HONG KONG (SE): July 1 marked the establishment day of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) or the anniversary of handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to mainland China in 1997.
On the occasion of 23rd anniversary on 1 July 2020 , the Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace and Labour Affairs Commission together with Hong Kong Christian Council and a number of Christian denominations jointly organised a prayer gathering in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Wan Chai, to pray for Hong Kong.
While delivering his message during the prayer service, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, said that “according to Catholic social doctrine, the ultimate foundation of all human rights is derived from the human dignity which comes from being children of God. This dignity tells us that we are not slaves, but children of God’s freedom.”
In the past, the anniversary celebrations included parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, sports matches, and a fireworks display. But 23rd anniversary painted a different picture with the Central government clamping the National Security Law over the city of Hong Kong.
Fireworks were replaced by teargas canisters and parades gave way to demonstrations by protesters on streets, although for the first time in 17 years, the annual pro-democracy march, held since 2003, was not permitted.
Photos: Facebook page of 天主教正義和平委員會 (Justice and Peace Commission
