HONG KONG (SE): The communities of overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong celebrated the 125th anniversary of the independence of the Philippines on Chater Road on June 11. The national day fell on the following Monday, June 12.
On the feast day of the Body and Blood of Christ, Divine Word Father Jay Flandez, chaplain to Filipino migrants, reminded those present that as baptised Catholics of the country, Filipinos are united in one body of Christ and as one nation, even though each person is unique.
At the beginning of the Mass, Father Flandez thanked the national heroes who sacrificed their lives to fight for the freedom of people. He urged the overseas workers to, in spite of distance, remember their commitment to their families, do good to family members and other brothers and sisters in the country.
He also urged those present to pray for the soul of Sister Mary Bernadette De Castro, a Poor Clares sister at Portiuncula Monastery, Lamma Island, who had passed away at 5.00am that day.
An interfaith prayer service was held before the Mass in which Christian and Islamic community leaders prayed for the governance, national security, legal system, peace, the overseas workers and the Bayanihan spirit of the nation.
During the service, Sister Corazon Demetillo, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos, expressed deep gratitude to God for journeying with Filipinos, in their struggle to attain freedom and independence as a nation from the colonisers 125 years ago, and until now.
The Mass was organised by the chaplaincy and the Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong. Around 300 people joined the Mass, including consul general, Raly Tejada, and other consular officials.
The Mass was followed by a parade in which various Filipino communities marched to the stage in Chater Road in colourful traditional costumes for a celebration organised by the Philippine consulate in Hong Kong and other organisations.
A member of the Social Justice for Migrant Workers, Elisa Singcoy, who joined the parade, said her prayer for the country that day would be for unity, freedom and the wellbeing of the overseas workers. She recalled that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the group had helped many infected overseas workers who were terminated or those who did not have enough resources to cope. Now, even though the pandemic has subsided, she said they are still ready to help any one who is terminated or distressed.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Lody Rememdoal held an image of the Sto. Nino and danced her way along Chater Road in the parade. Coming from Iloilo, she had joined Sinolog Festivals in her hometown before and was happy to bring it to the parade in Hong Kong.
