"Love" is the greatest commandment of Jesus Christ, given to every Christian. In Hong Kong, the Catholic Church has dedicated 180 years of its existence to serving all walks of life and meeting the needs of numerous communities by upholding the "Love" of Christ. In order to build an ideal common home for all, there must be unity within the Church and promotion of communion and unity beyond the Church to work with all Hong Kong citizens in relieving crisis and promoting the spirit of mutual help and mutual trust.
The diocese has established roots in every part of Hong Kong through its fifty-two parishes, serving our people directly, thus making a tangible sign of God's presence in the community. Pope Francis places great emphasis on the development of the parish: "The parish is the presence of the Church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God's word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration." The parish is precisely the "Home among Homes", striving to bring peace and hope to every generation, providing a house to live, unleashing the power of love. As Hong Kong urgently needs new towns to ease our housing problem, the Church is building parish centres to provide comprehensive physical and spiritual services in response to such development.
Our youth are the future of our society, and therefore, the Church emphasises on the education and development of the youth. In its 249 Catholic schools, the diocese promotes truth, justice, love, life and family as the five core values. It helps with the wholesome development in spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical, social and aesthetic education for our youth in their respective positions in society. It guides them in building mutual trust with others, taking up responsibilities, seizing their opportunities, and actively participating in the sustainable development of Hong Kong. A particular focus of the diocese is on the faith and spiritual development of the younger generation, so they can be attuned to benevolence in maturing under a compassionate and just atmosphere into future pillars of society.
The Church cannot ignore the poor, marginalised and forgotten; therefore, social services have always been a priority. We provide services to individuals, families, and communities. Approximately 90% of our beneficiaries are non-believers from various backgrounds, including age groups, religions, and educational levels. We provide counselling and elderly care, rehabilitation and community development, and hospitality amenities. Throughout the pandemic, the Church has reached out to many vulnerable groups and individuals through its different support groups.
To sum it up, the ministry of the parish remains inseparable from the social well-being of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is expected to face significant challenges relating to its livelihood, housing, care for the elderly, education, and social rehabilitation in the next ten years. We need your help to raise more than $1 billion in development funds to continue improving services to Hong Kong and providing positive contributions to the city.
We are raising funds primarily for the construction of two new churches and associated facilities to meet the needs of the rapidly growing populations in Fanling and Tung Chung, and for some major maintenance in various churches. Catholic cemeteries also need appropriate funding for their expansions in order to meet the ever-increasing demand for burial places in the future. As the construction works have already begun, this fundraising initiative will assist with the construction.
Lord Jesus reminds us: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35) I sincerely appeal to the generosity of all. Sisters and brothers in Christ and other friends of the Church. May we all contribute to the future of Hong Kong.
We wish all of you kind-hearted benefactors the love, peace, and blessings of our Lord.
His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. Bishop of Hong Kong March 2022
"Love" is the greatest commandment of Jesus Christ, given to every Christian. In Hong Kong, the Catholic Church has dedicated 180 years of its existence to serving all walks of life and meeting the needs of numerous communities by upholding the "Love" of Christ. In order to build an ideal common home for all, there must be unity within the Church and promotion of communion and unity beyond the Church to work with all Hong Kong citizens in relieving crisis and promoting the spirit of mutual help and mutual trust.