
Last Sunday, July 6, marked a significant moment for the Catholic community in Tung Chung with the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Our Lady of the Visitation Parish. This represents a triumph of perseverance, years in making.
Over a decade was spent navigating the process of land acquisition from the government, culminating in the allocation of a central plot for a new church and community hall. The location near the MTR and the Ngong Ping Cable Car positions it as a vital hub for evangelisation, a bridge connecting people, including the many visitors from mainland China who frequent the area.
Tung Chung is undergoing rapid transformation. The population already exceeds 100,000 and is projected to reach 300,000 by year-end due to ongoing government expansion, the need for a larger, more accessible spiritual centre is critical. The current, modest chapel is not only antiquated but also remotely located, forcing Sunday Masses to be held in a school hall. A new church is essential for worship and the expansion of vital pastoral work, enabling the Church to fully embed itself within the community, fulfill its social responsibilities, and extend a hand to the vulnerable.
The challenge of funding remains paramount as the completion needed to be finished within a specified timeframe. The sheer cost of construction is substantial, necessitating a collective effort from the entire Church community.
The “Walk to Nurture Creation 2025” fundraising walkathon on February 23, organised by the Diocesan Fundraising Committee for Church Building and Development Fund, raised crucial funds for both the new church and improvements to Catholic cemetery facilities.
Catholic schools across Hong Kong also played a pivotal role. Over a hundred diocesan secondary schools, primary schools, and kindergartens rallied their students on March 22 and 23 for variety shows and music marathons. These events not only showcased their diverse talents but also served as powerful fundraising platforms. Crucially, the schools took the opportunity to educate students on the importance of the fundraising efforts and the Church’s broader service to society, fostering a shared commitment to diocesan pastoral development. These initiatives truly became opportune moments for evangelisation.
Faced with an economic downturn, some might ask: Is it appropriate to conduct fundraising activities now?
Firstly, most churches in Hong Kong are concentrated on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, from a pastoral perspective the diocese, needs to build new churches in the New Territories and Lantau Island to minister to the faithful. Secondly, the Church’s invaluable social services, particularly in education and support for the disadvantaged, have always been continuous and steadfast. Even amidst challenging circumstances, the decision has been to press forward.
We urge all to contribute, generously and with open hearts, to this vital endeavour. Let us unite in faith and purpose to build a Church that serves as a beacon of hope and a cornerstone of the community. SE