(ZENIT News / Hong Kon, 10.19.2023).- Hong Kong authorities are on the verge of granting official approval for the diocese’s project to establish a new Catholic university. This initiative has been announced several times by Bishop Stephen Chow, who recently became a cardinal, appointed by Pope Francis during the consistory on September 30.
According to the Headline Daily newspaper, the Caritas Institute of Higher Education, an educational institution of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong, primarily known for nursing education, has received the green light from the Council for Academic and Professional Qualifications Accreditation. This body has certified that it meets all the necessary requirements to elevate an institution of higher education to university status. Now, only the final step remains, which is of a political nature and requires formal approval from the government, led by Chief Executive John Lee.
If this permission is granted, a new private university will emerge in Hong Kong, becoming the third in the city alongside the existing Shue Yan and Hang Seng universities. What sets this institution apart is that it would be the first Catholic university in the region and not limited to the field of healthcare professions, as the Caritas Institute of Higher Education is. As per prior announcements from the diocese, this new institution will be named the University of San Francisco.
The birth of this Catholic University in Hong Kong is a project that Cardinal Stephen Chow had previously been involved in when he was the local leader of the Jesuits before becoming a bishop. Initially, the idea was to build a new university from the ground up in Fanling, an area near the border with mainland China. However, it was officially rejected by authorities due to urban planning considerations. Therefore, upon becoming the Bishop of Hong Kong, he revived the project and requested the transformation of the Caritas Institute of Higher Education into a university.
Meanwhile, during the ceremony in which Cardinal Chow received his cardinal’s biretta in Rome, the diocesan weekly of Hong Kong published an article in which the cardinal spoke about Pope Francis’s journey to Mongolia and the words he addressed to China at the conclusion of the Mass in Ulaanbaatar.
The cardinal expressed his wish that the Pope’s handshake had included Bishop Stephen Lee of Macau and mentioned another Chinese bishop present at the ceremony. Despite this, the cardinal highlighted that Pope Francis’s gesture reflects his deep love for China and its people. He also emphasized that there is no contradiction between being a good Christian and a good citizen, and that both identities should coexist harmoniously.
Regarding the work of evangelization, Cardinal Chow emphasized that it does not involve proselytism but, rather, bearing witness to God’s love, which provides care and support when we falter. For the Church to grow, it is essential to attract others through our testimony of life, so they understand who we are and are willing to collaborate for the common good.
Despite the efforts of Pope Francis and his predecessors to reassure the Chinese government about the Church’s mission of love, the cardinal emphasized the importance of not forgetting the historical wounds caused during the years when China was exploited and attacked by foreign powers, in which some missionaries may also have played a role. He also mentioned the difficulties imposed by government bureaucracy, present in all countries.
In this context, Cardinal Chow concluded by encouraging prayer, patience, sincerity, and consistency while maintaining hope in God’s boundless love.
