In Hong Kong, over 5,000 people packed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on April 4 to mourn the pope through the Requiem Mass. Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun complemented the pope for his dedication in fighting for peace and justice.
An hour before the ceremony begin, the church was filled to its maximum capacity. Up until the beginning of the mass, approximately 5,000 people crowded the inside and outside of the church. A large projection screen was setup at the parking lot to provide the believers standing outside live broadcast of the service, so that they can also participate. Anglican Archbishop Peter Kwong Kwong-kit, Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tseng, and various other staff workers from Polish Embassy in Hong Kong were also attended the mass.
Once the ceremony began, Bishop Joseph Zen led the believers in reading scriptures and singing praises. Subsequently, he read aloud the life of pope, and approximately two hundred priests and religious staff performed the entrance ceremony. Anglican Bishop
Bishop Joseph Zen gave a speech in both Cantonese and English urging the congregants not to be overcome by sadness but rather to follow the late pontiff’s example of living in happiness and peace.
He continued to describe the pope’s persistence in his unshaken faith in standing against many challenges that he had faced to make the world a more peaceful and happy place.
“He was a fighter, a runner in a race, he kept the faith, defended the truth, had no fear of going against the tide, or offending the powerful,” said Bishop Zen.
“Even those who disagreed with him would still admire his courage and strength…Tonight we are here to praise the Lord for this gift of a fighter, a good shepherd and a mediator between Him and us.”
Nearing towards the end of the mass, the entire body of clergy and believers bowed one by one before the picture of John Paul II. The mass lasted for two hours and ended in the midst of believer’s praises.
