HONG KONG (SE): Various activities are underway in the different deaneries of Hong Kong to mark World Mission Sunday on October 20. Events include musical dramas, concerts, personal testimonies, and more. They aim to demonstrate the unity of the Church and to bring the joy of evangelisation to various parts of Hong Kong.
A musical titled “The Hope of Life” will be performed at the Caritas Hall, Caine Road, from October 18 to 20, organised jointly by the eight parishes of the Hong Kong East Deanery.
James Mak, a seasoned Catholic drama teacher, director and actor, is directing the musical, which engages hundreds of volunteers. The goal is to bridge the gap between non-believers and Catholics by sharing the teachings of Jesus and fostering spiritual growth.
Father Timothy Wan, parish priest of St Jude’s Church, North Point and dean of the Hong Kong East Deanery, said the drama would showcase various gospel themes and scenarios of daily life, including birth, youth, old age, sickness and death, with dance and Cantonese music, to inspire Catholics and non-believers alike.
According to Father Wan, tickets went on sale on August 24, and the 2,500 tickets for the five shows, priced at $200, were almost sold out by the end of September. He thanked the social action groups of the eight parishes and the Hong Kong Catholic Labour Commission for inviting the cleaning and security staff and other people they serve. Teachers from various schools will bring their students to spread the seed of faith. The drama is also supported by the English-speaking communities of various parishes, such as St Joseph’s Church, Garden Road, who have bought over 100 tickets.
Father Timothy Wan, parish priest of St Jude’s Church, North Point and dean of the Hong Kong East Deanery, said the drama would showcase various gospel themes and scenarios of daily life, including birth, youth, old age, sickness and death, with dance and Cantonese music, to inspire Catholics and non-believers alike
Father Wan said that Mission Sunday activities organised by the diocese and the deaneries in alternate years are complementary and he appreciates the practice. For example, he believes that while the large-scale Mission Sunday activities organised by the diocese last year show the strong unity of the Catholic Church, the events planned by the deaneries this year respond to the needs of the community and the district.
For example in Hong Kong Island East, from where a large number of professionals have emigrated, he hopes the musical’s theme of hope for life will bring some encouragement to the lonely, elderly parents who have been left behind.
The performance also intends to raise funds for church building and development in the diocese.
In the meantime, the deaneries of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories have arranged a variety of events. For instance, the Hong Kong Southwest and Islands Deanery organised an evangelisation event at Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Kennedy Town for September 14.
Forthcoming events include a procession in honour of the Holy Cross and Our Lady of Fatima in Cheung Chau, a tour of the Béthanie chapel and other early missionary sites in Pofulam, a carnival on faith renewal in Ap Lei Chau, a spiritual drama about St. Joseph at St, Anthony’s Church, West Point, and a beach cleanup in Mui Wo.
In the meantime, the deaneries of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories have arranged a variety of events. For instance, the Hong Kong Southwest and Islands Deanery organised an evangelisation event at Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Kennedy Town for September 14
The East Kowloon Deanery will hold an evangelisation carnival at the Tseung Kwan O Catholic Primary School on October 20. It will feature performances, stall games and testimonies prepared by the six parishes of the deanery and the schools.
“We come to witness and may our witness bring joy and hope to the people we meet,” said Father Anthonius Balubun, dean of the East Kowloon Deanery.
The Central Kowloon Deanery will be organising an open bus tour on October 20, visiting different parishes to spread the gospel of love on the streets of Kowloon and distribute souvenirs.
In the New Territories, the Northeast New Territories Deanery organised a concert at St. Benedict’s Church in Shatin to take place from 2:30pm to 5:00pm on October 6, featuring musical performances from various parishes and schools. The English-speaking community of St. Joseph’s, Fanling; Sacred Heart Parish, Sai Kung; and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Tai Po; will also join the performers.
