HONG KONG (SE): “When you look at things from a poor person’s perspective, life is tough. During the past seven days, I had to save money on transport fares and travel more. I was afraid of getting sick because I did not have money to go to the doctor or buy medicines. I thought twice before buying a fruit… and I did not feel that other people are willing to listen, to care or to accept,” a participant of a poverty experience programme organised by the Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs said in a sharing session at St. Mary’s Church, Hung Hom, on November 19.
In connection with the World Day of the Poor, the commission organised a series of events beginning at the end of October to raise public awareness about the plight of the marginalised. A poverty experience programme was conducted from November 8 to 15, during which participants were required to live within the budget of HK$780 for seven days, reflect on personal life experiences, and read articles regarding faith and labour.
Oscar Lai Man-lok, formation officer of the commission, stated that the experience programme was promoted not only in parishes but also in schools this year, and there was an increase from 60 last year to 231 participants from parishes and secondary schools, including catechumens and non-Catholic students.
In collaboration with St. Jude’s Church and the Transfiguration Chapel, North Point, the commission held talks to provide formation to leaders of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and social concern groups.
He said the programme had a positive response from schools. One good example was that as many as 100 students from the Immaculate Heart of Mary College, Shatin, joined it and put down a lot of valuable reflections after reading the recommended materials.
As many of the children in schools are not Catholics, different versions of the assigned reading were given to them. In order to avoid being influenced by society’s culture of indifference, the message was that to show love and concern in our small acts of day-to-day life.
Bishop Ha, in a video message, shared his reflection on the pope’s message for the day titled, “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor” [Tobit 4:7]. Pope Francis reminded people to take action to help the poor in a culture of indifference in which pity for the poor is a momentary feeling. “Although we know that there are many poor and disadvantaged people in the world, they are too often reduced to a brief glimpse in the news stories. It is sad for us for a while, and then it’s gone. There is no action!” he said.
I thought twice before buying a fruit… and I did not feel that other people are willing to listen, to care or to accept
The bishop further explained that helping the poor can be done by all and that a long-term relationship has to be developed with them. “It is not just about us giving out supplies. It’s about talking to them, communicating with them, letting them know that they are respected, that they are brothers and sisters in the Lord, and in that way, we can recognise God’s own face in the face of the poor” the bishop pointed out.
The programmes for the World Day of the Poor kicked off with an opening ceremony at St. Francis de Assisi Church, Sham Shui Po, on October 29, and the screening of the movie, “The Narrow Road,” depicting the plight of the cleaning workers who persevere to survive. Guest speaker, Jesuit Father Stephen Law, encouraged those present to learn from the kind Samaritans in their daily lives.
Vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, celebrated Mass on November 19, in which he reminded those present that even though Hong Kong is a relatively affluent city, we should not forget about the people without enough food and exploited labourers, as well as the people living in war zones.
