HONG KONG (SE): A Mass was celebrated by the Filipino communities in Hong Kong on Chater Road on the afternoon of June 14, concluding a vibrant, day-long celebration of the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence [actual date on June 12]. The Mass was celebrated by Divine Word missionaries, Father Jay Francis Flandez, chaplain to Filipino migrants, and concelebrated by Father Ronillo Ordenes.
Drawing from Matthew 9:36, where Jesus looks upon the weary crowds with pity, Father Ordenes addressed the everyday realities faced by Overseas Filipino Workers [OFWs] in Hong Kong. Acknowledging that everyone carries heavy burdens, he reminded the congregation that they had chosen to work abroad out of profound love for their families. Instead of succumbing to constant complaints, workers were urged to bring their exhaustion to a compassionate Jesus.
Coinciding with Independence Day, Father Ordenes reframed freedom as liberation from sin through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice in the Eucharist.
An interfaith prayer meeting was held earlier that morning, as Filipino religious leaders from Catholic and Protestant Churches and the Muslim community offered prayers for their country. Sister Victoria Victorino, assistant director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos, thanked God for the Philippines’ freedom, the courage of migrant workers, and the spirit of friendship in Hong Kong.
She brought current trials before God, praying for solidarity and aid for recent Mindanao earthquake victims. For global migrant workers, she asked for physical and moral strength to support one another and to resist despair, urging leaders to serve the common good.
Upskilling and rich faith traditions
Speaking to the Sunday Examiner, consul general, Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., described overseas Filipino workers as the economic backbone of Hong Kong. By managing households and childcare, they enable local residents—especially women—to drive city growth.
Beyond domestic work, Israel highlighted a wave of self-realisation, with Filipinos breaking stereotypes by excelling in sports, painting, poetry, and filmmaking. He also shared that a recent partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority achieved an 86 per cent pass rate for professional caregiving certifications, effectively equipping workers with valuable skills for future career transitions.
Crucially, the consul general emphasised that the Catholic faith remains the ultimate anchor of resilience for the community. Recalling Pope Francis’s affectionate description of Filipinos as “smugglers of faith,” the consul general praised how workers actively revitalise local parishes as lectors, altar servers, and choir members wherever they go.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Looking ahead, Israel expressed an eager desire to collaborate further with the local diocese to introduce unique Philippine spiritual traditions to the wider Hong Kong public, for example, by organising a prayerful Marian fluvial procession together. “We want to connect and we want to enrich each other’s faith tradition,” he noted.
Israel also expressed deep gratitude to Hong Kong for offering a decent haven for over 200,000 Filipino professionals and domestic workers, while at the same time acknowledging the long-standing issue of workers lacking space to gather during their Sundays off. He revealed that he has formulated several structural proposals and is waiting for the opportune time to present them to the Hong Kong government.
The Independence Day celebrations were combined into one high-energy event with the annual Migrant Workers’ Day and the Hong Kong-Philippines Friendship Day by the consulate on Chater Road. Festivities began at 9.00am with a vibrant one-hour parade showcasing cultural performers, consulate representatives, and regional groups from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The day-long cultural performances were attended by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers Secretary, Hans Leo J. Cacdac, who flew in with his team.
