HONG KONG (SE): Catholics and members of the public are invited to support church and cemetery development through a weekend of music, family activities and a charity dog walk on the Wan Chai waterfront on November 7 and 8.
Organised by the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development, “Loving Legacy · Legacy of Love” will raise funds for the renewal and development of churches and cemeteries across Hong Kong. The programme combines the two-day “Praises of Creation” music festival with “Love Pawty,” a dog walk, pet blessing and carnival.
In a promotional video, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J,, described music as a gift from God that touches hearts, brings people together and draws them closer to him. He encouraged the faithful to embrace the opportunity to praise God through music.
Commission chairperson Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming said the fundraising would support the construction of the new Visitation Church in Tung Chung and improvements to cemetery facilities.
According to Father Chan, the church project is estimated to cost HK$500 million and is expected to be completed by 2029. Foundation work is nearing completion, with construction of the main building to follow.
The planned four-storey building will provide approximately 4,826 square metres of floor space, including a main worship space seating 1,000 people, a smaller chapel and a 500-seat multipurpose hall
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Two days of music and praise
“Praises of Creation” will run from 11.00am to 10.00pm on Saturday, November 7, and from 10.30am to 6.00pm on Sunday, November 8. The organisers expanded the programme to two days following an enthusiastic response from schools.
Around 50 performing groups from Catholic schools, parishes, religious congregations and the wider community are expected to participate. They include the Society of the Divine Word Band, Visitation Church One Voice Choir, Renewal in the Spirit Community, AMDG and Gabriel’s Message Choir.
Saturday’s programme will conclude with a communal sing-along led by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, the diocesan vicars general, Father Chan and local musicians.
The festival offers an opportunity for families, parish communities and visitors to enjoy performances while supporting the diocese’s development needs.
Walking together with four-legged friends
On November 8, “Love Pawty” will bring dogs and their owners to the waterfront for an afternoon celebrating creation and companionship.
The event will run from 1.30pm to 6.00pm, beginning at HarbourChill with pet blessings led by Bishop Ha before five walking sessions for dogs of different sizes. Participants will follow a circular route through the Wan Chai Water Sports and Recreation Precinct before returning to HarbourChill for carnival activities.
The registration donation is HK$299 per dog. To take part, owners must register their dogs using their official licence number before November 7.
Each registered dog will receive a colour-coded bandana and a St. Francis identification tag, together with a personal online fundraising page that owners can share with friends and family. Donations will support Church and cemetery renewal and development projects.
Dogs will be assigned to groups according to their weight, with staggered starting times intended to provide a safer and more comfortable experience. Owners will receive their group assignments and starting times by email.
According to the organisers, nearly 50 dogs had registered by early November, with those weighing less than seven kilogrammes making up more than half of the number so far.
After the walk, participants can enjoy carnival booths, agility games, dog health talks and workshops at HarbourChill.
Through music, fellowship and an afternoon with their pets, participants will have an opportunity to support facilities serving the Church and the wider community.
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