HONG KONG (SE): Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing blessed newly renovated ground-floor facilities at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel in Tai O, Lantau, on October 18, enhancing its capacity to welcome parishioners, pilgrims and groups seeking a place for prayer and retreat.
The improvements include modernised shower facilities, a refurbished kitchen and renovated toilets. According to the chapel, the upgraded amenities will support overnight stays for groups of 20 to 30 people taking part in retreats, gatherings and other activities.
Claretian Father Jojo Peter Ancheril said the previous toilets dated back about 70 years. The renovation, he explained, was needed to better accommodate elderly parishioners and visitors.
“The new facilities are a sign of our hospitality and care, helping all who come to our parish feel welcome, comfortable, and valued,” he said.
Father Ancheril also highlighted the chapel’s growing appeal to local Catholics and tourists visiting Tai O.
Following the blessing, Bishop Ha presided over a Mass marking World Mission Sunday and anticipating the October 24 feast of St. Anthony Mary Claret, founder of the Claretian Missionaries. St. Claret established the congregation in Vic, Spain, on 16 July 1849, together with five other priests.
Concelebrating with the bishop were Father Ancheril and fellow Claretians Father Ezakias Anthonyswamy, the parish priest; Father Alberto Santiago Rossa; and Father Josekutty Mathew. Deacon Johnny Wong assisted at the liturgy.
Nineteen Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres, together with members of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Angels and the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate joined members of the local Chinese- and English-speaking communities for the celebration.
In his homily, Bishop Ha reflected on the Gospel account in which Jesus responds to a question intended to trap him over the payment of taxes to Caesar.
Drawing a comparison with everyday life, the bishop observed that people today carry smartphones in their pockets rather than the ancient coin presented to Jesus. Christians, he said, must nevertheless remember that they bear God’s image and are called to reflect his presence through their lives.
He encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast witnesses to faith and love in an increasingly secularised world.
The celebration also offered an opportunity to recall St. Claret’s commitment to spreading the Gospel through preaching and publishing.
The 19th-century Spanish missionary established the Religious Library publishing house in 1848 to make religious books, booklets and leaflets widely accessible. He founded the Claretian congregation the following year and was subsequently appointed archbishop of Santiago de Cuba.
His ministry in Cuba combined pastoral renewal with practical concern for people’s welfare. He opposed slavery, promoted education, established a farm school for poor children and supported initiatives intended to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.
