HONG KONG (SE): One of the important aspects of the Lunar New Year celebrations is the family reunion meal on the eve of the new year. This year, Church leaders organised different, small, reunions for the elderly who live alone to bring them joy a few days before the Lunar New Year.
Arranged by the St. Joseph’s Association and the Social Concern Group of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan SJ, visited the elderly living alone in Cheung Sha Wan and Kwun Tong on January 29. On the same day, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing visited the elderly living in Shelley Street, the Mid-Levels, as well as those in Sheung Wan, Shau Kei Wan and Aberdeen.
During the visits, Bishop Chow and Bishop Ha imparted blessings and prayed that the elderly would be loved and supported by those around them, and be able to give love.
The community members also gave them boxes of New Year food.
Days before the First Day of Lunar New Year, when the cold weather warning was hoisted, parishioners gave some New Year food and winter clothes to the homeless in Mongkok and Yau Ma Tei.
In his message for the Chinese New Year [Sunday Examiner, January 30], Bishop Chow had appealed to the faithful to “Take a step further to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need. Depending on your ability, please consider donating to a charity organisation, such as Caritas-Hong Kong, some diocesan, religious or lay associations, or other secular NGOs to help the people in need.”
“Pay special attention to those who are emotionally or psychologically disturbed. A brief phone call or a text message conveying your regards to the family members, friends, co-workers or classmates under hardship will be of great help,” Bishop Chow said.
