HONG KONG (SE): The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong launched its 80th anniversary celebrations in 2026 with Love – a Spring of Hope, a public prayer and cultural event held on January 18 at Chater Garden in Central. Featuring music, prayer and performances, the gathering brought together Church leaders, government officials and the wider community to give thanks for eight decades of the Church’s presence and mission in Hong Kong.
At the outset of the celebration, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, prayed for “God’s blessings for Hong Kong and everyone present, with love, faith and hope that does not disappoint.”
The celebration was honoured by the presence of Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect of the Section for First Evangelisation and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, and John Lee Ka-chiu, the chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR.
In his welcoming address, Cardinal Stephen thanked Cardinal Tagle and the chief executive for their presence, and warmly greeted leaders of other Christian denominations, priests and religious, and the people of Hong Kong.
He said the diocese was profoundly blessed to mark its 80th anniversary, commemorating its establishment as a diocese in 1946. “It is therefore our sincere desire to celebrate this anniversary with a prayerful and meaningful event, blessing Hong Kong, our beloved people and the city,” he said.
Referring to January 6—the Solemnity of the Epiphany and the closing of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica—Cardinal Stephen noted the symbolic conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Recalling the words of Pope Leo XIV while closing the Holy Door, Cardinal Stephen reminded the faithful that the door of the Sacred Heart of Jesus remains always open, especially “whenever we are weary or burdened.”
Lee praised the diocese for its eight decades of significant contributions in education, healthcare and social services, describing it as a unifying and compassionate force in society.
The chief executive called for continued unity and cooperation, expressing confidence that the diocese would remain a key partner in building a harmonious and prosperous future for Hong Kong.
It is therefore our sincere desire to celebrate this anniversary with a prayerful and meaningful event, blessing Hong Kong, our beloved people and the city
Cardinal Stephen
“I am confident that the diocese will continue to create positivity for the community, working hand in hand with the government and the people of Hong Kong,” Lee said.
In his homily, Cardinal Tagle said, “There is no better way to celebrate God’s fidelity and goodness than to pray together for the blessing of Hong Kong, for the Church exists not for itself, but for the service of everyone.”
Reflecting on the meaning of true blessing, he said it involves seeing God’s face and allowing God to gaze gently upon us, echoing Psalm 80:3: “Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” He added, “May the face of Jesus always smile upon Hong Kong, and may Hong Kong rejoice in the face of Jesus.”
Cardinal Tagle and Cardinal Stephen then imparted a final blessing to the large crowd gathered at Chater Garden, encouraging all present to be messengers of hope in their communities.
Also in attendance were Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, members of the diocesan Curia, and Monsignor Jose Luis Diaz-Mariblanca Sanchez, head of the Holy See Study Mission, along with priests and religious sisters.
Government representatives included Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, secretary for Development; Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan, secretary for the Civil Service; and Alice Mak Mei-kuen, secretary for Home and Youth Affairs. Former chief executives Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Donald Tsang Yam-kuen were also present.
There is no better way to celebrate God’s fidelity and goodness than to pray together for the blessing of Hong Kong, for the Church exists not for itself, but for the service of everyone
Cardinal Tagle
Leaders from other Christian denominations included Anglican Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming, Bishop Matthias Clement Der Tze-Wo, and Bishop Jackson Yeung Yau-chi of the Lutheran Church.
Speaking to the Sunday Examiner, Bishop Yeung said he was deeply moved by the anniversary theme song, which illustrated the Church’s contribution to society, particularly during challenging periods such as the post-war influx of refugees. He noted that Catholic and other Christian communities have long provided essential services and served as a foundation for social stability.
He expressed hope that Christian Churches would continue to join hands in blessing Hong Kong together.
The programme featured the anniversary theme song performed by four singers accompanied by the Diocesan English Youth Band.
Children from St Margaret Mary’s Church presented a dance, with nearly 20 children using rainbows and stars to express their hopes. A drama by Wheat Ears Theatre engaged the audience through a simple catechism quiz, underscoring the call to share gospel love with all.
The Catholic Rosary Evangelical Dance Group performed an interactive dance, encouraging everyone to be a light to others, while the Diocesan English Youth Band led the audience in songs proclaiming hope and God’s promises.
The prayer service included readings from the New Testament in Chinese and English, as well as prayers of the faithful offered in multiple languages—Cantonese, English, Filipino, French, Putonghua, Korean and Vietnamese—for Hong Kong, care for the environment and world peace.
