World's first Chinese leader of an abbey leaves the issue of his order's return

THE Our Lady of Joy Catholic monastery tucked in a valley on Lantau, half an hour's walk south of Discovery Bay and home to scores of elderly monks, has always been a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Curious tourists and those looking for a sense of direction in life are frequent visitors, gaining inspiration from chats with the monks.

Last weekend, though, saw probably the largest crowd there ever. Hundreds of believers sat in chairs on the lush lawn outside the dormitory, while 100 others gathered on the rooftop.

Pilgrims from Hong Kong and overseas were gathered to witness a historic occasion - the blessing of the world's first Chinese abbot at the venerable monastery, which is one of 95 monasteries run by the Cistercians of the Strict Observance, or the Trappists, around the globe. In 1098, St Robert, Abbot of Molesme, founded the first Cistercian monastery at Citeau in eastern France.

The order now has more than 3,700 monks and 2,100 nuns worldwide.

History was made last weekend when 62-year-old local, Dom Clement Kong Hak-moon, received the abbatial ring, mitre and staff from John Baptist Cardinal Wu in a solemn ceremony watched attentively by almost 1,000 gathered in the normally tranquil glade. Dom Clement's ascension to the post was also greeted by a congratulatory message from Pope John Paul.