直到最後的重要時刻,

在加爾瓦略山上,十字架下,

當您聖子犧牲自己,使世人獲得生命時,

您佇立在祂身旁。

從那時開始,

為一切在信仰中追隨您聖子耶穌,

並跟著祂背起十字架的人,

您以一種嶄新的形式, 成了他們的母親。

希望之母, 您在聖週六的黑暗中,

仍懷著堅定不移的信心,

迎接復活節的黎明,

請將這分辨的能力賞給您的子女,

使他們在任何處境中,

即使是最黑暗的時刻,

仍能見到天主親臨的標記。

佘山聖母, 請援助那些在日常勞苦中,

仍繼續相信、希望、

和實踐愛德的中國教友,

使他們永不懼怕向世界宣講耶穌,

並在耶穌跟前為世界祈禱。

您以塑像的形態, 矗立於佘山聖殿頂,

高舉張開雙臂的聖子,

向世界展示祂對世人的深愛。

請幫助天主教友常作這大愛的可信見證人,

並使他們與教會的磐石伯多祿結合在一起。

中國之母, 亞洲之母,

現在直到永遠, 請常為我們祈求。

亞孟。

Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan
by Pope Benedict XVI

Virgin Most Holy, Mother of the Incarnate Word and our Mother,

venerated in the Shrine of Sheshan under the title “Help of Christians”,

the entire Church in China looks to you with devout affection.

We come before you today to implore your protection.

Look upon the People of God and, with a mother’s care, guide them

along the paths of truth and love, so that they may always be

a leaven of harmonious coexistence among all citizens.

When you obediently said “yes” in the house of Nazareth,

you allowed God’s eternal Son to take flesh in your virginal womb

and thus to begin in history the work of our redemption.

You willingly and generously cooperated in that work,

allowing the sword of pain to pierce your soul,

until the supreme hour of the Cross, when you kept watch on Calvary,

standing beside your Son, who died that we might live.

From that moment, you became, in a new way,

the Mother of all those who receive your Son Jesus in faith

and choose to follow in his footsteps by taking up his Cross.

Mother of hope, in the darkness of Holy Saturday you journeyed

with unfailing trust towards the dawn of Easter.

Grant that your children may discern at all times,

even those that are darkest, the signs of God’s loving presence.

Our Lady of Sheshan, sustain all those in China,

who, amid their daily trials, continue to believe, to hope, to love.

May they never be afraid to speak of Jesus to the world,

and of the world to Jesus.

In the statue overlooking the Shrine you lift your Son on high,

offering him to the world with open arms in a gesture of love.

Help Catholics always to be credible witnesses to this love,

ever clinging to the rock of Peter on which the Church is built.

Mother of China and all Asia, pray for us, now and for ever.

Amen!

相關資訊:

天主教香港教區就就教廷教義部發表有關祝福的牧靈意義的文件發出聲明

【鹽與光傳媒資訊】2023年12月23日,天主教香港教區教廷教義部發表有關祝福的牧靈意義《懇求的信賴》(Fiducia supplicans)的文件發出以下聲明。

《懇求的信心》聲明的牧民祝福

本月18日(星期一) 羅馬教廷信理部獲得教宗方濟各的許可,發佈了一份引發各方關注的聲明,名為《懇求的信心》。聲明的核心是呼籲神職人員在牧靈工作上,以天父的慈悲,祝福主動請求的同性伴侶和其他不符合基督信仰的關係。因此,有些媒體的報道誤以為教會亦承認同性婚姻。

其實,聲明並沒有改變婚姻是男女結合的傳統教會立場,並且進一步強調,這種出於牧民愛德的祝福 ,不能與婚姻禮儀的祝福混為一談,更在舉行的形式上不容造成任何誤導。教會向那些呼求天主的憐憫,渴望將自己的生命託付在祂的手中,好能獲得力量,活出圓滿生命的人施以祝福,其實是自古以來天主實現其救恩計劃的方法。

簡而言之,這份聲明的內容不但植根於聖經傳統和教會訓導,更凸顯教宗方濟各敏銳的牧民觸覺。自就任教宗以來,他一直帶領教會與社會上邊緣的、無助的、被排斥的人同行,並向他們施以憐憫,彰顯天主的救恩。

香港教區期望社會上更多人能透過這份聲明的精神感受到天主的慈悲和祝福。

香港天主教社會傳播處

Pastoral blessings of the declaration “Fiducia Supplicans”

On the 18th of this month (Monday), the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of the Holy See, with the approval of Pope Francis, published a declaration entitled Fiducia Supplicans, which drew wide attention. At the heart of the declaration is a call for clergy to impart pastoral blessings to those who are in same-sex or irregular relationships, but are asking for the mercy of the Father. Some media reports mistakenly comment that the Church now also give recognition to same-sex marriages.

In fact, the declaration does not change the traditional teaching of the Church that marriage is a life-long union between man and woman. Furthermore, the declaration emphasizes that such pastoral blessings, based on pastoral charity, should not be confused with the liturgical blessing of marriage, and such pastoral blessings must not be so imparted as to cause misunderstanding. The pastoral blessings to those who yearn for God’s mercy and long to entrust their lives into His hands are meant to help them to live fully accordingly to His will and to lead them to salvation.  This has always been the way that God leads mankind to salvation.

In short, the content of the declaration is not only rooted in biblical tradition and church teaching, but also highlights Pope Francis’ keen pastoral instincts. Since taking office as the Pope, he has been leading the Church to walk with and care for the socially marginalized, the helpless, and those rejected by society, showing God’s mercy to them and leading them to salvation.

The Diocese of Hong Kong hopes that more people in society will experience God’s mercy and blessings through the inspiring message of this declaration.

Hong Kong Catholic Social Communications Office

來源:天主教香港教區

相關資訊

教廷教義部發表聲明論述有關祝福的牧靈意義

天主教香港教區主教周守仁樞機2023年聖誕文告

圖片:天主教香港教區

當香港和世界眾多地方正熱切準備慶祝聖誕節的時候,究竟目前的甚麼主要形勢可能怎麼樣影響我們慶祝這個節日?

每日都有戰爭和恐怖主義的新聞報道,當中也有地緣政治的緊張局勢,特別是和中國有關的,這都會對香港有著影響,以致疫情後的經濟仍然疲弱,不同行業和專業都出現了明顯的人才短缺情況。最令人心碎的是,青少年自毀行為的個案有所上升——這一切相加起來,便給人帶來無動力、甚至灰鬰的情緒,沒信心美好前景快將來臨。那為甚麼我們要慶祝?

「在黑暗中行走的百姓看見了一道皓光,光輝已射在那寄居在漆黑之地的人們身上。」(依撒意亞先知書九1)

聖誕節是慶祝天主對世人永恆大愛和忠信相伴的承諾,這承諾實現在這位新生嬰孩、即是厄瑪奴耳(意思是天主與我們一起),和耶穌(意思是救世主)身上。這承諾不只為2000 多年前的人而作出,而是每年當我們慶祝聖誕節時,這承諾都會再次被肯定。

不論我們是否基督徒,這承諾在我們身處黑暗時為我們帶來光明,在我們悲傷時給我們帶來喜樂。真正的愛不為歷史、宗教、文化、政治或經濟劃下界限。任何人只要是希望慶祝生命,相信神聖會介入脆弱的現實環境,那麼聖誕節就是深切喜樂的因由。

過去一個多世紀以來,香港都有慶祝聖誕節,而天主子為我們先祖降生的事實,至今亦然。自開始以來,厄瑪奴耳永恒忠信的陪伴和耶穌大愛的奇蹟就從未間斷,為非基督徒也如此。然而,這些奇蹟的效果為真實的信徒來說,應該更加明顯。

那麼,我們是否都準備好去慶祝那聖誕的奇蹟?它能夠從虛耗生命的現實中驅除黑暗和疑慮。更者,我們是否願意成為這奇蹟的中介,即是,成為那些需要陪伴的人的忠信夥伴,為期待被愛肯定的人付出無條件的愛?

「(她)便生了她的頭胎男兒,用襁褓裹起,放在馬槽裡,因為在客棧中為他們沒有地方。」(路加福音二7)

當耶穌聖嬰將要降生的時候,人們還沒準備好去迎接他。他們忙於招呼其他客人,那些他們認為更值得用時間和空間去接待的人。因此,他的誕生在馬槽裡,為新生嬰孩來說已是最不恰當的地方,更不用說為天主子了。人們的內心沒有為他預留時間和空間。

當我們的心對愛的源頭封閉起來時,便無法經驗這愛,即使它是為我們而來。當我們不關心別人時、特別是那些在社會或經濟邊緣掙扎的人,其實就是我們在判處大家要承受更長時間的苦。如果我們能為在掙扎中的人、特別是青少年和長者,騰出時間和空間,光明和喜樂也會隨之而來。

我們的社會需要提升具同理心的體諒、寬容和寬恕的文化。沒有人可以斷言自己將來不會渴望得到別人的體諒和寬恕。當建立了具同理心和慈悲的文化時,我們就能夠開始相互陪伴,攜手前行 —— 特別是與我們的青少年一起行。

我們也要讓教育工作者有時間、空間和精力去陪伴青少年。陪伴同行需要時間、內在空間、並且要不帶批判地聆聽對方的困境。但若果教育工作者被種種工作職務纏擾,即使他們想學習如何最好地陪伴學生,也只變得有心無力。請大家明白,陪伴為青少年、以至我們自己,是很有價值的聖誕禮物。因為聖誕的核心禮物,就是天主對全人類和受造界以堅定不移的愛情委身相伴。

當然,我們要感謝宗教團體和社會機構、包括政府,以至不少個別人士,他們一直在幕後努力著,幫助近年違法的青年,讓他們重新融入社會,並透過各種方式讓他們的人生繼續向前走。但仍有很多人在等待這種具希望的待遇。此外,還有一些人士特別著力去陪伴那些易受傷害的長者,長者是自殺率最高的年齡組別。

在香港的朋友們,請相信:我們值得得到比目前所有的更好。但我們必須起行,不要自憐,要離開局限著我們的安舒區,跟隨聖誕的光芒,去獲取聖誕節核心的禮物。讓我們把聖誕的光輝反射開去,把光帶給那些在黑暗中掙扎的人們。

祝大家聖誕蒙福,2024年更具智慧地面對一切快樂與挑戰!

+ 周守仁樞機

天主教香港教區主教

As Hong Kong and most parts of the world are psyched up for the celebration of the Christmas festivities, what are the dominant outlooks that may colour our capacity to celebrate?

There is news of wars and terrorism continuing in daily news, geopolitical tensions concerning China in particular, which have bearings on Hong Kong, a slack post-pandemic economy, noticeable labour shortages in various industries and professions, and, most heartbreaking, the rising numbers of young people engaging in self-destructive behaviours—all these, when added up, can contribute to a flat and even darkened spirit, lacking confidence of a brighter future anytime sooner. Then why should we celebrate?

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone” (Isaiah 9:1).

Christmas is the celebration of God’s promise of eternal love and faithful companionship for all being fulfilled in this newborn baby, Emmanuel, i.e., God-is-with-us, and Jesus, i.e., the Lord is salvation. This promise was not only for those people more than 2000 years ago, but each time we celebrate Christmas, the promise is re-affirmed.

This promise should give us light in our darkness and joy in our sorrows, regardless of whether we are Christians or not. Real love knows no boundaries of histories, religions, cultures, politics, or economies. Christmas is the cause of deep joy for anyone who wants to celebrate life and have hope in the divine intervention in a frail reality.

Hong Kong is certainly a place where Christmas has been celebrated for over a century, while the reality of the Son of God being born for our ancestors up to this point in time is always the case. The miracles of the ever-faithful companionship of Emmanuel and the love of Jesus have never ceased since, even for all those who are non-Christians. However, the effects of these miracles should be more pronounced for true believers.

So, are we ready to celebrate the miracles of Christmas that dispels darkness and doubts in the life-draining reality? Furthermore, are we willing to become agents of those miracles, i.e., to be faithful companions to those who need accompaniment and unconditional love for those who would appreciate loving affirmation?

“ And she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).

People at the time of this baby Jesus’ imminent coming were not ready to host him. They were occupied with other guests whom they deemed more worthy of their time and space. That was why he was born in a manger, a most unseemly space for any human newborn, not to mention the Son of God. People’s hearts had no time or space for him.

When our hearts are closed to the source of Love, we cannot experience it either, even though it is offered to us. And when our hearts are uncaring for others, especially those who are struggling on the social or economic margins, we are condemning each other to prolonged suffering. But if we can make the time and space for them, especially our young people and the elderly, light and joy can come in as well.

Our society needs to strengthen a culture of empathic understanding, tolerance, and forgiveness. No one can be certain that she or he will not become the yearning recipient of empathy and forgiveness in the future. For when there is an established culture of empathy and compassion, we can start accompanying and moving forward with each other— especially with our young people.

We must also allow our educators to have time, space and energy to accompany them. Walking with each other requires time, inner space, and non-judgmental listening of each other’s plights. But if our educators are already overwhelmed by the different job-related requirements, they cannot be in a position to learn how best to accompany their students, even if they want to do so. But this will be a worthy Christmas gift for our young people and ourselves as the essential gifts of Christmas are God’s committed companionship and unfailing love for all humanity and Creation.

Indeed, we can be thankful to individuals and groups of religious or social institutions, including the government, which have been working behind the scenes helping young people, who have violated the laws in recent years, reintegrate into our society and move ahead with their lives through various means. But more are still waiting to receive such hope-filled treatments. There are also those who make special efforts in accompanying vulnerable elderlies, an age group that holds the highest suicidal rate.

My friends in Hong Kong, do have confidence in our worthiness for something much better than what we are experiencing. But we must get up, leave our limiting comfort zones, stop feeling sorry for ourselves, and follow the light of Christmas to attain the essential gifts of Christmas. Let us be the ones who reflect the light of Christmas to those struggling in their darkness.

I pray that we will enjoy a blessed Christmas. May we be endowed with wisdom to face all sorts of joys and challenges in 2024!

+ Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. Bishop of Hong Kong

 

北京主教香港行:一次兄弟情誼的經驗

圖片:Vatican Media

北京總教區李山主教在香港教區的訪問具有兄弟情誼和建設性。應香港教區主教周守仁樞機的邀請,11月13至15日,李山主教率領教區代表團回訪香港教區。此前,周樞機於今年4月訪問了北京教區。

據香港教區媒體的報導,李山主教衷心感謝香港的主教和弟兄姐妹促成這次交流。他說,確實感受到香港教會的發展,「讓我們收獲甚豐」。李山主教矢志汲收經驗,努力建設北京的天主教會,愈辦愈好。他也鼓勵眾人,無論遇上任何困難,仍要懷著信德,保持感恩的心,時常讚美天主。

周樞機在講話中則深切期盼,兩岸四地的天主教徒有朝一日「能夠一起相聚祈禱」。談到不久前參與的世界主教會議,樞機強調同道偕行的主角是聖神,以及香港教會在與弟兄姐妹同行中的「橋樑教會」的角色。他指出,共議乃分辨眾人的匯合點,同時正面看待分歧及其帶來的張力。

北京教區訪問團的活動始於11月13日星期一,在香港教區主教公署的小堂共同誦念晚禱。隨後,在周樞機的辦公室,雙方互贈禮物。北京主教送給周樞機一幅耶穌會傳教士利瑪竇神父的彩色玻璃畫,周樞機則送給李山主教一幅繪製在白色木板上的聖伯多祿和聖保祿像。

第二天,11月14日星期二,北京教區代表團參觀了聖母無原罪主教座堂和中華殉道聖人小堂,追念傳教士將福音傳至中華土地的恩情。當天下午,李山主教前往聖神修院、聖神修院神哲學院及聖神研究中心。

11月15日星期三,聖母無原罪主教座堂舉行彌撒。據《信仰通訊社》的消息,李山主教表示,能夠與周樞機和湯漢樞機共祭實屬難得。北京教區代表團離開香港前出席了一項神學研討會,主題為「共議同行與中國教會:共融、參與及使命」。

來源:梵蒂岡新聞網

北京總教區李山主教訪問香港教區

圖片:Vatican Media

應香港教區周守仁樞機的邀請,北京總教區李山主教率領教區代表團於11月13日抵達香港,開始對香港進行訪問。此行的目的是「促進雙方接觸與交流,以增進了解」。

北京教區訪問團當天的主要活動,是在香港教區主教公署的小堂與周樞機、夏志誠輔理主教及其他公署成員共同誦念晚禱。隨後,在周樞機的辦公室,雙方互贈禮物。李山總主教送給周樞機一幅耶穌會傳教士利瑪竇神父的彩色玻璃像,周樞機則送給李主教一幅繪製在白色木板上的聖伯多祿和聖保祿像。

第二天,11月14日星期二,北京教區代表團在教區主教公署小堂舉行彌撒後,還參觀了聖母無原罪主教座堂和教區中心。

周守仁樞機曾於今年4月17日至21日對北京教區進行了訪問。在那次機會上,他邀請李山總主教訪問香港教區。

來源:梵蒂岡新聞網

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第三屆全球華人終身執事交流大會

圖片:香港教區終身執事委員會

【鹽與光傳媒資訊】2013年11月,時任的天主教香港教區陳志明副主教在香港籌辦了第一屆的全球華人終身執事交流大會。5年後,2018年5月13至17日在多倫多總教區舉行第二屆全球華人終身執事交流大會,大會討論了終身執事的過去、現在及將來。2023年11月13日至17日,第三屆全球終身執事交流大會在香港「明愛賽馬會香港仔服務中心」內的社區會堂舉行,而該中心的「明愛張奧偉國際賓館」則為內地、海外的參加者及嘉賓提供住宿服務。本屆主題為「新福傳與終身執事」,目的是希望大家在新福傳的環境之下去保持傳揚福音的心火。

按此閱覽大會官方網頁

96位參加者中有來自世界不同地方的華人終身執事,包括香港、澳洲、美國、加拿大、新加坡、蘇格蘭,而嘉賓有鍾安住總主教(台北總教區)、許德訓神父(台北總教區)、金載原神父(新竹教區)、盧成珉神父(新竹教區)、陸友望神父(台北總教區秘書長)、杜貴仁神父(新竹教區)、胡坡神父(北京教區)、閻獻恩神父(北京教區)、賴貴美女士(台北總教區)、林雅玲女士(台北總教區)、姚麗英女士(新竹教區)、劉炎新神父(澳門教區)。

大會的活動包括邀請不同的講者作專題講座、小組分享、朝聖、愛德服務及外出探訪、擬定未來五年計劃等等。此外,香港教區主教周守仁樞機於大會首天主持開幕彌撒,夏志誠輔理主教則於最後一天為大會主持結束彌撒。

周樞機在開幕彌撒中向全球華人終身執事分享第十六屆世界主教代表會議「共議同行」的經驗和反省,他勉勵終身執事和他們的太太,共同回應天主的召叫和積極回應時代徵兆的挑戰。香港教區榮休主教湯漢樞機也前去會場,給予大家鼓勵和支持。

圖片:香港教區終身執事委員會

圖片:香港教區終身執事委員會

以下是香港教區終身執事委員會主席陳志明神父的分享:

懇請大家為終身執事祈禱:

全能永生的天主, 祢揀選終身執事,
在宣道、聖祭和愛德的事務上,
協助主教及從屬於主教的司鐸團,
為人群服務,作大眾的公僕。

求祢遣發聖神降臨於他們,
使他們忠實地履行使命,
尤其是信仰所宣講的,
教導所信仰的,以及實行所教導的。

上主願他們具備福音中的各種美德:
仁愛無私、關顧貧病、威信有節、
純樸良善、信守內心紀律。

願他們對教會忠貞不移,
以純潔的良心作美好的見證,
今生全心追隨你的聖子,
來日在天上與祂共享王權。

因主耶穌基督之名,
求祢俯聽我們的祈禱。
亞孟。

來源:香港教區終身執事委員會

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