An Interview with Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., of Hong Kong
- USCCA Digital Communications Coordinator
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
by Tom McGuire, M.Div., M.R.E., USCCA Director Emeritus
In early September, Fr. James Martin, S.J., interviewed Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., on his popular Spiritual Life Podcast.
The interview was like two brothers sharing experiences. Fr. Jim asked questions, and Cardinal Stephen responded from his personal experiences, from his Chinese heritage and his Jesuit spirituality.
One theme in the interview that especially caught my attention was how Cardinal Stephen Chow described vocation as a relationship. He illustrated that his own vocation developed through deep friendships. Many of his responses were examples of the importance of relationships. His final comment about visiting and telling stories in an elementary school illustrated his deeply personal relationship with the least among us. Cardinal Stephen's pastoral way made me think of St. John Chrysostom, who said that if only a few of us truly made it our goal to make friends, there would be no limit to what we could accomplish. How? By loving others, whether they love us or not.
The responses to the podcast were overwhelmingly positive. A friend of mine, Marilyn Kott, a returned Maryknoll Lay Missioner, gave a good summary of the responses. She wrote, “I found Cardinal Chow’s interview very moving – he was generous in sharing his experiences as a person with Catholic and Chinese roots. I particularly enjoyed his discussion and advice regarding discernment and Jesuit spirituality.”
I invite you to spend a little time viewing the YouTube Interview:
The USCCA was honored to have Cardinal Stephen Chow participate in our 29th International Conference, which was held in 2024. To learn about our upcoming 30th International Conference, scheduled July 31–August 2, 2026, I invite you to read our recently released Call for Submissions.
Tom McGuire, M.Div, M.R.E. is a Director Emeritus of the USCCA. Tom has served as a Maryknoll Missionary in Hong Kong and as Director of Campus Ministry at University of Detroit Mercy. He is now retired, living in Chicago with his family.
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