HONG KONG (SE): “God shares in our sadness and pain. He is ready to welcome the souls of those who have passed away, bringing them back into his love. We can trust that God will take care of the souls who have left us,” said Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. during a Mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Tai Po on November 30.
He was joined by Father Kam Po-wai and Immaculate Heart of Mary Father Jean Sylvere Mbuela Pfuti as they prayed for the souls of the victims, the injured, and all those affected by the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court on November 26.
The parish has been reaching out to parishioners who live in Wang Fuk Court to confirm their safety in the aftermath of the disaster. According to Polly Chan, the parish secretary, as of early December, they found out that six people from the parish have died. This includes a family of two and their foreign domestic worker, two older women in their 70s, and a woman in her 40s. There is also one young man who is still missing.
Sister Monica Zung Men of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, shared her fears when she found a phone call unanswered and her grief over the loss of familiar faces. These elderly people were the ones she and others often visited and brought Communion to. But she also remembered families who faced this tragedy with courage.
The first three rows in the Church for the Mass were filled with residents of Wang Fuk Court. Among them was Siu Wai-yi, a 78-year-old parishioner, who received comforting hugs from fellow attendees, relieved to see her back at church.
She spoke with the Sunday Examiner about her sadness at losing her only son in the fire. At the time of the incident, she had been volunteering outside while he was taking his usual afternoon nap. Despite her desperate attempts to alert him, she was unable to reach him. She feels very helpless now because she has no family left.
Seventy-five-year-old Maria Yau lives in a temporary emergency shelter in Sam Mun Tsai. She is thankful to have a place to stay with her family, but hopes they can stay there a little longer.
From the Filipino community, Juliet Ying prayed for foreign domestic workers who perished in the blaze. She highlighted the plight of a community member who escaped with her old ward during the fire, with only her phone, and is now in need of help to procure essential travel documents for her travel back home in December.
During his homily, Cardinal Stephen comforted the audience by saying that God welcomes everyone who has died with love.
God welcomes those who have passed with love, “It is only that whether they are ready or willing to be welcomed and embraced by God,” he said, urging family members to keep praying for the souls of their beloved departed. As Christmas approaches, he highlighted the theme of hope in the Incarnation, emphasising that God comes to dwell among us as “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.”
He urged everyone to cherish their lives and relationships. “Life’s blessings, like our homes, should be appreciated and protected,” he said.
A call for love and positive remedies
Cardinal Stephen spoke about the importance of love and unity when faced with difficult times. He urged everyone to avoid hatred and blaming others. “And we should reflect objectively and courageously identify mistakes, striving to implement appropriate remedies or fundamental changes, so that people can live in safety, mutual support and peace,” he said. He acknowledged the efforts of Tai Po parish to support victims.
Father Pfuti in turn expressed appreciation to Cardinal Stephen and Father Kam for their compassionate support, emphasising how meaningful it was for affected families.
Cardinal Stephen met with parishioners who were affected by the disaster, along with Father Pfuti, in a meeting room. Meanwhile, Father Kam celebrated another Mass at St. Anna Wang Mass Centre to pray for those who lost their lives.
Later, the cardinal, Father Pfuti, gathered with parishioners in a park close to the damaged Wang Fuk Court to pray for the souls of those who have passed away. Survivors of the fire expressed their sadness, shared their feelings and cried together with the cardinal.
A team of trained helpers, including psychologists and social workers, went to assist people outside the parish that day.
On November 26, local volunteers gathered near Wang Fuk Court to give out supplies. Two families, who were all safe, were welcomed to stay at the parish for shelter.
In response to urgent needs, Caritas- Hong Kong is providing emotional support, temporary housing for elderly people, help for foreign workers, and assistance with funeral expenses.
Additionally, Sister Cora Demetillo, from the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants, said that foreign domestic workers who need help, a place to stay, or support to find new jobs can contact the centre for assistance.
