Family Letters

Chinese New Year Blessings

At the beginning of the New Year, I wish all brothers and sisters in Christ a healthy body and mind in vigorous spirit! We inevitably miss those dear to us during the festive season and I would like to express my gratitude to the late Bishop Michael Yeung for setting up the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development to support the construction of new churches and additional columbarium niches; as well as the maintenance of various parishes and funding for future development. With the vision of Bishop Yeung and through the commitment of the Commission, all faithful are invited to participate directly in supporting the ministry of church development according to our Christian duties. I would like to thank our Catholic community and members of the Commission for their dedication and contributions in the past three years. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I look forward to the continued efforts of our new chairman, Rev. Dominic Chan, and his team, in fulfilling Bishop Yeung's aspirations for this ongoing sacred task. At the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis spoke of the importance of "creativity", and "creativity" refers to "discovering new ways", that is, "finding the best way to evangelise", especially in the face of the pandemic. While taking care of our brothers and sisters under the havoc of COVID, we aim at being creative in raising the necessary diocesan resources and in spreading the gospel in an ingenious way.

Rev Benedict Lam
Ex-Chairman (2019-2021)
Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development

Of course! The act of giving has a long history in the Church, dating back to St. Paul's campaign to collect donation for the poor faithful in Jerusalem.

Why is giving a practice of spirituality? Renown contemporary spiritual author, Fr. Henri Nouwen, wrote in A Spirituality of Fundraising, "Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission." Take the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development as an example, through fundraising activities, we aim to let the faithful know the view of the Diocese towards future development in response to migration of the population to the north. We believe resources must be invested in northern New Territories and Lantau new urban districts to meet the need for future evangelisation and pastoral works. As such, we urge all brothers and sisters to participate in the development of the Diocese by making donation and undertaking this mission together.

From the donor's point of view, his resources, whether wealth, skills or time, are originally his own; however, when he is willing to part with his own resources, he actually goes beyond himself in considering the needs of others and focuses on their needs. This is in response to God's command for us to love one another, deepening the relationship between God and man. This, of course, is a practice of spirituality.

In addition, donations must be made amidst prayers and thanksgiving. In prayers, we affirm our profonde identity as beloved children of God. Therefore, bearing a sentiment of thanksgiving, we share all that we possess with others as in God's love. So it is no wonder that ,when encouraging the faithful to donate, St. Paul wrote, "for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God." (II Cor 9:12)

Let us also practice spirituality with donation, drawing closer to God and bringing others closer to Him as well!

Joseph Ha
Auxiliary Bishop of Hong Kong

In order to meet future development needs, the Diocese has established the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development. Specifically, we aim at raising HK$1 billion for the construction of two churches in Fanling and Tung Chung together with other diocesan facilities, as well as addressing the pastoral challenges brought about by the continuous development of society. However, the vision and strategy of this fundraising plan is also a call to pastoral renewal of the Diocese. We wish to take this opportunity to evoke once again the most precious and sacred gift in each and every one of us – the grace of God that is with us constantly. At the same time, we desire to breathe new life into how to share this good news. Through this fundraising campaign, our goal is not only to provide a larger and better equipped church building, but a renewed church, a home among homes of different communities, a society filled with insignias of love as well as inspiring testimonies.

Each one of us plays an integral role in this fundraising exercise. As a member of our Diocese, we are all called to a pastoral renewal. In addition to giving generously according to our ability, we should also journey together with our brothers and sisters in this renewal process; so that the church we are building is not just a religious venue offering a comfort zone that provides a sense of security, but also a sacred space dedicated to the spreading of the gospel to the outside world. Therefore, we invite all parishes, schools, families, organisations, religious groups, and institutions in the church to go forward hand in hand, recognizing the testimonies of faith passed down to us by our predecessors, and respond to the future pastoral needs of Hong Kong.

I would like to share with you an experience of pastoral renewal in a parish. Before the pandemic, almost every summer vacation, I would go on a pilgrimage to the Camino of Santiago de Compostela. As a pilgrim, I would of course focus upon religious buildings and church ceremonies along the way. Seeing that every church we passed by was heavily locked was most discouraging, not to mention the lack of religious atmosphere nor pilgrimage. Therefore, under the encouragement of the Holy See, the Spanish Church has worked hard on improving this ancient trail that receives an average of over 200,000 backpackers from all over the world every year. Their efforts are not in improving the facilities for clothing, food, accommodation, and transportation; but to restore this ancient route for real pilgrimage; elevating it from a famous hiking trail for training of will power and physical strength back to a way of humility of our soul in listening to God.

On a recent trip to the Way of St. James, I found that whenever I passed a church, even at six o’clock in the morning, the doors are already open and the church is ready to receive. There was even one that invited all pilgrims to stay for dinner after the anticipated mass on Saturday. While the food was simple, it gave a strong impression that the door of the church is open and that one is always welcomed. Not only did I feel welcomed by God, but I was also welcomed by the village and the parish. While I was happy to have such an experience on the road, I was also touched by their renewal.

May the Holy Spirit also lead us so that, through pastoral renewal, we can journey side by side with Christ and spread the good news of the Gospel to the world. May I invite all brothers and sisters render your full support to all fundraising activities organized by the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development, let’s actively participate in the development of the Diocese, glory our almighty God.

Rev Peter Choy, VG
Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong

I recently watched a music programme, introducing Cantonese pop songs of Hong Kong. Among the musicians are a number of well-known Hong Kong singers responsible for driving the development and popularity of Cantonese songs, known as the powerhouses or the "strength" of the local music scene.

The title of power or strength is not easy to come by. Besides producing a certain number of best-selling songs, their superb singing skills should be recognised by professionals in the industry. Their public images must also be socially accepted in order to be deemed a faction of power or strength.

To win such a title inevitably requires much sacrifice such as time and effect. As such, this faction of powerful singers is often associated with a connotation of seniority. However, many of them are still full of vigour and energy, and are still active in the music world.

While some of the more mature singers now produce less new songs; they would perform some old favourites when partnering with the younger novices; thereby producing certain new chemistry in offering the audience a new listening experience.

In fact, in each of our parishes, there are many brothers and sisters who belong to this faction of strength. They have, in their different walks of life, produced many touching masterpieces, or are still composing extraordinary movements in life. We may have yet to listen to such compositions or to appreciate them.

What is being accumulated through life's experiences is a treasure trove of precious wealth. While sharing these fruits gathered over time, we can also elevate our proficiencies to the next level in becoming a nurturer or facilitator to benefit more people. In our faith, we truly believe the phenomenon of "life affecting life". Jesus Christ, the begotten Son of God, incarnated in human form, lives among us to share with us his cornucopia.

We sincerely invite each member of this faction of strength, with its accumulated wealth of life, to continue to participate, contribute and construct this "symphony of harmony" in our parish; to enable the younger generation to follow suit and put in their own effort to create a future of striking heritage.

We urge you to support the works of the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building & Development to write your own divertimento of amity and extend our rich culture of faith.

Rev Joseph Chan, VG
Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong

Nurturing a vocation starts at home. As the parish is a home among homes, the parish is the springhead of the vocation.

The first exposure to vocations for young people mostly begins with activities of the parish community. Within this community, there are peers of similar age accompanied by clergy or experienced superiors. Under an atmosphere of love, many vocations of priests, deacons, seminarians, and nuns are born.

We are very grateful that the young people inspired by the Holy Spirit can respond bravely to their callings. However, with the transformation of society, the myriad choices in a life of rapid pace, and other attractions of the outside world, there have been fewer and fewer young people actively responding to their callings in recent years. Since cultivating of vocations begins within the family, every Catholic family is duty bound to ask in our daily prayers for a vocation for our children to be servants of the Lord. With the parish being the source of vocations, do our parish priests, council members and faithful always keep in mind one of our primary missions to nurture vocations and spread the Gospel? If all fifty-two parishes in Hong Kong focus on the cultivation of vocations, they will surely bear plenty of fruits to sacred callings.

It is the mission of every Christian to respond to and promote vocation. The Diocesan Vocation Commission has organized different activities, meetings, and vocation walks, etc. in a constant attempt to warm the hearts of the faithful in various ways. After all, the harvest is plenty, but the labourers are few. The Church do need more shepherds to lead the flock.

While the response to a calling is the choice of every young person, the driving force behind is indispensable. The active nurturing, companionship and encouragement of the parish can give young people greater confidence and strength to bravely answer to their sacred callings. I sincerely hope that every family and every parish can contribute their share, so that the parish can truly become a source of vocation for young people. The building of new churches and parishes for the newly developed areas are essential for young people to respond to the calling of God. May I invite all brothers and sisters to render your full support to all fundraising activities organized by the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development. Let us all participate actively in the development of the Diocese to help young people ascertain their callings from our beloved God.

Rev Kam Po-wai, VG
Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong

Tom's bakes

We are always blown away by the fundraising stories coming from our young ShelterBox (For people who are living in the Refugees camps) supporters.

When Tom (18 years old) heard of the crisis in Ukraine, he set to baking to raise money for the millions of people who are now displaced. Having always been a keen baker, he had a few favourite recipes ready to go – he even adapted a couple so friends with food allergies, as well as vegans, could enjoy! After an hour and a half, Tom’s bakery was completely sold out and raised an amazing £158.20. With some additional donations, Tom can proudly say he bought a ShelterBox!
Thank you, Tom – you are incredible.

The internet is full of amazing and inspiring short stories about how many people do small things to raise funds for many different causes. It is particularly inspiring to see kids and young people engage in meaningful fund-raising activities. Although the Hong Kong Diocesan Youth Commission is not fully involved in the Diocesan fund-raising for the construction of the new churches, the Commission would want to encourage all Catholic youths to get inspired by the noble acts to help our Diocese build centres all over Hong Kong where our faithful can have an experience with our God.

Hong Kong is still in need of places for veneration, places of encounter not just with our God, but also among believers who can praise and glorify God. We also need places to enhance our local community for a better society here on earth to prepare for our future community in heaven.

Young people are invited to participate in the fund-raising activity according to their special situation. We know that young people nowadays are facing many challenges, and that the economic situation is not so easy. The younger generation is also affected by unemployment especially with newly graduated university students. Nonetheless, they are still invited to get involved, despite their situation, with sacrifices. Many people in the past had sacrificed themselves when the Diocese was first established, so that today we may enjoy and use the holy places we have. Going forward, we still need the participation of all our Catholics especially the young people to collaborate with this noble cause.

As the Diocesan Youth Commission person-in-charge, I want to invite all our young friends to be generous with your time, offering good and fresh ideas of how to raise funds and be generous in offering your economic resources accordingly. Believing that whatever we offer from the bottom of our hearts, God will bless us and bless our work.

Let us, together in synodality (walking together) with the whole Diocese, be engaged and collaborate with this activity that is, in fact a responsibility of all Catholic believers. May God continue to bless the Diocese in this much-needed noble work.

Rev Tito Lopex Martin, MG,
Chairman of Diocesan Youth Commission

The building of a church is a sacred and vast task, and the good work of our forefathers has built the foundation for today

In 1841, the Roman Sacra Congregatio de Propaganda Fide upgraded Hong Kong to be a parish. In 1842, Fr. Theodore Joset, the Vicar General in China, was sent from Macau to Hong Kong to host this event. Fr. Joset built the first church in Hong Kong in 1842 at the corner of Wellington Street and Pottinger Street, the Church of the Immaculate Conception. It was built mainly to serve the Portuguese parishioners who were far from home. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church was transferred to Caine Road later.

In 1845, St. Francis Xavier's Chapel was built in Wan Chai. Afterwards, P.I.M.E. and the Canossian Sisters came to Hong Kong. At the same time, Catholics from Mainland China began to come to Hong Kong. In 1864, St. Francis Xavier's Chapel was enlarged and officially became a parish, so to serve people who had left their homeland. This was the second church in Hong Kong, and this church became the "home away from home" for these people.

In 1868, Fr. Ko was appointed as the Praefectura Apostolica. In those days, many British troops stationed at Admiralty in Hong Kong. They came from Ireland and Scotland and were mostly Catholic parishioners. Fr. Ko knew that the British Government had subsidized the establishment of St. Peter's Church for the Anglican Church, and to serve these Catholics, he proposed in this connection: "To build a church not far from the barracks for the benefit of the Catholic laity among the Irish soldiers of the Government." This church was completed and blessed on 30 November 1872. The church was in Gothic style, built of granite and brick and was located at 37 Garden Road, Mid-levels. This is the third Catholic church in Hong Kong.

Therefore, the first community of St. Joseph's Church in Garden Road were the soldiers who had left their homeland and gone overseas. These young men and women were given pastoral care by St. Joseph's church during their journey outside of their homeland and enjoyed the comfort of God. They have found a "home away from home". St. Joseph's church became the only church in Hong Kong which kept the same name and in the same location.

The Church needs to be rebuilt and repaired due to natural and man-made disasters, and manpower and resources are urgently needed

On 22^nd September 1874, after a typhoon and an earthquake, St. Joseph's Church was razed to the ground. The church was rebuilt and blessed on 3^rd of June 1877.

During World War II, St. Joseph's church bombed. However, the parish still did its best to serve its parishioners, eventually though the roof was weakened and became inundated with termites and had to be torn down. It was rebuilt in 1966 and was blessed on 1^st of June 1968. This is the structure we see today.

The Church is a home among homes, a base for evangelization and service

Over the next few decades, the number of local expatriates increased, and Hong Kong's economy grew rapidly. At this time, the government, the police, banks, and the educational and the cultural sectors were all dominated by British leaders and administrators. The religious needs of these "upper class" people became the target of St. Joseph's Church. "Our parish had been live with the openness heart, to serve the needs of the times". These elite members of the British government and business community, who live on the Peak or in the Mid-Levels, have also found a "home away from home" at St. Joseph's church.

Many of Westerners left Hong Kong around 1997. At the same time, due to the rapid economic development of Hong Kong, many local families started to hire overseas domestic helpers. Hundreds of thousands of workers left their hometowns to work in Hong Kong as domestic helpers. Most of them come from the Philippines. Benefit from the 500-year history of Catholicism in the Philippines, most of these Filipino foreign domestic helpers are Catholics. They have one day off a week, so that they are making Central the place where most Filipinos gather on Sundays. Since St. Joseph's church located near Central, and the parish continually "live in the spirit of openness heart, and to serve the neediest of our time". St. Joseph's church has been serving these young women who are making a living in Hong Kong in the last few decades. They have received pastoral care at parish; the Word of God and the teachings of the priests have guided them in the direction of their lives and their attitudes towards work; they have had the joy of meeting with their relatives in friendship and mutual help at here; they have found a "home away from home" in St. Joseph's church.

Parish Services Keeping Up with the Times Improving infrastructure is a priority

Sunday Mass run almost hourly in St. Joseph's Church, and it was always in English and there was no Chinese Mass. However, after I became a parish priest, a number of elderly parishioners who live nearby became aware that I am Chinese and came to my office to ask whether I could offer Cantonese Masses for them. After my arrival, an elevator was built in the church. Although many people lived close by did not attend Sunday Mass because they were unable to mount the stairs. Now they can finally take the elevator and come to attend the Sunday Mass. Moreover, St. Joseph's church is gifted with numbers of parking spaces, so it is easy to come by taxi or to park their cars at the church. After months of preparation, and with the help of the church staff and many dedicated parish volunteers, in April 2019, we started to celebrate the anticipated Sunday Mass in Cantonese every Saturday at 4:30pm. Since then, the number of participants has gradually increased and the number of faithful serving at the Mass has been growing. This has benefited the parishioners in the neighborhood and those with special needs. They have "found a home not far from their home".

Supporting the Diocese in raising funds for church building and development, and opening evangelical opportunities to benefit the people of God

St. Joseph's also launched the "St. Joseph Freinademetz Cantonese Catechism Class" and "St. Joseph Freinademetz Putonghua Catechism Class" in 2019. On 3^rd of April 2021, St. Joseph's welcomed the first batch of about 30 parishioners who were baptized through the Chinese Catechism Class, the first in over 100 years. This opened a new chapter in our parish' service towards local and mainland Chinese communities. These new immigrants have established a "home away from home" through the catechism classes at St. Joseph's Church. They pray, praise, and spread the love of God together. Through various activities and services, as well as through mutual care and support among the faithful, they live out the Christian commandment to "love the Lord and love neighbors". Gradually, these new immigrants began to be integrated into the Hong Kong society: "a home away from home".

Reflecting on the history of our services and the past of St. Joseph's, I believe that each parish in the Diocese of Hong Kong has built a home for parishioners in need in every age, through the visible and tangible buildings of the parish, and through the invisible, but more tangible, service of the spirit of Christian love. Through the renovation and construction of St. Joseph's Church in the past two years, I personally, without any experience nor money, consulted many professionals and with the donations of many loving brothers and sisters, did a lot of repair, renovation, and reconstruction work in St. Joseph's Church according to the urgent needs, to give our parishioners a warm, comfortable, and loving home. Therefore, from personal experience, I am convinced that the Diocesan Church Building and Development Fund is absolutely right and necessary! Dear brothers and sisters, your contribution is very meaningful and urgent! By studying the spirit of St Joseph, I share with you the spirit of our parish: "to serve the needs of the times with an open heart; to make each of our churches a "Home among Homes" for the many Catholic families; and to be a home away from home for those who have left their homes.

Fr. Joseph Tan Leitao

Expansion of St. Joseph's Church in Fanling and construction of a new sanctuary in Tung Chung - Promoting Evangelism and Compassionate Service

“The parish is a beacon that radiates the light of the faith and thus responds to the deepest and truest desires of the human heart, giving meaning and hope to the lives of individuals and families” <”The pastoral conversion of the Parish community in the service of the evangelizing mission of the Church” section 12>. Thanks be to God for the rich grace of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, the extension of St. Joseph's Church in Fanling and the construction of a new church in Tung Chung will serve as a tangible sign of the specific veneration of God in the area, allowing more faithful to participate in the veneration of God. Pope Francis mentions in 'The Joy of Gospel', verse 28: "Through all its activities, the parish encourages and trains its members to become evangelizers". The faithful can study and listen to the Word of God in the parish, come to know the Lord Jesus Christ, work together with pastors to promote evangelism and loving service, feel that they are God's holy people, fulfil their duties as the Light of the Earth and bear witness to the Gospel.

Donate to build the church with your support
“For God loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor9:7)

We hope that the completion and opening of the new church will encourage more faithful to participate in the Church's evangelization work, so that the new church can be active and expand in its mission of serving the sacraments, evangelization and caring for the weak, so that those in the area who have not yet come to know Jesus Christ will have the opportunity to contact the Church and share the good news of God's salvation. At the same time, we long for each of our brothers and sisters in Christ to feel that the Church is a family of God's people in communion. We are one body of Christ, and in order to build up the body of Christ and make it grow, we each do our part to build it up in love and virtue. The Diocese is indebted to you for your support and generosity in donating to the church building project. Just as the apostle, Paul, said, “Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Cor 9:7)

Blessed be God forever!

In Christ,
Rev. Steven Ip
Dean – South-West Kowloon

All parishes are facing renovation challenges

When I first came to serve at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Tsing Yi, it happened that the church had to undergo major repairs requiring tens of millions. With the generosity of our parishioners, we were able to raise the necessary funds to complete these repairs.

A few years later I went to serve at St. Jerome's Church in Tin Shui Wai, and it so happened that there was a ceiling repair project in the sanctuary that costed "several million dollars". The ceiling repair project was successfully completed after witnessing the generous donation of the parishioners.

Generosity of parishioners – a success to all challenges

After three years of the pandemic while serving at St. Edward's Church in Lam Tin, our 'life of faith' has been moved online as we adhered to the evolving Covid prevention measures. During the days when the church was closed and there were no public Masses, parishioners came to the church in person to make offerings or deposit money into the parish account. I appreciate and admire their passion towards the Church and the parish, and I deeply feel the love of the parishioners for the parish.

Last December, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Tung Chung invited our parishioners to attend their "Children's Music Fundraiser". Our parishioners were quick to respond by depositing money into the church's bank account, and some parishioners visited priests in the dormitory and supported the event with money.

Meanwhile, the Diocese held a fundraising "Together We Stride" Walkathon on 23^rd April. The aim of the campaign is not only to raise funds for the building and development of the church, but also to unite all the parishes, Catholic schools, diocesan institutions and Catholic organizations in order to realize the spirit of unity, sharing and communion of "Home Among Homes".

I am very grateful for the support and sponsorship from parishioners, knowing that all parishes have been very active in sponsoring clergy/pastoral teams to participate in the "Together We Stride" Walkathon fundraiser. Let us pray for this ministry and hope that the construction of St. Joseph's Church in Fanling (which has just been successfully expanded), the construction of a new church in Tung Chung, and the addition of cemetery niches will be accomplished according to His holy will, and that these "billion-dollar" projects will proceed on schedule.

If parishioners would like to make ongoing donations to the above projects, you are welcome to download the form from the webpage to become a monthly donor. May all the walkathon participants be watched over by the Holy Spirit, and may every participant be safe and happy. Let’s continue contributing to the success of the Church Building and Development Fund.

May the Lord reward you with abundant blessings and good health!

Rev. Anthonius Reynolds Balubun, SVD
Dean - East Kowloon

Since the beginning of Holy Family Parish in Diamond Hill, God has been leading us. He has cultivated the parish and nurtured the faithful through priests, brothers, deacons and sisters of different nationalities, and His services and work have covered education, pastoral care and spirituality.

For the past three years, the parish was affected by the pandemic with Masses and activities being held online. Fortunately, now that the pandemic is over, the parish can finally return to normal and the parishioners can go back to their "homes" and take off their masks to participate in various activities, such as New Year's Day gathering, "Accompanying Jesus during Lent", praying the Way of the Cross, Good Samaritan Day, etc. We are really thankful for this.

This year, in order to enhance the parishioners' understanding of the Word, the parish organized a special "Copying the Gospel of St. Mark in ink" activity as a key formation; in addition, the parish also organized a series of spiritual talks so that the parishioners could have more opportunities to connect with the Word and deepen their understanding of the faith.

Many parishioners say that Holy Family Parish gives them a sense of "home" and that they are like a family to each other. Because everyone sees the parish as another family to them, brothers and sisters are very willing to share in the affairs of the parish and aspire to contribute to the parish.

Our diocese is a family of faith formed by all parishes. Therefore, whenever the diocese organizes activities, our brothers and sisters are always willing to support them and "give what they have and give what they can". In last year's Diocesan Church Building Fundraising Campaign and this year's Diocesan Walkathon, the parishioners not only participated actively, but also gave generously to raise funds for the Diocese. The day was beautiful, and the parish arranged for a coach to pick up the parishioners, so that they could arrive at the meeting place and participate in the starting ceremony, experiencing that sense of belonging to the parish. Along the walk, we greeted familiar parishioners and met up with old friends we hadn't seen in years, as if we were brothers and sisters who had been separated from each other "returning home".

If flint, sponge and bee hive represent three different givers, which one would we want to be? When we hit a flint with a hammer, it spills out shards and sparks. When we squeeze a sponge, it oozes water, and the harder we squeeze, the more water there is. The hive, however, is different. It is a place where honey is stored, and it provides an endless supply of honey to humans.

In order to expand the family of faith of the parish, I hope that each of our members will shoulder the mission of evangelisation, participate in the church building fund together, and exert the spirit of mutual love and mutual assistance, so that more people can have the opportunity to know God and have eternal life.

In the big family of faith, from every parishioner, different charity groups, brothers and sisters, we can all witness the loving presence of God. In the coming days, we will entrust everything to God, hoping that through the intercession of the Holy Family: St. Joseph, Virgin Mary, and Little Jesus, God will continue to lead the diocese and the parish to move forward in the journey of faith. We will be full of confidence to fulfil the mission of evangelization, especially to share God's love with the residents, family members and friends in the area, to bring God's good news to the brothers and sisters around us, and let everyone return to the home "church" established by Jesus.

May the Lord bless you all!

Rev. Johnson Dhos, SVD
Dean - Central Kowloon

Thanks be to God for the grace of salvation

God's redeeming love is at the heart of our faith. For the sins of mankind, the Lord Jesus Christ came down from heaven and willingly endured the painful punishment of the cross, shedding His blood to cleanse us from our sins. So that those who believe in Him may receive new life, which is the eternal life of God. Therefore, with this faith, we no longer fear the threat of death, for God is the source of life. Through the sign of the cross, we can have the spiritual strength to live the life of Christian faith and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit to testify to the grace of God.

Thanks be to God for His loving care

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18 Paul says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in everything: this is the will of God for you all in Christ Jesus." If we meditate on God's loving care and the way things are done every day, we should all give thanks to God with grateful hearts. God has given us a good education, a career, a spouse, a family, friends, colleagues, brothers and sisters in Christ, good health and all kinds of favours in our lives. We should therefore be grateful to God for His loving kindness in enabling us to live life to the fullest.

Thanks be to God for His care and protection

The Lord Jesus said in the Gospel of Mathew that every hair of our head is counted one by one. From the Gospel message, we learn that God's love takes care of us in every way. In the Old Testament, we know for sure that from his birth, Moses suffered many hardships, hardships, punishments and weaknesses of will along the way of life. He was oppressed in the midst of adverse circumstances, and in the midst of his plight as a fugitive, he was looked after and guarded by God. Likewise, in our faith in Christ, we are often under the care and protection of God. Paul speaks of God's favour being sufficient for us in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Then he teaches us in Philippians 4:6 not to worry about anything, but in all things to present your requests to God in supplication and prayer, with thanksgiving.

I hope that each of us will take time out of our day to reflect on how much God has blessed us with. We understand that nothing in life is taken for granted. For everything comes from the gift of God. If we are grateful for what we have, you will receive more of God's blessings. A grateful person has the strength to transform a life of pain into one of quiet joy and peace, and to strengthen his or her own faith to help him or her achieve great things.

As you are aware, the Diocese is actively raising funds for the construction of two new churches, the extension of the cemetery and the maintenance of some churches. The Diocese will be raising funds for the construction and maintenance of the church in the form of various activities. We hope that you will continue to pray for the building project and work together to build the temple of the Lord. Let us do our best to contribute to the cause with a grateful heart. Finally, I would like to use Paul's letter to the church in Corinth about [God loves a cheerful giver] 2Cor 9:7 as a reminder to each other.

Rev James Boey
Dean - South West HK Island & Outlying Islands

Since my appointment as Parish Priest of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Tsing Yi at the beginning of last year, I have been appointed Dean of the South-West New Territories Deanery, replacing Fr Joseph Mak, who has been transferred to the Kowloon Parish.

There are six parishes in this deanery - the oldest one, SS. Cosmas & Damian Church in Tsuen Wan; the Annunciation Church in Tsuen King Circuit, Tsuen Wan, full of liturgical and theological messages; St. Stephen's Church in Ha Kwai Chung, surrounded by Housing Estates; St. John the Apostle Chapel in Shek Yam, Kwai Chung, which is situated in a secondary school building; and St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Tsing Yi, which is connected to the outside world with a transparent floor-to-ceiling glass wall; Our Diocese plans to build a church in the area adjacent to the MTR station in Tung Chung in anticipation of the development of North Lantau Island. This has become a major focus of the Diocese in the future, with a new church to serve the community in that area.

We, the Catholic Church, are willing to take up the sacred mission of education for the formation of the next generation without partiality. More than 90% of the people we serve are non-Catholic. We always hope that our next generation can have the opportunity to be nurtured in the Gospel's environment of truth, goodness, beauty and love, so that they can re-contribute what they have to the society in future. The parishes in the deanery always work closely with the Catholic Schools in the Deanary to carry out the mission of the Church.

The sanctuaries in our Deaneries serve as a visible sign of God's presence in the community, and this sign is not only a visible building made of concrete, but a community of parishioners who bear witness to God's love in the different neighborhoods - caring for the needy, especially the poor and the destitute, who are easily forgotten by the people. This is the purpose of the Church to set up parishes in districts.

Some Catholics may think, "Why should I support the building of churches in other districts when I already have my own church to enjoy? In fact, we support the building of churches in other areas because we are "one family". As St Paul exhorts, "So the body has not one member, but many... Not only so, but those members which seem to be the weaker members of the body are the more important; and those members which we thought to be the less honorable members of the body, the more we add to them the adornment of honor, and those members which are not honorable to us, the more we make them appear honorable." (1Cor 12:14, 22-23)

I hope that parishioners in our deanery will have the opportunity to go on pilgrimages to our neighboring parishes, so as to exchange information with each other, with particular attention to the present situation and development of the Tung Chung Parish. Today, we may have a fixed sanctuary where we can pray and offer sacrifices in peace, but we can remember what it was like when there was no sanctuary at all. Today, where they participate in the Liturgy is still temporary similar to the nomadic people, and they are looking forward to the day when they can receive the blessing of God and live out their faith in a fixed place.

I look forward to your support to the work of the "Diocesan Fund Raising Commission for Church Building and Development" in the spirit of our common family, and to work together with the Diocese in this not easy but difficult task.

Rev Benedict Lam
Dean - South West New Territories

When I was a child growing up in a Mass centre, I could not say I was a devout parishioner. I remember attending a number of parish retreats and hearing similar sentiments about the appearance of the parish community at that time: "If (our) parish had a building like a traditional sanctuary, the sense of belonging of the parishioners, the atmosphere of prayer, and the harmony among the parishioners would be different...". So when I eventually became a priest and had the opportunity to serve a parish that actually had a physical sanctuary building, I inevitably had different expectations of the community of faithful there.

The Philippines is the third largest Catholic country in the world, with 81% of the population being Catholics, and it is said that a quarter of the population participate in the weekly thanksgiving service. Earlier this year, the author was honoured to go there to study some pastoral programmes, and also went there with different expectations.

Many Filipino Catholics answered the question about the devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. There is a National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, Manila, which is also known as the Iglesia Redentorista by the local Catholics. On Wednesday afternoons, there are special thanksgiving services for Our Lady of Perpetual Help, recitation of the rosary, and blessing of the faithful with the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Usually, about 3,000 to 4,000 parishioners participate in these gatherings, and even if you want to find a suitable place to stand, it is not easy to find a spot. On Sunday, about 50,000 Catholics participated in the Sunday Thanksgiving Service, and the author was honoured to make three pilgrimages there.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the pilgrimage was that next to the main sanctuary, there is a small chapel for the offering of candles, where pilgrims voluntarily buy candles for 50 pasos (Filipino currency) Where the candles are offered, there are metal holders for the candles, and underneath there is a large concrete tray for the wax dripping of the candles after they are melted down. Judging by the volume of the drippings, it is not difficult to understand how popular the chapel is. Many worshippers stand there to pray and wait until their own small candles have burnt out before they leave.

As there are 3,000 to 4,000 Catholics participating in different mass services, before the distribution of the Holy Communion, 40 to 50 Eucharistic ministers will ascend to the altar to receive Holy Communion in an orderly manner. Such a scene has made the author experience a moment of admiration in his heart, and the scene before him reflects that every religious gathering is not only a manifestation of faith, but also a sign of communion and unity. Thousands of Catholics often participate in the same Liturgy, and everyone participates in different parts in an orderly manner. Even for those who are sporadically found to be unable to keep up with the order of the Liturgy (including the author, of course), they are only given friendly reminders, which they accept in a gentle manner.

Having lived in the Philippines for four months, when I talked to many local priests and nuns about the vast number of Catholics in the Philippines, they often said, "We hope that the Filipino Catholics are not nothing but piety. I thank God for showing me that apart from piety, there are many qualities of the local laity that we should learn from. The Diocese of Hong Kong is constantly striving to build more sanctuaries, and as a diocesan priest, I look forward to working with the laity as we continue to make progress in the life of the community of faith.

Rev Martin Ip

As our Diocese is engaged in different projects to raise much needed funds, mainly to extend existing churches, or build new ones, I think this is a chance for all the baptized in Hong Kong to reflect on our vocation to be "builders".

Every baptized person, by virtue of his or her Baptism, is called to be "builder of the Church", in union with Jesus Christ, who is its Architect and Master Builder.

In his Letter to the Ephesians Saint Paul tells us that we "are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. Through him the entire structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together into a dwelling place for God in the Spirit." (Eph 2, 19-22)

With Jesus, we are builders of that temple, we are builders of the Body, which is the Church, each one with a particular function, a particular mission to accomplish in that great construction work, because the Holy Spirit, according to His own richness and the needs of the Church, bestows his many gifts upon us, so that in turn we might offer them for the good of the Church and the glory of God.

The Second Vatican Council, in its Dogmatic Constitution con the Church "Lumen Gentium", tells us: "It is not only through the sacraments and the ministries of the Church that the Holy Spirit sanctifies and leads the people of God and enriches it with virtues, but, "allotting his gifts to everyone according as He wills, (1 Cor. 12:11.) He distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank. By these gifts He makes them fit and ready to undertake the various tasks and offices which contribute toward the renewal and building up of the Church, according to the words of the Apostle: "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for profit" ( Cf. 1 Thess 5:12, 19-21)."

We build up the Church when we are faithful to Jesus Christ and his Gospel, to our Baptismal vocation and promises, that is, when we generously answer our call to holiness of life.

On this regard of the inseparable connection between holiness of life and being builders in the Church, Pope Saint John Paul II wrote on "Christifideles Laici": The vocation to holiness must be recognized and lived by the lay faithful, first of all as an undeniable and demanding obligation and as a shining example of the infinite love of the Father that has regenerated them in his own life of holiness. Such a vocation, then, ought to be called an essential and inseparable element of the new life of Baptism, and therefore an element which determines their dignity. At the same time the vocation to holiness is intimately connected to mission and to the responsibility entrusted to the lay faithful in the Church and in the world. In fact, that same holiness which is derived simply from their participation in the Church's holiness, represents their first and fundamental contribution to the building of the Church herself, who is the "Communion of Saints". The eyes of faith behold a wonderful scene: that of a countless number of lay people, both women and men, busy at work in their daily life and activity, oftentimes far from view and quite unacclaimed by the world, unknown to the world's great personages but nonetheless looked upon in love by the Father, untiring labourers who work in the Lord's vineyard. Confident and steadfast through the power of God's grace, these are the humble yet great builders of the Kingdom of God in history."

May we all answer the call to be builders, to be saints.

Rev Gervais Baudry

The one of the first reason to create this Fundraising Commission is to give St. Joseph's Parish in Fanling a new place where we can gather, celebrate the Eucharist and share our life in faith. First of all, let me thank all the people who generously donated money for this project: may our God replay you with the abondance of His grace and love!

Let me share with you how our parish is preparing to go back to our church. Even if we didn't know when our church would have been finished, since more than two years ago our parish established a group to prepare the church opening. At the beginning we brainstormed how to celebrate this big event, not only for our parish, but also for all the diocese and the neighbourhood. After a few meetings, we realized that was not important to prepare only some celebrating activities, but it was also important to prepare our community to welcome the gift of the new church and the renewed old premises.

This church opening group came out with this idea: dedicate the first Sunday of each month to this preparation, calling it "Back Home Sunday". In the first part of this journey, from February to July 2023, in front of the congregation gathered for Sunday Mass at St. Francis of Assisi College's hall, we placed a roll-up banner that, through some images and words, helped our parishioners in this journey. Three themes guided us, each one for 2 months: "Thanksgiving", "Expectation" and "Renewal".

During the first two months, we thank our God for the history of our parish. We recalled how our community was born through the effort of Fr. Ambrogio Poletti , PIME: since 1950 he dedicated himself to the evangelization of the Fanling area and, thanks to the generous donation of one parishioner, he could start the construction of the church, that was consecrated in 1954. During those years many people from mainland flocked to Hong Kong and the parish took care of their needs. Caring for the education of the increasing numbers of children, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood wanted to run a school in Fanling; in 1959 the Pui Ling School of the Precious Blood started its service. This first theme ended with the big thanks to the HK Catholic Diocese that decided to build a new church for our community and a thanks for all those who are making this new church possible with their generous contributions.

In April and May the "Back Home Sunday" theme was "Expectation". We celebrated the last Sunday Mass in our church on July 2016 and we are eager to go back to our home. In these two months we lead the parishioners on a virtual tour of the old church, to increase our desire to go back to our original church and there give thanks to our Lord.

"Renewal" was the last part of our journey. In the roll-up banner we showed some of the installations in the new church, telling our parishioners that preparing to enter into a new place remind us that we should firstly renew our lives.

In the second part of the "Back Home Sunday" program, we put into practice the last theme: renewal. Since August, we asked our parishioners to meditate on what I should change in my life to renew myself. In October we prepared a prayer card where they could write their renewal promise to God in form of a prayer. In November we set up a big puzzle: the parishioners who have written the prayer, may stick it on a piece of puzzle that will form a nice picture. I cannot tell you now which picture, but when you will come to visit us, you will see it: remember to look for the puzzle. We plan to give the opportunity to write this prayer to all the parishioners and fill the 504 pieces' puzzle before the consecration of the new church. Each Fanling's parishioner who will come to the celebrate the Eucharist will see the puzzle and remind him/her the renewal promise he/she made to our God.

A part from the meaningful picture that we choose, designed by one of our parishioners, the puzzle is also a nice symbol that represent our community life. Each puzzle has a different shape, representing each person that is different from each other. In order to fit myself in the community, sometimes I have to cut my egoism in order to make room to the person next to me; sometimes I have to add some effort, some more love to reach my neighbour: exactly like the shapes of a single puzzle: "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low" (Is 40:4). Moreover, each puzzle has a different colour and a unique place in the picture: this represents the vocation that each one of us has in the church. Only if each one of us finds his/her place, the image of the church will shine in this world and will attract many people to look for the source of this life and love: our God.

In 2022 our parish started the three-year pastoral program guided by this bible sentence: "A city set on a mountain" (Mt 5:14). I pray our God that our community, thanks to the gift we receive of the new church , may become an attracting point for all the people living in Fanling, not only because they will come to visit our church, but, the most important, they will be attracted by a community in which can touch the love of God.

Fr. Pietro Paolo Dossi
St. Joseph's Parish – Fanling
Parish Priest

At the end of the Year of Faith, the first year of Pope Francis' pontificate, his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, No. 28, tells us:

The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility, it can assume quite different contours depending on the openness and missionary creativity of the pastor and the community. While certainly not the only institution which evangelizes, if the parish proves capable of self-renewal and constant adaptivity, it continues to be “the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters”.

This presumes that it really is in contact with the homes and the lives of its people, and does not become a useless structure out of touch with people or a self-absorbed group made up of a chosen few. 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.

In all its activities the parish encourages and trains its members to be evangelizers.[28] It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a centre of constant missionary outreach. We must admit, though, that the call to review and renew our parishes has not yet sufficed to bring them nearer to people, to make them environments of living communion and participation, and to make them completely mission-oriented. (Evangelii Gaudium, No. 28)

As a parish priest who has been working in a parish since my ordination, I am one who fully shares the Pope's vision of the parish community, and there is a very deep resonance that comes from pastoral experience. The parish, as a home among homes, becomes, through evangelisation, the centre of the life of a community, where the presence of the Church makes available to all the Word of God, the education of life, the witness of love and the opportunity to encounter the Lord through liturgical celebration.

I am convinced that this is not an experience unique to me, but a joyful realisation shared by every parish priest. Therefore, on the occasion of Mission Sunday 2024, when the Deanery celebrates the mission of Christians, we, the eight parishes of the Deanery of Hong Kong Island East, whether clergy, religious or faithful, would like to organise a grand Evangelisation Gala. The grandness of the Gala does not lie in the manpower, material and financial resources, but in the collegiality of the participants, the dedication of each one of them to their respective duties, and their unity of mind and heart, so that all the brothers and sisters of the Deanery may join together in the proclamation of the Lord's presence, and the celebration of God's salvation for the whole family of Hong Kong.

Finally, through the series of Evangelisation Gatherings, apart from strengthening the hearts of our parishioners in evangelisation once again, we were also able to raise funds to support the "Diocesan Church Building programme" through ticket sales and donations.

Rev. Timothy Wan, P.P.
Dean, Hong Kong East

I went to the Holy Land just once. Among the many, two places stand in my memory till now: the Golgotha in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Saint Peter in Capernaum.

On the Golgotha, under the Greek Orthodox chapel's altar, the rock of Calvary can be seen and touched through a hole in the glass floor beneath the altar. In order to do it you have to kneel under the altar. It is a meaningful and strong experience. While touching the cold rock you feel the place where creation and salvation came together. The place where all was “fulfilled” (John 19:30). In that place the Lord gave Himself to us.

Saint Peter in Capernaum is considered "the first church in the world" At the center of it there is a glass floor where pilgrims can see the original house of St. Peter. The architecture of the house is expanding, giving witness to the growing of the early church community. Our early brothers and sisters gathered there to remember the life of the Lord and to break the bread. Celebrating the Eucharist there gives you the feeling of our bond with the history of salvation. The community of more than two thousand years ago is our community, whenever and wherever the Mystery of Salvation is celebrated in the world.

In some way, building a Church is always spiritually expanding the house of Peter, the place where we remember what the Lord has done and said to us, the place where we break the bread and share His love. The place where all is fulfilled; because there cannot be any church without the cross and the resurrection of the Lord.

Expanding the house of Peter is first and foremost an act of gratitude. The need of building new churches comes from the fact that our Lord is calling people from different places, cultures and backgrounds to follow Him. A community is always there before the building of the Church. It is a feeling of gratitude that we experience every single time we meet a person that answers the calling of the Lord to follow Him. It is a feeling that we experiment in a massive way every year during the Easter Vigil in each parish of the Hong Kong Diocese.

Therefore I believe that knowing of being part of the history of salvation and being grateful for it should be the first and probably the only reason to make a donation for a new church building. In this precise historic moment we are called to contribute to the building of the new church in Tung Chung. A new place where a community, our community, will remember, celebrate, and live the love that comes from the death and the resurrection of the Lord. A place where all is fulfilled.

Let’s donate according to our own possibility with gratitude and joy!

Fr. Luigi Cantoni
Holy Redeemer Church
Parish Priest

I was once asked by brothers and sisters, "Why do we still need to raise funds for the construction of a new church in this economic downturn? As Christians and children of God, how should we participate or respond?” The following story may give you a better understanding:

It is said that once Mother Teresa and another nun took some food and went to visit a poor widow with four children.

After receiving the food from the nuns, the woman thanked the nuns and carefully divided the food into two portions: one portion was reserved for the children to share, while the other portion was wrapped and put aside.

Mother Teresa felt very strange, thinking that she did not want her children to be full, so she left the food for them until the next day. So the nun asked the mother, "Ma'am, why did you leave half of the food behind?"

This woman then said, "Sister, the neighbours who live next door to us have nothing to eat today. So, I want to give them this food to share with them the care that the Sisters have given to my children and to me".

This woman's willingness to share her daily necessities with others with the same needs demonstrates her great love and spirit of sharing!

Through the above story, we can ask ourselves whether we can do likewise if we are in the same situation. In fact, it is already not easy to give away what we have, let alone giving away half of what we must have. I think I really can't do it, nor am I willing to do it.

The real life story of this woman reminds me of the poor widow whom the Lord Jesus praised, who gave only two pennies, but Jesus praised her, saying, "those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." (Lk. 21:4)

Through the above Gospel, Jesus is also inviting you who are reading this article to be like the poor widow of the past, who was willing to share with others in the face of insufficiency or deprivation, so that the spirit of the Gospel of the Poor Widow's generosity in giving and sharing can be continued. Although we may not be millionaires, as long as we are willing to support this fundraising according to our ability, I believe that Jesus will praise each one of us, just as He praised the poor widow in the past.

At the same time, St. Paul the Apostle also said about generous sharing: "Whoever sows little, reaps little; whoever sows much, reaps much. Give according to the measure of your heart, not with pain or reluctance, for ‘God loves those who give.’ (2Cor 9:6-7)

May we all become cheerful donors and actively support the Church Building Fund so that the new church in Tung Chung can be completed and put into service as soon as possible. God Bless!

Rev. Aloysius Mak
Parish Priest
St Francis of Assisi's Church

The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong has been serving the community for 180 years, witnessing to and proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. It faithfully upholds Christ's teachings, practicing love and caring for the needs of citizens from all walks of life. Notably, it has made significant contributions in areas such as the growth and development of children and youth, family support, elder care, and assistance to vulnerable communities.

The Diocese comprises 52 parishes, which include 39 churches and 28 Mass centers. These parishes enable the Catholic Church to continue its work in pastoral care, social services, and education, benefiting citizens across all age groups.

In addition to the newly completed St. Joseph's Church in Fanling, the Diocese will require hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade to build and maintain churches. This includes the construction of a new church in Tung Chung, the expansion of Catholic cemetery niches, and the enhancement of the quality of educational and social welfare services. The goal is to provide better services for both the faithful and the wider community.

Since 2021, the Catholic Education Office has responded to the call from the Catholic "Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development" by inviting all diocesan schools—including 103 secondary schools, primary schools, and kindergartens—to co-organize the fundraising event "Rope Skipping for Health & Church Building for the Manifestation of God’s Love." Starting in 2022 and 2023, we were very pleased to welcome the participation of religious schools and Caritas schools in supporting this fundraising initiative. Over the past four years, through everyone’s efforts, we have collectively raised over HKD 10 million for the Diocese.

Due to the substantial funding required for the Diocese's development plans, we are continuing our efforts this year by inviting the Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Schools Council to organize the "Shine Your Talent On" fundraising event on March 22–23, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday). We hope to unite all Catholic Diocesan schools in Hong Kong to work together in support of the Diocese's development.

We hope that all teachers, students, and parents of Catholic schools will actively assist in promoting this charitable initiative to more members of the community. On behalf of the Most Reverend Stephen Cardinal Chow, S.J., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s active participation and support. May God reward your generosity a hundredfold. Wishing you all peace and good health!

KUNG Kwong Pui Joseph
Episcopal Delegate for Education

Appointed Dean by Cardinal Chow

In September 2023, I received a text message from Bishop Ha, asking if I would accept Cardinal Chow’s appointment as Dean of the Deanery of the Outlying Islands in the Southwest of Hong Kong Island. After consulting with my senior, I informed Bishop Ha that I accepted the appointment although I would be inexperienced in parish affairs because of my long service in the school. In March 2022, I was also suddenly appointed by the Rector to be the Parish Priest of St. Anthony's. It was my first time to serve in a parish and I had to learn as I went along.

Experience Growing Up

I grew up in Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Taikoo House, Pokfulam. The parish priest at that time, Fr. René Chevalier, and a group of French nuns were very caring and concerned about the parishioners and young people in the parish, and I miss them very much. At that time, the religious atmosphere in the parish was very strong and the parishioners were very enthusiastic. On the other hand, I went to St. Louis School, where the religious atmosphere was also very strong, and many of my classmates would go into the sanctuary to pray and Eucharistic adoration during recess and lunch time. As for my family, we are also a very Catholic family with a statue of Our Lady at home. At Christmas time, we would also have a Christmas tree and manger.

Responding to my Call to Priesthood

After graduating from high school, I began to think about my vocation through the prompting of a priest and eventually decided to join the Salesians. Although my family strongly opposed it at first, they eventually accepted my wish due to the power of faith. The experience of prayer in the seminary made me realize that a vocation is in fact the love of God, and other than the love of God, there is no love that is everlasting and unchanging. On January 31, 1989, at St. Anthony's Church, Cardinal John Hu ordained me to the priesthood during the Society's celebration of the centenary of the death of our founding father, St. John Bosco.

When I returned to Hong Kong from my studies in Canada, I served in Salesian School, St. Louis Secondary School and Salesian Seminary. I am now the Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Church. When I was ordained a dean, I organized the Presidency of the Parish Pastoral Council of the Deanery to coordinate and plan the work of evangelization and care in the Deanery. That is how we prepared for the celebration of this year's Mission Day, with evangelization activities such as a parade of the Madonna, a concert, an evangelization meeting, a visit to follow the footprints of the early missionaries, a drama prayer meeting, and a clean-up of the beach for the work of Amity.

Invitation to Participate in Church Building Fundraising

Lastly, I would like to appeal to all Catholics and benefactors to strongly support the building of churches in the Diocese of Hong Kong, because there are still districts where there are no Catholic churches, and parishioners must borrow schools or other places for their gatherings, which is very undesirable. It is hoped that new churches will be established in the future to promote evangelization and the service of charity in all districts.

Rev. Peter Ng, SDB
Dean - Outlying Islands Deanery, Southwest Hong Kong Island

The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong has been serving Hong Kong for more than 180 years, witnessing and proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, and at the same time abiding by the teachings of Christ, practicing charity, and caring for the needs of people from all walks of life, especially in the areas of children, the growth and development of young people, the family, the elderly, and support for the disadvantaged.

Apart from the recently opened St. Joseph's Church in Fanling, the Diocese will need a huge amount of funds amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars in the next ten years for the construction and maintenance of churches, such as the construction of a new sanctuary in the Tung Chung Parish, the construction of additional niches in the Catholic Cemeteries and the upgrading of the quality of education and social welfare services, in order to provide better services to the faithful and the public.

Starting from the 2021 school year, the Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Schools Association has responded to the appeal of the Catholic Education Office and the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development by organizing a fund-raising activity entitled "Hundreds Schools Rope Skipping in One Accord, Church Building to Glorify God" for all of the 103 diocesan schools. Starting from 2022, we have invited the participation of the Seminarian Schools and Caritas Schools to support this fund-raising activity. In 2024, we organized the "Church Building for the Lord - Rope Skipping for 100 Schools - Sustainable Development Goals World Record", in which 120 primary, secondary and kindergarten schools participated, setting a world record for the largest number of students jumping rope at the same time. On the one hand, the event encourages students to develop healthy habits through regular exercise, which is in line with the objective of education and learning; on the other hand, it also calls upon all stakeholders of Catholic schools, especially parents and students, to be united and contribute their efforts in promoting this good deed and health message to the community. In the past four years, through the efforts of various parties, we have raised more than HK$13 million for the Diocese, which is an encouraging result.

In view of the huge amount of funds required for the development of the Diocese, this year, the Commission will continue to work hard and under the leadership of the Catholic Education Office, will organize the "Let Talent Shine: Fundraising Variety Show cum Music Marathon by Catholic Diocesan Schools 2025" on 22 and 23 March 2025 (Saturday and Sunday) in the hope that it can unite all the Catholic Diocesan Schools in Hong Kong to display their talents in a variety show and raise funds for the Hong Kong Diocese's Church Building and Development Fund in a united and concerted manner. We hope to unite all Catholic schools in Hong Kong to showcase their talents in performing arts and to raise funds for the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development.

Supporting the Diocese's Church Building Development Program is not only for the pastoral development needs of the Diocese, but also for the development needs of the whole Hong Kong society. We hope that members of the community, especially teachers, students and parents of Catholic schools, will help us to promote this good deed to more members of the community. On behalf of the schools organized by the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, I would like to thank all of you for your active participation and support, and I hope that your generosity will be rewarded a hundredfold by God. God bless!

Lam Chi-kong
Chairman – Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Schools Council

My son and his friends recently participated in the A Walk to Nurture Creation – 2025 Fund-raising Walkathon, and everyone wanted to know more about the construction of the new church in Tung Chung. Let me take the chance to introduce more.

The population development trend in Hong Kong in recent years has been a decline in the urban population but a rapid rise in the New Territories and outlying islands, especially Lantau Island. As our churches mainly cluster in the urban areas, the Diocese would need to prioritize the building of new churches in the New Territories and Lantau Island to meet the soaring demand. Presently, there is only an old and remote chapel in Tung Chung such that a school hall must be borrowed for Sunday Masses. Therefore, we urgently need to build a church to keep up with the population development. The theme of the new church will remind us of the importance of building relationships between people, between parish and Diocese, and between the Diocese of Hong Kong and the ecumenical churches.

The steering committee for the entire project is composed of the General Office, Diocesan Liturgy Commission, and The Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development, which advise on legal, financial, parish operational needs and architectural aspects respectively. The steering committee first sent out invitations to eight local and overseas architectural firms with experience in designing churches and then finally selected and implemented the design plan through bidding, competition and selection.

Applying for land from the government is a very arduous and time-consuming task. It took us more than ten years before the Government finally provided a plot of land in the centre of Tung Chung, originally part of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) site, for the construction of a new church and community hall. The site is quiet and very conveniently located, with the MTR station, bus terminal and Ngong Ping Cable Car Station all within easy reach.

But all good things are hard to come by. Three years ago we were informed by the Airport Authority that they would be building an overhead trolley system to connect the airport to Citygate, with the route running north of the sanctuary towards the North Lantau Highway. After many contacts and discussions, the Airport Authority agreed to take appropriate measures to minimize the impact on noise, vibration and visual landscape.

The new church complex is divided into two parts, the main building and the bell tower, connected by a staircase, which symbolizes the meeting of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Elizabeth, holding hands and embracing. The basement of the main building is a parking lot; ground floor is the community hall and part of the parish office. The first floor contains the parish activity space and some of the parish offices; the second floor is the church with 1,000 seats and the third floor is the priest's dormitory. The cross on the roof and several large bells in the bell tower will become the prominent symbols of the project. There is a small chapel, with 100 seats in the second floor of the bell tower, for weekday Masses and other liturgies. The spacious staircase connecting the main building and the bell tower to the main church on the ground floor will be a popular photographic spot.

For the liturgical design, we have invited Sister Marie Anastasia in France to provide design for the overall exterior and interior details, with the assistance of our local architects. The interior echoes the theme of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while the exterior walls are decorated with stained glass and sculptures. The design is very impressive and will be further developed. The building plans and foundation drawings for the project have been approved by the Buildings Department. Tendering and tender evaluation procedures for the foundation works are underway and foundation works will commence shortly.

In order to follow the spirit of "Synodality", we had held a new church design briefing in the parish in mid-January to exchange ideas with the parishioners. We will be going back to the parish for a second talk soon.

The mission of the Diocese is not only to secure space for the faithful in Tung Chung to provide a well-equipped church for mass, prayer, evangelization and pastoral purposes, but also to allow the parish to be present in the community, to shoulder social responsibilities, to help improve people's livelihood and assist the under-privileged.

Now is the time for us to continue this mission by supporting the Church’s fund-raising efforts, such as participating in the Monthly Giving Campaign. If each of our 400,000-plus parishioners gave $2,500, we can help ease the financial burden of the Diocese. We should also help the public to understand that the Church exists for the betterment of the community. Please check out the website of The Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development.

May we all be guided by Christ in the successful construction of this new sanctuary.

Mr Philip Kwok
Chairman – Diocesan Building and Development Commission

The Hong Kong Catholic Council of Catholic Laity (HKCCCL) plays a vital role in the Catholic community in Hong Kong. One of its main objectives is to promote and coordinate the formation of the laity at the diocesan level, as well as to support evangelisation efforts led by them.

We sincerely appreciate the continued support from all parishes for HKCCCL. In addition to providing venues, parishes have collaborated with HKCCCL to organise various formation and evangelisation activities.

In recent years, the Council has organised meetings across different parishes, bringing together parish pastoral councils and representatives of church members. These gatherings facilitate the exchange of ideas, methods, and experiences related to the formation and evangelisation within the community. As a result, mutual understanding and support have grown, enriching the spiritual lives of parishioners.

The Council is committed to this approach and aims to engage with various parishes and co-host activities, particularly in developing areas such as Tung Chung. With the increasing number of parishioners at Visitation Church, the Council strongly supports the diocese's plans to construct a new church to meet the needs of this growing community.

As members of the Catholic Church, we have a duty to share the Gospel and nurture our community. Let us support the fundraising efforts initiated by the Diocesan Fundraising Commission for Church Building and Development for the construction of a new church in Tung Chung, addressing the needs of our growing congregation and contributing to the development of the diocese.

Ching Che Man, Susanna
President – Hong Kong Catholic Council of Catholic Laity

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Time flies. It has been sixty-six years since the Hong Kong Catholic Lay Association (hereinafter referred to as the Association) was established by the then Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Bianchi. Thanks be to God! Under the guidance of successive spiritual leaders, the Association has achieved remarkable results in promoting lay participation in evangelization. Particularly, the awareness of laypeople regarding evangelization has evolved from a past tendency to rely on priests and nuns to a shared responsibility. This is truly a blessing for the Diocese of Hong Kong.

As the current spiritual director of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Hong Kong, I will not only continue the work of my predecessors but also keep pace with the times. Guided by the Church's spirit of “synodality,” I will foster collaboration between lay faithful and pastors in advancing the mission of evangelization. However, before this can happen, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Hong Kong must provide relevant formation and training to the laity, including spiritual formation, faith formation, and evangelization skills. Therefore, while the structure and various areas need to adapt to the changes of the new era, the goal is not assimilation. Rather, it is to promote the development of evangelization in a more effective and timely manner.

To embody the spirit of synodality, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Hong Kong must leverage its unique role in connecting parishes and Catholic lay associations within the diocese, fostering cooperation to fulfil the mission of evangelization. Consequently, in recent years, the Council has moved beyond its traditional venue on Tai Shek Street to host diverse activities across different parishes. This includes convening consultative meetings where representatives from parish pastoral councils and Catholic lay associations gather to exchange insights on formation and evangelization, thereby deepening mutual understanding and friendship.

We extend our gratitude to all parishes for their steadfast support of the Diocesan Council over the years! Looking ahead, the Council will continue its efforts by visiting various parishes and co-organizing activities, particularly in newly developed areas such as Our Lady Visitation Parish in Tung Chung. Therefore, the Council strongly supports the Diocese's initiative to build a new church for the growing community of Catholics and residents in Tung Chung. As Catholics, we are duty-bound to spread the Gospel and care for our community. Let us all support the fundraising campaign initiated by the Diocese to establish a Church Building and Development Fund. Our goal is to construct a new church in Tung Chung in the near future, serving the local faithful and advancing evangelization efforts.

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Peace be with you in the Lord!

Rev Deacon Gamaliel Cheng
Hong Kong Central Council of Catholic Laity

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may peace be with you!

"The triune God is a communion of love, and the family is its living reflection." (Amoris Laetitia 11)

In 2002, based on the recommendation of the Fifth Group on Marriage and Family Ministry of the Diocesan Assembly, the diocese promptly established the Diocesan Committee for Marriage and Family Ministry (hereinafter referred to as the Marriage Committee) as the diocese had already recognized the urgency of this pastoral work. Over two decades later, this pastoral care has become increasingly necessary, as rapid societal development is reshaping the global landscape of marriage and family life. Various crises and challenges are making the trials faced by Catholic families ever more severe.

The Marriage Committee has consistently worked tirelessly over the years to collaborate closely with all parishes. Its various ministries each fulfil their respective duties: the Marriage and Family Ministry promotes a Christ-centred family vision, guiding the faithful to appreciate and cherish the divine concept of marriage as created by God, fostering an atmosphere where "the family is the Church"; Pastoral Care Ministry supports parishioners and individuals facing family crises, marital challenges, bereavement, and other difficult circumstances by providing appropriate assistance. This enables them to overcome their pain and rekindle hope.

Life Care Ministry promotes respect, protection, and care for life in society, addressing issues such as abortion, suicide, and euthanasia, while also advocating for natural family planning and breastfeeding. The Culture of Respect for the Body Ministry promotes St. John Paul II's "Theology of the Body," helping parishioners better understand the Church's teachings on love, sexuality, and chastity. The Ministry for Persons Experiencing Same-Sex Attraction, Transgender Individuals, and Their Families offers Christ-centred compassion to those facing such struggles, providing holistic support for their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.

The Marriage Commission will continue to move forward with the times, strengthening its services through innovative approaches that align with societal changes, and remain steadfast in its commitment to manifesting Christ's love within families.

"Whoever confers benefits will be amply enriched; and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:25) The Church is a "home among homes." Within this spiritual family, we should mutually assist and support one another to fulfil the mission of evangelization. We earnestly request your generous support for the Diocesan Fundraising Commission for Church Building and Development to build a new church in Tung Chung. Let us unite our efforts to realize this vision, once again embodying the spirit of communion, love, and dedication within this holy household.

Rev. Deacon Gabriel LAU Nam-shan, Chairman
Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and the Family

In 2012, I was assigned to serve at the Epiphany Chapel, which covers the entire Lantau outlying islands. Every Sunday, I would shuttle between Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Tai O, Tung Chung, and Discovery Bay to assist the parish priest in providing pastoral care and support to the faithful in these areas. During this period, although the island parishioners were scattered, our fervent faith bound us together.

With the reclamation of land in Tung Chung and the construction of housing on reclaimed land, public housing estates and private residential complexes were completed one after another. The residential population surged significantly, and the number of parishioners grew accordingly. In 2016, the diocese divided Lantau Island into two districts: Epiphany Parish continued its pastoral and missionary work in Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Tai O, and surrounding areas; while Our Lady Visitation Parish assumed responsibility for Tung Chung and Discovery Bay. I remained with the latter parish under the guidance of the Society of Divine Word Missionaries.

Looking back to the beginning, when I first arrived to serve here, fewer than one hundred parishioners attended the Chinese Mass each Sunday, while the English Mass drew around two hundred. However, as the community has expanded, weekly attendance at the Chinese Mass now consistently exceeds three hundred, whilst the English Mass has surged to five or six hundred. Our parishioners comprise both locals and, owing to our proximity to the airport, colleagues from the aviation and airport services sectors hailing from China, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Europe, and the Americas. This has forged a diverse and vibrant faith community where people of different complexions pray as one.

Facing priests and parishioners from diverse cultural backgrounds, I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of adaptation and understanding. By God's grace, I have been able to engage with them with an open heart, fostering deep friendships and trust in my pastoral work. As a Chinese speaker, I primarily serve the Chinese-speaking community, acting as spiritual director for various charitable associations, coordinating liturgical services and Scripture sharing, and actively promoting outreach evangelisation.

However, certain challenges have arisen during the course of providing these services. The chapel of Our Lady Visitation Parish, situated in an ancient village, was originally intended to serve the local residents and can only accommodate thirty to forty people. Consequently, every Sunday's liturgy, Mass, activities, Sunday school, catechumenate group, and charity association meetings require the use of facilities at Tung Chung Catholic School. Whilst the chapel can host events at other times, its remote location, lack of direct transport links, and provision of only a small temporary activity room frequently cause considerable inconvenience for parishioners. In Discovery Bay, Sunday Masses are held at the Anglican Primary School, whilst weekday activities are concentrated in a small chapel of just three to four hundred square feet, converted from a residential unit.

Nevertheless, the needs of our parishioners remain at the heart of our ministry. We endeavour to provide spiritual companionship, liturgical support and communal activities tailored to their practical requirements, enabling each individual to find belonging and strength within their faith.

These years of service on the outlying islands have witnessed the community's growth and the deepening of faith. Moving forward, we shall remain committed to living out the Gospel spirit through charity, attending to the needs of local residents, and proclaiming God's love and peace through our actions. Simultaneously, we shall encourage and empower the faithful to actively engage in the mission of evangelisation, harnessing the strength of community to deepen our spiritual lives through communion and collaboration. May our parish not merely be a place for liturgical prayer, but evolve into a warm and welcoming family of believers — where all cherish one another, serve each other, and collectively respond to God's call, faithfully fulfilling His holy will while bearing witness to the joy and hope of the Gospel.

By God's grace, we have recently acquired a plot of land adjacent to East Point City, where we shall construct a new church to alleviate the current shortage of space and meet future development needs. Given its proximity to the airport, and in accordance with the government's development plans, a light rail line will run directly from the airport to the side of the new church. This church will also serve as a prayer centre for travellers, enabling more people to experience and promote the Catholic faith.

However, all preparations are complete, save for the crucial element of financial backing. We earnestly appeal to all benefactors for your generous support to ensure the new church hall is completed as soon as possible, bringing abundant blessings to our island community. Your contributions will form a vital foundation for perpetuating our faith. May we walk hand in hand to create a brighter tomorrow!

Rev. Deacon Edward Ng

I. The Light of Christ: The Starting Point of the Mission (Matt5:14-16)

Jesus tells his disciples, "You are the light of the world…… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matt5:14-16) This Gospel passage is not merely a word of encouragement, but a commission: Christians are not called to hide in the darkness, but to shine in the world, so that God's love and truth may be made visible.

For more than 180 years, the churches in Hong Kong have taken Christ's commission as their guiding principle, accompanying Hong Kong through times of change and challenge, and bringing the light of hope to those living in despair, discouragement, and hardship. Through social services and parish life, the Church has always strived to keep the light of Christ shining brightly on this land, so that people may witness acts of kindness, feel love, and find their way.

The mission of light begins with love, and love inevitably leads to protection. For it is only in a place surrounded by love that light can truly illuminate life.

II. The Light of Protection

Light does not exist for its own sake, but shines for those who cannot find their way in the darkness. In his apostolic exhortation *You Are the Light of the World*, Pope Francis points out: To be a light means seeing the needs of others and being willing to take on the responsibility of protecting them, so that people may live abundant lives in a bright and safe environment.

This mission of protection is embodied in the following four areas:

• Respect for Life and Dignity: Every person, regardless of gender, skin colour, or ability, is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
• A Safe and Loving Environment: Exercise authority responsibly to establish policies that protect the vulnerable, enabling them to thrive in love.
• Accompaniment and Solidarity: The Church must "draw near to the people", sharing in their joys and sorrows.
• Becoming a Sign of Hope: Light does not overwhelm darkness; rather, it dispels darkness gently yet firmly.

Therefore, care is not merely a system or a service, but an attitude, a way of life, and the fundamental mission of God's children. In the parish, this care is made tangible through kind words, gentle counsel, exemplary conduct, a communal life of fellowship and love, and mutual support, enabling the parish to truly become a "Home among homes".

III. Love: The Core Strength of Protection

Without the light of love, it is merely human vanity — and it can even become glaring and uncomfortable. Only the light kindled by love can truly illuminate others. Love enables us to see the value in others and inspires us to illuminate, protect, and comfort them — especially the vulnerable among us.

In its educational mission, the Church emphasizes five core values — truth, justice, charity, life, and family — with the aim of nurturing the younger generation to become people who illuminate the world — people who understand the importance of respect, responsibility, and service.

In the realm of social services, the Church has a special concern for the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten. Whether through elder care, rehabilitation, counseling, or community services, the Church upholds human dignity with love, bringing light to those in greatest need.

When "love" becomes the oil that fuels the light, the light shines ever brighter, illuminating not only the surroundings but also the hearts of people.

IV. Looking to the Future: Keeping the Light Shining in Hong Kong

As Cardinal Stephen Chow has pointed out, Hong Kong will face profound challenges in the coming decade in areas such as housing, elderly care, education, and social harmony. If we are to ensure that the light of the Church continues to shine in Hong Kong, we must make simultaneous improvements in both infrastructure and programs so that pastoral care, education, and outreach can meet the needs of our time. To this end, the diocese has established the "Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development" to raise the necessary resources and implement various development plans, so that the Church may continue to be a beacon of light for our brothers and sisters living in anxiety, disappointment, despair, and hardship, dispelling the darkness in their lives.

V. An Invitation to Love: Let's Light Up the World Together

The Lord Jesus once said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Pope Francis also reminds us: Do not be afraid; when we accept Jesus and learn to love as He does, we will shine brightly, and this is precisely the light that the world needs today.

While individual acts of love are certainly important, supporting the diocese's development plan allows more people to be touched by the light. Therefore, every donation is an extension of that light, and every act of support is a source of strength. We cordially invite our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as friends from all walks of life, to join us in supporting the diocese's development plan. Let us join hands to make the light of Christ shine even brighter in Hong Kong, so that the radiance of peace, hope, and blessing may continue to shine upon this land.

May the peace of God be with you all.

Rev. Dominic Lui