Spreading Hope, Starting Anew
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we head into the final quarter of 2025 and look back on the past three seasons, our world remains full of challenges — poverty, hunger, disease, disasters, and wars persist in every corner of the globe.
This year marks the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025. As the late Pope Francis called on us to be “Pilgrims of Hope”, he was not just inviting us to make pilgrimage to Rome or other sacred places to rediscover God’s presence. It is also a call to practice synodality in our daily lives, showing special care for the most vulnerable: the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, migrants, and refugees. By embracing one another with compassion and encouragement, we can help rekindle hope in their lives.
This aligns perfectly with the mission of Caritas – Hong Kong: “Love in the Service of Hope.” Since its founding in 1953, Caritas has been rooted in Christ’s love, dedicated to serving those society often overlooks, with a particular focus on the needs and aspirations of the Last, the Least, and the Lost.
As we celebrate this Jubilee Year, I invite you to join us in carrying forward the mission of “Pilgrims of Hope” through your generous donation and support to Caritas, enabling the Agency to demonstrate compassion and love through services, foster unity in society with care and kindness, and provide social work, education, medical, community, and other essential services for the underprivileged. With your financial and material support, we can work hand in hand to help those we serve rediscover their strengths, reignite hope in themselves, the world and the future, and live with renewed dignity and purpose.
We understand that many people may be facing financial strain and holding back on giving in uncertain economic times. Yet, the Gospel of Luke reminds us through the story of the poor widow, whose humble offering surpassed all others, that the value of giving lies not in its amount but in the love and generous spirit with which it is given.
Even in moments that seem dark and hopeless, we, as Christians, are called to be messengers of hope. With faith and charity, let us walk alongside our suffering sisters and brothers so that they may glimpse the light of God’s love and, with the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, they will continue forward with courage.
May God’s grace shine upon you, and may we continue to grow in the love of Christ.
+Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J.
Bishop of Hong Kong
The Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2025
