HONG KONG (SE): On February 7, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pok Fu Lam celebrated its patronal feast and 130 years of Catholic missionary work in the area.
The festivities featured a Marian Procession, whose origins date back to the evangelisation efforts of the Paris Foreign Missions Society [MEP] dating back to 1896. This event underscored the enduring faith and communal spirit within Pok Fu Lam’s Catholic heritage.
The procession commenced at University Hall, the dormitory of the University of Hong Kong and formerly the site of Nazareth Seminary. Both Father Dominic Chan Chi-Ming and Father Joseph Fan Kam-Tong, who grew up in Tai Koo Lau, Pok Fu Lam, attended this memorable occasion.
Father Chan reflected on the MEP’s missionary history and expressed admiration for Father Rene Chevalier, parish priest from 1952 to 1971, who rendered essential social services to those in need.
More than 230 participants proceeded on foot to Pok Fu Lam Village, visiting a preserved clinic established by Father Chevalier. Afterwards, they travelled by coach to Precious Blood Primary School in Wah Fu Estate and then to Yu Chun Keung Memorial Secondary School No. 2, concluding their journey at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
At the church, Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., the bishop of Hong Kong, rang a historic bronze bell cast in 1909 and first used by the Sisters of St Paul de Chartres in an orphanage.
The bell, gifted to the newly built church in 1938, rang out once more to mark the occasion. A Bible was also presented to a representative of the youth community, emphasising the importance of passing on the mission to future generations.
Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Stephen, along with MEP superior, Father Matthieu Masson; parish priest, Father Christopher Chor Yuk-wah; assistant parish priest, Father Adi Purnama Susanti; Father Chan; Father Fan; diocesan chancellor, Father Lawrence Lee Len; and others at the Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No. 2 school hall.
In his homily, the cardinal honoured the selfless contributions of early missionaries and urged that their spirit continue to inspire as the diocese marked its 80th anniversary.
He also highlighted the Virgin Mary’s role in guiding individuals towards Christ and encouraged parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes to embody love and unity in their communities.
The parish plans to make the procession regular feature of its annual feast day celebrations, recognising the enthusiasm of lay participants in learning about the area’s evangelisation history.
Historian Chan Tin-kuen noted that he joined to gather information for his classes and expressed delight at participating in the event. He observed that the government has preserved the clinic established by Father Chevalier for storage purposes, but believes it has potential for revitalisation.
Footsteps of the MEP missionaries
The MEP missionaries established the Bethanie Sanatorium in 1875 to help sick missionaries recover from tropical diseases. In 1885, they acquired Claymore for the Nazareth Seminary and Press, and in 1896, Father Joseph Gaztelu built a small chapel for printing workers.
In 1896, the MEP acquired Douglas Castle to house a new seminary and printing house, featuring two-storey buildings designed for the printing staff and providing accommodation for up to 300 residents, locally known as “Tai Koo Lau”.
Former residents and their descendants have formed a group to share memories, with Father Chan often participating in their activities.
The MEP expanded its services in response to population growth in the 1930s, constructing a larger church in 1938, officially named Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Little Flower’s School was established in 1951 to provide education for children living in Tai Koo Lau.
Under Father Chevalier’s leadership from 1952, the school welcomed local residents and, in 1954, a clinic was opened to offer affordable education and healthcare, further promoting the Catholic faith.
Susan Chan, who attended Little Flower School in the 1950s, recalled that the monthly school fee was only about $2.50, making it affordable for most low-income families. She also remembered Father Chevalier, always smiling as he rode his motorbike to the school and handing out food coupons to local residents.
In 1978, “Tai Koo Lau” was demolished, resulting in Sunday Masses being held at Precious Blood Primary School in Wah Fu Estate. It was not until 1982, when Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No. 2 was completed, that there was a space to rebuild the church.
The new building, featuring a distinctive white circular rooftop design, symbolised a new chapter for Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
