Hong Kong’s top Catholic priest has said the city’s deadliest fire in decades underscored the fragility of life, but celebrating Christmas amid the grief would share the “sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and heat of our humanity”.
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 at least 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 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.”
