HONG KONG (SE): Caritas-Hong Kong celebrated the Lunar New Year together with more than 270 benefactors and well-wishers for its annual spring reception on the afternoon of February 22 at the Community Hall of Caritas House, Caine Road.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., presiding officer of the Council of Caritas, addressed the gathering and extended his Lunar New Year greetings.
He said Chinese people like the image of the dragon for its vitality, and he wished all to be empowered in their families, careers and ministries in Caritas.
The cardinal said the Church is walking the path of synodality and needs the support of all to discern together and express their views. “We must back up our views with action. After discussions, we should be able to continue providing services in this place we love, especially those for the marginalised,” he added.
He said even though Caritas is one of the biggest charity groups in Hong Kong, there can be many underprivileged people missed by them, and he invited those present to remind Caritas in such cases, “This is what a Catholic social charity group should do: help the neglected,” he said.
He noted that dragons in Chinese culture are peaceful, while in Western cultures, dragons can be evil. As Hong Kong continues to act as a super hub and an international city for different cultures to integrate, the Church and Caritas can play a role in offering opportunities for these integrations to occur, which will benefit both the people and the nation. More openness and services to cater to foreigners were called for by the cardinal.
He said Caritas is well known for its comprehensive service covering many aspects of life that need the help of different parties, and urged people to go on with their support.
With the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, he wished those in attendance many successes in the new year and hoped that all families would be more harmonious while encouraging them to pay attention to the mental well-being of young people and the elderly as well.
Cardinal Stephen was then joined onstage by Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, chief executive of Caritas, to make a toast.
Father Yim thanked all who have been supporting Caritas and expressed his joy over the big gift in the new year — the establishment of St. Francis University, which was made possible with the efforts of the staff and the leadership of the cardinal.
The participants then enjoyed a magic show by Vincent Copperfield Magic Volunteers. Caritas Nursery School – Kennedy Town students, parents, and teachers participated in a dance and presentation showing the vitality of dragons that brought joy and laughter to the gathering.
