HONG KONG (SE): In the days following the devastating fire in Tai Po—described by many as one of Hong Kong’s most heartbreaking modern tragedies—local Catholics joined thousands of residents in mourning, prayer, and acts of solidarity. Among them was Paul Ng, who shared a deeply personal testimony of grace, encounter, and conversion as he ministered at the site from November 29 to December 7.
Ng said he first arrived in Tai Po out of regret for not responding sooner. Witnessing the outpouring of public compassion—flowers, prayers, and silent vigils—he felt called to remain at the site to pray for the dead, the grieving, and all affected by the tragedy. “I feared the questions about why God would allow such suffering,” he reflected, “yet I knew I had to follow Jesus and Mary there.”
A series of encounters reinforced his sense of mission. On November 30, after Sunday Mass, a middle-aged man approached him at the Catholic Centre in Central and encouraged him to return to Tai Po. The brief exchange, which Ng described as carrying “authority and peace,” moved him to commit himself fully to accompanying those in sorrow.
His days at the site were marked by continuous prayer, conversations with passers-by, and moments of unexpected consolation. On December 1, without any prior planning, he went to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Tai Po, which became a spiritual anchor for his ministry. As he prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary around the scene of the fire, he encountered grieving families, photographers, volunteers, nuns, and even non-believers seeking comfort or simply standing in silent solidarity.
Where sorrow was deep, Jesus poured abundant mercy. Mary gently led hearts toward hope
Across the week, Catholics, Protestants, Filipinos, and members of the wider community joined the prayers. “The Lord and Our Lady had already gone to Tai Po,” he said. “I was simply called to follow.”
On December 5, Ng described witnessing “heavenly signs of light” captured in photographs taken during daytime prayers, though invisible to the naked eye. That same day, various groups prayed the Rosary, Litanies, Stations of the Cross, and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Despite physical fatigue, he said he felt strengthened by the unity of the community.
A Memorial Mass held on December 6 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church brought together parishioners, clergy, survivors, and volunteers. One woman spoke with gratitude for God’s protection and the support of neighbours—her testimony left a deep impression on those present.
The final day of Ng’s ministry, December 7, saw crowds continuing to stream into the area to mourn and pray. Families folded paper birds, offered flowers, and stood together in silence. During the afternoon, a small girl requested a scapular and received one that had been providentially brought earlier that day. Later, a young woman returned to the site unexpectedly with boxes of Divine Mercy cards; she prayed with the group and offered intercession for one woman who, after struggling with pain, was able to kneel again.
The Lord and Our Lady had already gone to Tai Po, I was simply called to follow
Paul Ng
Throughout his days in Tai Po, Ng witnessed not only grief but also extraordinary charity. He recalled stories of selfless sacrifice: the Filipino domestic worker who saved the young master at the cost of her own life; a neighbour who escaped the flames only to turn back and warn others, saving five residents before losing her life; and firefighters who worked tirelessly through the rubble and smoke. “These acts of love illuminated all our hearts,” he said.
People from overseas travelled to Hong Kong simply to stand in solidarity, joining locals in prayer and silent mourning. “Hong Kong—today, we are united,” Ng said, reflecting on the collective sorrow that had drawn the city together.
He concluded his testimony by entrusting the city to Christ and the Blessed Mother: “Where sorrow was deep, Jesus poured abundant mercy. Mary gently led hearts toward hope.”
As the city continues to grieve and rebuild, the prayers and compassion shown at Tai Po remain a powerful reminder of faith shining through the darkest moments.
Paul Ng
