HONG KONG (SE): The Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos and Simbayanan-Kammpi Hong Kong hosted a choral concert to mark the Jubilee Year at the Caritas Community Hall on Prince Edward Road, Kowloon, on October 29. The day began with a Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing in which he encouraged the migrants present to renew their hope in Christ amid the trials of life in Hong Kong.
Under the theme “Missionaries of Hope”, the programme that day also celebrated the 26th Anniversary of Kammpi.
The choral concert titled, “WitneSing: Evangelisation through Music”, highlighted the theme song for the Jubliee Year for migrant communities in Hong Kong, “With Hearts Inflamed,” which was composed by the Filipino migrants in Hong Kong, with arrangements by Jesuit Father Manuel Francisco.
In a video message, Father Francisco expressed gratitude to Good Shepherd Sister Corazon Demetillo, spiritual adviser, for the privilege of collaborating on the song. He spoke of the importance of being pilgrims of hope and urged the audience to remain steadfast witnesses, reaffirming their trust in God despite the world’s considerable challenges.
The day’s festivities commenced with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Ha, and concelebrated by Dominican Father Hyacinth He Yousun, Oblate Father Roy Paciente, Sacred Heart Father Albertus Suryadi, Claretian Father Ian Dacayanan, and Jesuit Father Felipe Bacalso—the latter two travelled from Macau.
Bishop Ha expressed his joy at gathering in the Mass and highlighted that the Eucharist provides a renewed sense of hope through the incarnation of Jesus Christ
Bishop Ha expressed his joy at gathering in the Mass and highlighted that the Eucharist provides a renewed sense of hope through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Acknowledging the various challenges and uncertainties that migrant workers face in their daily lives, he underscored the necessity of placing trust in God’s providence.
The bishop encouraged everyone to practice four essential actions: starting each day with morning prayer, connecting with one another, sharing generously, and offering mutual support as they strive to be missionaries of hope.
Referencing Matthew 6:26, he reminded everyone that just as God cares for the birds of the air, so too will he care for them. He further encouraged attendees to remember Jesus’ instructions from Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the Kingdom of God.”
Fifteen communities showcased their talents during the choral concert, with each presenting two songs of their choice alongside the designated theme song.
Hong Kong’s Philippine consul general, Romulo Victor Israel Jr., was the guest speaker for the event. Coming to the celebration after visiting three hospitalised Filipino overseas workers, he remarked on the importance of caring for one another as Filipinos, particularly as members of the same faith.
The bishop encouraged everyone to practice four essential actions: starting each day with morning prayer, connecting with one another, sharing generously, and offering mutual support as they strive to be missionaries of hope
Sharing a lighter anecdote about attending a tennis tournament where Filipino champion, Alexandra Eala, played, he pointed out that Filipinos excel in diverse fields when they strive for excellence. He drew attention to two treasured values within the Filipinos—faith and joy, with the latter mostly expressed through muscial talents—that flourish even in the face of adversity.
He noted that Filipino resilience enables individuals to maintain positivity even amid significant challenges, such as natural disasters and economic hardship, and are qualities that make them sought-after employees in Hong Kong.
Before concluding, the consul general emphasised the importance of prayer, preparation, and unity in the pursuit of shared aspirations. He encouraged the audience to “walk together” as a family or community united in hope.
At the end of the concert, Sister Demetillo distributed certificates of recognition to each community to show gratitude for their wonderful performances.
Concluding the event, Father Bacalso commissioned all attendees to commit themselves as missionaries of hope, with Divine Master Sister Mary Victoria Victorino bringing the day to a peaceful close with a prayer.
