of card Stephen Chow Sau-yan *
In a reflection published in the diocesan weekly Sunday Examiner, in view of the “sensitive date” (and unmentionable in Hong Kong), the bishop recalls the “life-destroying event 35 years ago” in Beijing on June 4, 1989. Without forgetting, he invited us to look at him with the eyes of “unconditional love” of God, who offers his forgiveness “even to those who do not have the courage to ask for it.”
Hong Kong ()- We are on the eve of June 4, the day that will mark 35 years since the Tiananmen Square massacre. An especially sensitive date for Hong Kong, where the repression of the authorities makes any public commemoration impossible, to the point that it even prevents naming it. Just a few days ago there were new arrests for an initiative on Facebook that aimed to commemorate the vigils that until 2019 were held in the city every year on this date. Meanwhile, the pro-Beijing front is setting up stalls for a fair in Victoria Park – the site where these rallies were held – which will remain open until June 5. Exhibition and consumption stalls to mask the emptiness of the “forbidden commemoration.”
In this climate the bishop of Hong Kong, card. Stephen Chow Sau-yan, today published a reflection on the thirty-fifth anniversary on the website of the diocesan weekly Sunday Examiner. We publish it below in our translation. In an interview he gave to Mondo e Missione Shortly after his appointment in 2022, the prelate said: “I joined Amnesty International before 1989, although I am no longer part of it. What happened in 1989 (the Tiananmen Square movement and its violent repression, ed. .) had made a big impression on me. They put me in touch with my Chinese identity. That event connected my personal history with that of the Chinese people.”
We are very close to that time of year again. I would like to say something that conveys the sadness and hope that coexist in the episode that destroyed life 35 years ago in the capital. As much as some want what happened to be archived, for many it remains a source of suffering. The human psyche is complex and has its own will, it does not always respond promptly to external requirements. Perhaps that is precisely what makes us human beings, not always predictable, but deeply interesting and with unknown potential.
What happened 35 years ago has left a deep wound in some parts of our psyche, although it has been buried and healed. However, it remains a sore spot that requires proper attention to heal. And I am praying for this healing to occur. That said, I understand that we should not stop, but move forward. A healthy life should not be trapped in a dark space of endless pain and resentment.
That doesn’t mean, however, that I can forget what I saw and felt so deeply that night and in the weeks that followed. Although my memories are no longer vivid, my heart has feelings that remain alive, especially this time of year.
My faith, however, leads me to forgive all people and anything. Perhaps it is through forgiveness that different parties can overcome accusations and the painful “I will never forgive” mentality. If we are open to forgiveness, reconciliation and healing are more likely to become a reality.
Ours is a God of unconditional love. His forgiveness is always available to those who need it even if they do not yet have the courage to ask for it. God’s unconditional love for us is overwhelmingly expressed through the Passion and death of his only Son, even when we live in a state of unconfessed sin.
Fortunately, through this act of self-sacrificial love we become aware of our need for God’s forgiveness. And with the resurrection of the Son, we can enjoy a new beginning. Precisely because God’s forgiveness does not require our repentance, we can also learn to forgive proactively. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, but it offers a preliminary condition for our inner freedom and a brighter future for all.
Before I conclude my reflection on this fateful time of year, allow me to share a prayer with you. If you too are feeling inspired, I would be honored if you would join me in this prayer.
“Oh, Lord of history,
In prayer I have walked with the victims and their families for the last 35 years;
I have not stopped accompanying them with moments of reflection and a sadness that always returns, and sometimes seems infinite.
But at the same time I maintain my hope in the risen Lord, who went through this same death.
Now I come before you in prayer.
With faith and hope, Lord, I entrust you with the democratic development of the country.
You who are always fair and wise.
Let me bear your yoke and learn from you.
May I glimpse, through your kindness and humility, the eternal desire of life.
Growing in love, helping each other to face our contradictions, we enjoy the beauty of Trinitarian communion.
Oh Lord, guide us! Walk with us, people of China!
Amen”.
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