HONG KONG (SE): The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary [FMM] is set to celebrate its 150th founding Jubilee next year. Founded as an institute committed to the “universal mission”, FMM dedicates itself to solidarity with the poorest. In keeping with this founding vision and to share the joy and gratitude of its foundation, the General Council of FMM has launched a “Jubilee Project” ahead of the milestone celebration. This initiative encourages each sector (country/city) to develop projects that address the needs of displaced people, including those forced to flee their homes due to ecological crises and other socio-political challenges.
In response to this initiative, the FMM Sisters from the Hong Kong and Macau Sector organised a Lunar New Year gathering for the displaced persons in Hong Kong, aiming to promote intercultural understanding, share joy and hope through a sense of togetherness and cultural tradition.
The Lunar New Year Gathering took place on February 14 at St. Rose of Lima’s School. It was made possible by the dedicated effort of the 126 volunteers, including FMM Sisters, FMM Associate members, as well as teachers, parents, and students of St. Rose of Lima’s School who helped organise and participate. With the kind support of Green Field Pastoral Centre and Christian Action, which assisted in recruiting participants, 73 of whom from 26 families were warmly welcomed.
Prior to the event, social workers from Christian Action provided a briefing session for the volunteers, covering the challenges faced by displaced persons, volunteers’ role and responsibilities, and the necessary cultural sensitivity. Students from St. Rose of Lima’s School were also invited to prepare “Boxes of Hope” – gift boxes containing stationery, daily necessities and Halal snacks, for distribution on that day.
The event commenced with the school hall filled with festive joy, opening with the welcome song “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” performed by the FMM Sisters. The atmosphere soon came alive with vibrant Lion Dance and dynamic Chinese and African drum performances by both students and participants. A palpable spirit of joy and cultural harmony filled the hall as some participants performed an African dance, enthusiastically inviting everyone present to join in and dance together.
Following the performances, the student volunteers and children from the refugee families were overjoyed to take part in the “Lion Dance” competition and team games, and were excited to take home generous gift bags.
The celebration concluded with the sharing of a Halal meal and casual conversation, marking a meaningful celebration of communion and joy among people from diverse backgrounds.
Beyond the festivities, this occasion offered all volunteers a valuable opportunity—through briefing sessions, event coordination, and gift preparation—to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations in Hong Kong and to be messengers of hope for those in need.
