HONG KONG (SE): The Diocesan Commission for Pastoral Services to Migrant Workers held a Migrants and Refugees Day on October 11 at Christ the King Chapel in Causeway Bay. During the Eucharistic celebration, which was led by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-Shing, ofm, the bishop encouraged everyone to participate actively in acts of love and support.
After addressing communities from various countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Korea, Africa, and India, Bishop Ha highlighted that many Hong Kong residents have migrant backgrounds, with their ancestors originating from mainland China. He connected this shared history of migration and refuge to the theme of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, “God Walks with His People.” Bishop Ha emphasised that God accompanies us during times of hardship and struggle.
In referencing the gospel passage from Mark 9:41, where Jesus states, “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name… he shall not lose his reward,” the bishop compared small acts of kindness and compassion to “a cup of water” provided at the right moment for those in need. He emphasised that everyone, including migrants and refugees, has something to offer, whether it’s a kind word, a smile, or a helping hand.
The bishop expressed his appreciation for the strong faith of migrants and refugees in Hong Kong. He noted the joy they display when singing and dancing, which brings the Church closer to God. “You give us a cup of spiritual water because of your faith,” he said.
Bishop Ha presided over the concelebrated Mass, which included priests from various nationalities. Among them were Filipino chaplain Father Jay Flandez, SVD; Indonesian chaplain Father Natalius Suryanto, SVD; and Vietnamese chaplain Father John Baptist Le Van Ba, SVD. They were joined by Father Blaise Cooray and Father Joseph Kim, who serve the Sri Lankan and Korean-speaking communities, respectively. Additionally, Father Rodolfo Jacobe, OMI, from the Apostleship of Prayer Community, Father Franco Mella, PIME, who cares for asylum seekers and refugees, Father Albertus Suryadi, SCJ, and Father Efren Ojeda, OFM, were also present.
The Mass was also attended by pastoral sisters serving migrants and refugees in different parishes, representatives of the Philippine and Indonesian consulates general, members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, as well as the MercyHK centre and others.
Sister Warioba expressed her joy at the energy and liveliness of the participants in the event, highlighting the shared faith and sense of community despite different backgrounds
Good Shepherd Sister Corazon Demetillo, on behalf of the commission as well as the Pastoral Care for Asylum seekers and Refugees, thanked Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., who was in the Synod of Bishops in Rome, and Bishop Ha for being the active presence of God among them.
She also thanked all contributing to the Mass, bringing the spirit of love and service that animated the migrants, asylum seekers and refugees that day.
Communities from different nationalities gave performances. Among them were Father Mella, Maryknoll Sister Esther Warioba, and Joseph Lambo, a Cameroonian member of the Right of Abode Community, alongside others from different Christian denominations. They performed several songs accompanied by various instruments and dances.
Lambo said that their performances aimed to convey a message of unity and oneness, emphasising that, despite their differences, everyone shares the same God. Baptised in his home country, he expressed that he finds a strong sense of community and support for his faith in Hong Kong.
The bishop expressed his appreciation for the strong faith of migrants and refugees in Hong Kong. He noted the joy they display when singing and dancing, which brings the Church closer to God
Sister Warioba expressed her joy at the energy and liveliness of the participants in the event, highlighting the shared faith and sense of community despite different backgrounds.
Theresa Fernandez, a member of the Filipino Catholic Association in Rosary Church, Tsim Sha Tsui, said the day is like “a cup of water” strengthening their faith as people from different nationalities gathering as one. As an Indian in different English-speaking communities, she said she has a strong sense of belonging with people from diverse nationalities, and she feels peaceful within these groups.
Eva Hoffmanr of the German-speaking community, who joined in the prayer of the faithful together with representatives from different nationalities, said she loves the unity expressed in the Mass and other activities. The group also presented several German hymns in the presentation session.
Game booths were set up in the school compound to bring joy to the occasion. The Topeng Batik Indonesia taught people how to make masks with colourful pieces of cloth, while a magic show for children was put on by the Vincent Copperfield Magic Volunteers. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul set up another game to introduce different saints.
