HONG KONG (SE): The Diocese of Hong Kong is set to launch its 80th anniversary celebrations in 2026 with the “Love – a Spring of Hope” event, scheduled for 18 January at Chater Garden in Central. The event aims to unite Christians and the people of Hong Kong, emphasising a collective commitment to moving forward together despite challenges.
The celebration will commence with a liturgical prayer centred on hope, featuring a sermon by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the pro-prefect for the Section for First Evangelisation and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, and a speech from John Lee, the chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR.
Afterwards, a variety show will showcase performances from the Catholic Rosary Evangelical Dance Group, Wheat Ears Theater, St. Margaret Mary’s Church, and the Diocese’s English Youth Band, all conveying messages of hope.
Wheat Ears Theatre will present an interactive performance centred on ‘God’s Merciful Love’. Eric Wong, the group’s president, explained that the drama will invite attendees to participate actively, including taking on certain roles, to demonstrate that God’s love is universal and accessible to all, regardless of biblical knowledge or faith level. The presentation will also feature a quiz to encourage audience participation and inspire the spirit of evangelism.
during a rehearsal at St. Jude’s, North Point, on January 4.
Emily Or from the Rosary Evangelical Dance Group stated that their modern dance performance reflects the uniqueness of each individual in God’s eyes. Audience members will be encouraged to join in singing “This Little Light of Mine,” with the aim of inspiring everyone to illuminate the lives of others.
The Diocesan English Youth Band will perform uplifting songs and encourage the audience to participate. At the service’s conclusion, attendees will join together to sing the theme song for the 80th anniversary, celebrating the Church’s deep connection with the city and its ongoing commitment to social service and faith.
Cardinal Stephen, Oblate Father John Wotherspoon, the Holy Cross parish choir, and others collaborated on the production of the 80th anniversary theme song’s music video. The Chinese version is now available on the diocese’s YouTube channel, with an English version to be released soon.
The video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/e2sm-HQ3Ykg?si=FzGzifdDU-g7ow64
