HONG KONG (SE): On September 8, the newly completed Chapel of Illumination at St. Paul’s Church’s Jesus Christ Centre opened its doors to the public for the inaugural “Central Midday Music Oasis.” Co-hosted by St. Paul’s Church and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the ecumenical lunchtime gathering drew a full house of over one hundred Catholic and Protestant faithful, alongside Central office workers seeking a peaceful pause during their workday.
Reverend Lam Chun-wai, vicar of St. Paul’s Church, welcomed guests to the new venue, expressing his hope that the chapel would serve as a sanctuary for quiet rest on weekdays and allow people to worship God through music. Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, parish priest of the cathedral, added that the initiative grew out of a desire to support busy professionals in Central. He noted that the cathedral will continue collaborating with St. Paul’s Church to care for vulnerable community members in the Central and Western District, including elderly individuals living alone and the unhoused.
The landmark session featured internationally renowned handbell soloist, conductor, and composer Emily Li, accompanied on piano by Ng Mo-suet. The program featured sacred classics such as “Ave Maria,” “Via Dolorosa” (Way of Suffering), “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” “Be Still, My Soul,” and “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Flutist Jay Liu joined for the final piece, “What a Wonderful World.”
Sharing her forty-year journey with the handbell, Li reflected that she felt chosen by the instrument to carry out the mission of promoting it. She highlighted how the handbell relies on unity and ensemble collaboration to create connections deeper than words, describing its sound as heavenly. She reflected that through his journey along the Via Dolorosa, the Lord Jesus brought redemption and a deep, boundless love to humanity—a love that surrounds everyone like the air we breathe and transforms into a gift of peace and joy, reminding us of God’s constant presence.
Ng praised the chapel’s aesthetics and acoustics, noting that performing there felt vastly different from playing at home or in a concert hall. She cherished the rare, profound atmosphere of making music and worshiping alongside fellow believers, adding that the emotions of the day would stay with her for years to come.
Liu shared that he was playing a vintage World War II-era flute. Because of the delicate age of its keys, Liu uses it sparingly to avoid damaging the old mechanism, avoiding overly fast tempos and reserving it for select performances to bring out its distinct, antique sound.
Reflecting on the event, Reverend Lam shared his fondness for the opening piece, “Ave Maria,” noting that the date coincided with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a significant feast day also for the Anglican Church honoring her birth. He felt the music resonated beautifully with the liturgical occasion, invoking a sense of tranquility and solemnity. Father Chan added that the musicians’ outstanding performance marked a successful launch for the monthly series.
The next gathering is scheduled for October 13 at the Jesus Christ Centre on Lower Albert Road.
