HONG KONG (SE): With the establishment of the new wing of St. Joseph’s Church, Fanling, plants mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8 as symbols of a promised land, such as wheat and fig trees, are now grown in the garden of the parish.
In fact, God’s work in the blessed soil of Fanling can be seen in the unity of many prior to the dedication of the new building on January 6, including donors, parishioners, the Fanling community, as well as the preparation work of late former parish priest Father Francesco Conte and of current parish priest, Father Pietro Paolo Dossi, both of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions [PIME].
In 2019, Father Conte set up a extension preparation team with around ten members to raise funds for the facilities and future operations, as he believed while the diocese shouldered the huge construction cost of the extension, the parish should take care of the cost for the facilities inside, such as the organ, liturgy items, audio-visual equipment. At the same time, the original historical building had to be renovated and repaired.
At the time, the target was HK$3.2 million. Up to the present, HK$5.8 million has been raised, exceeding the target.
Two years ago, Father Dossi set up a preparation team for the opening ceremony, stressing that the fund-raising and the opening ceremony should be the mission of all the parishioners in Fanling, and that the parish community should be made ready for the new gift from God.
God’s work in the blessed soil of Fanling can be seen in the unity of many prior to the dedication of the new building on January 6, including donors, parishioners, the Fanling community, as well as the preparation work of late former parish priest Father Francesco Conte and of current parish priest, Father Pietro Paolo Dossi, both of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions [PIME]
Beginning last year, the parish held activities under the themes of “gratitude” “anticipation” and “renewal”. Parshioners were reminded to be grateful for the work of the early pioneers of the parish—Father Ambrogio Poletti, PIME, who, in the 1950s, served the rapidly rising number of new immigrants from mainland China with dedication, the Precious Blood sisters who set up a school to take care of the needs of their children, and the Columban sisters who established clinic with Caritas Hong Kong.
They were also encouraged to make changes in their lives for God as they anticipated the new parish, and make the parish a loving community for every one visiting the new chapel.
Together, parishioners completed a 504 piece puzzle after making their promises to God during a campaign at the end of last year. The puzzle, depicting five loaves and two fishes in a basket being handed by Jesus to the Apostles to be distributed, is displayed in a high visibility area of the church to remind people of their need for personal renewal.
On the morning of the dedication day, a prayer meeting was held at St. Francis of Assisi’s College, Fanling, to show gratitude to the institute for providing the venue for Saturday and Sunday and Masses while the church was closed for renovation from 2018. Weekday Masses were held inside the building of the North District Manufacturers Association who generously let the parish used its hall.
Parshioners were reminded to be grateful for the work of the early pioneers of the parish—Father Ambrogio Poletti, PIME, who, in the 1950s, served the rapidly rising number of new immigrants from mainland China with dedication, the Precious Blood sisters who set up a school to take care of the needs of their children, and the Columban sisters who established clinic with Caritas Hong Kong
The renovation of the historical Church building completed at the end of last year and weekday Masses resumed there on December 4 last year.
Clara Law Man-lai, a member of a team for the preparation of the ceremony and the Diocesan Fundraising commission for Church Development, said she was very grateful for the chance to help raising funds and see the enthusiasm of many helping in different campaigns such as the walkathon and the charity sale of clothes last year. She also helped to solicit funds in 14 parishes last year and saw many people donate despite their financial difficulties like the generous poor widow in the gospel.
She hopes people will continue to help to raise funds in future fundraising activities, one of which is an engraving of pews campaign.
Cecila Golez, a Filipino community member and part of the church opening committee, said preparation for the ceremony began in October. She said she felt joyful helping with the design of souvenirs and hanging banners announcing the details of open days.
She is grateful to the parish for letting the English-speaking community use the room of Father Conte in the original parish building for its activities after the completion of the extension. She said the room reminded them of the dedication of the late parish priest, and she would never forget how he faithfully opened the gate of the church around five o’clock every morning, rain or shine, to get it ready for parishioners.
