HONG KONG (SE): On December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception became a place of solemn prayer and remembrance. The faithful gathered to honour the pro-life patron and mourn the victims of the recent Wang Fuk Court fire. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, who presided at the Mass, emphasised the urgent need for compassion and practical support for survivors during this time of grief.
On the same day, Masses were celebrated across the eight deaneries of the diocese in memory of those who lost their lives in the fire. In a video message shared on Boiling Point, the diocesan youth social media platform, Bishop Ha explained that the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was a particularly fitting occasion to pray for the victims, as she is a powerful symbol of the dignity of life. “Her appearance to the indigenous saint shows her special concern for those who are suffering,” he said.
For two decades, a dedicated group of devotees—led by Sister Emilia Marcelo of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and Jennie Wong—has organised an annual Mass in honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the cathedral. This year, the Mass was concelebrated by Filipino chaplain Divine Word Father Jay Flandez and Oblate Father Jun Jacobe. The late Franciscan Father Efren Ojeda, who had long celebrated the annual Mass with the community, was fondly remembered during the liturgy.
More than 300 people gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to mark the feast, commemorating the day in 1531 when the Virgin Mary left her image on the tilma of San Juan Diego.
In his homily, Bishop Ha reflected on Luke 1:39, which recounts how Mary hastened to visit her cousin Elizabeth, highlighting her selfless response despite her own pregnancy. He noted that this gospel passage holds particular significance in the wake of the fire tragedy on November 26, reminding the faithful of the preciousness of every human life. He encouraged the congregation to follow Mary’s example by reaching out to those who feel fearful and uncertain in times of trial.
The bishop further emphasised the importance of community, saying, “In the Tai Po fire, we saw hurt and loss, sorrow and sadness. Let us come together to support one another.” He stressed that, in moments of hardship, a caring community can offer strength to those who feel isolated. He urged the faithful not to wait for disasters before offering help to friends, family, or colleagues, but to live each day ready to serve others with love.
Overseas, members of the Hong Kong community in the United Kingdom also organised prayer gatherings and memorial Masses on December 12 and 13. At St. Augustine’s Church in Solihull on December 13, more than a hundred faithful from Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, and Leamington Spa gathered for a Mass celebrated by Monsignor Daniel McHugh, uniting in prayer and reflection for the victims and their families.
