In the past two to three weeks, parish communities throughout Hong Kong have demonstrated remarkable dedication in promoting the Caritas Charity Raffle Sale, with parishioners actively engaged in ticket sales. Beginning November 3, Caritas-Hong Kong launched its annual charity bazaar which is being held over three Sundays this year.
Kowloon’s event returned to the Fah Hui Park offering a more spacious venue and an increased number of stalls hosted by parishes, Catholic associations, and schools. The event highlights a community gradually moving beyond the challenges of the pandemic, reawakening a social spirit many have missed. However, maintaining sound hygiene practices remains crucial to prevent a Covid-19 resurgence in the city.
Over the last six months, the diocese has spearheaded a series of significant events, including Diocesan Children’s Day, Diocesan Youth Day themed, “The Legend of Light Giver, the Voice of Dawn”, and Mission Sunday celebrations in partnership with local Catholic schools.
These events, culminating recently with the World Day of the Poor, have not only highlighted the Church’s service mission but also served as interconnected touchpoints of faith that inspire the broader community. Diocesan Children’s Day, for instance, saw eight young Hong Kong representatives travel to Rome to participate in a papal Mass, while a variety of local initiatives offered blessings, Taizé prayers, Eucharistic adoration, and open discussions with Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha and Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong. The exchanges gave children a voice in their parish life, even offering insightful suggestions that both surprised and inspired adults.
Maintaining faith in young people is indeed a concern as they may enter secondary education at non-Catholic schools, where peer pressure and competing priorities can make it challenging to sustain their spiritual growth. With this in mind, the diocese has placed family, parish, and peer engagement at the heart of its faith-building efforts. Recognising these needs, it established the Committee for Pastoral Care of Children which is committed to developing specific initiatives that nurture young parishioners’ faith.
Mission Sunday also saw a shift in tradition this year with each deanery hosting local celebrations rather than a centralised gathering at the Government Stadium. This approach created unique opportunities for parishioners, students, and Catholic school faculty to connect within their communities. Non-Catholics, too, were invited to experience the true essence of Mission Sunday as they joined in events like musical performances, game booths, variety shows, and community outreach activities.
By bringing neighbours closer, the Church seeks to embody Mission Sunday’s purpose: reaching out to all, sharing God’s message of love, and fostering meaningful connections across all communities.
As we look to the Jubilee Year of 2025, themed, “Pilgrims of Hope”, Pope Francis has issued a call to serve as beacons of hope for others, urging that we extend compassion and support to children, youth, the elderly, and particularly to those who are marginalised—including prisoners, the sick, migrants, and refugees. In this spirit, let us step forward with a heart filled with God’s hope to uplift those around us, and journey together to a more compassionate world. SE
