In the 1950s, the presence of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong was initially confined to the colonial districts. However, as waves of refugees flooded in from mainland China, the Church responded to the widespread socio-economic challenges by establishing centres and chapels in the refugee areas. These efforts provided essential goods like flour, milk, oil, and clothing to those in need—not just to Catholics but to the general public as well. This earned the Church the nickname “Flour Church,” as it became known for its charitable distributions. Many recipients were so moved by the outreach that they were inspired to convert to Catholicism, later participating in charitable works themselves hoping to pass on the love they had received and bring more people closer to God.
The Catholic Church’s most widely recognised contribution to Hong Kong society is in education. Through its schools, the it does not only provide opportunities for young people to transform their lives through knowledge, but it also plays a critical role in healthcare and social services coordinated through Caritas-Hong Kong.
As one of the largest social welfare organisations in the city, Caritas follows the commandment to love God and neighbour, offering aid to those most in need—especially the marginalised. Caritas is the voice for the voiceless, bringing hope to the most vulnerable and overlooked members of society. Its work spans four main areas: social services in elderly care, youth work, rehabilitation, and community development; educational services covering early childhood, special education, vocational training and higher education; healthcare in operating clinics [general and dental] and managing two hospitals; and coordinating charitable activities such as fundraisers and charity sales.
Material assistance, however, is only part of the Church’s mission. Equally important is providing spiritual and pastoral care. Through various activities and outreach efforts, the Church walks alongside the disadvantaged to affirm their dignity and recognize their worth. More than half of Hong Kong’s 52 parishes have established social concern groups, and those without them work through other Catholic organisations like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Sant’Egidio Community.
The groups are supported by the Hong Kong Central Council of Catholic Laity, Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs, Caritas Hong Kong [Social Work Services and Community Development Division], Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development, Diocesan Youth Commission, Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and the Family and Diocesan Catechetical Centre. They all embody the Church’s mission of charity to support the poor and disadvantaged.
The continuation and expansion of these services depends on widespread community support. Donations and volunteerism are crucial for keeping these charitable efforts alive. Let us not only speak of kindness but also take action. Together, we can build a world of equality and solidarity, where every person is valued and no one is left behind. SE
