The Chaplaincy Street Evangelisation Group held a pilgrimage on November 10, led by our chaplain, Father Jay Francis Flandez SVD.
The group of 65 participants first visited the Church of Annunciation in Tsuen Wan and was met by the parish’s English-speaking group coordinator, James Andaya, who shared with us the history of the parish as we toured the church premises.
After spending a few hours there, we proceeded to our second destination which was the St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Tsing Yi. We were welcomed by PIME Sister Shinoby Thomas, pastoral sister of the parish who gave a brief but very informative talk on the topic about hope in relation to the theme for the coming Jubilee 2025 “Pilgrims of Hope”. This was followed by an inspirational message by Father Flandez.
As volunteer members of the Chaplaincy for Filipinos, we go around to the different places in Hong Kong specially in the parks where many of our Filipino migrants workers stay during their days off specially in Central to do street evangelisation. We need to reach out to them and let them feel that they are part of our Catholic community, and to let them know that as a synodal Church we must journey together as one people of God. It is one of the programmes of the chaplaincy to reach out to our brothers and sisters and introduce Jesus to them as well as to invite them to our Church activities. There are times that we also encounter being unwelcomed but this does not hinder us to pursue with our mission. We also encounter some who are Catholics but no longer go to Church. We start with a friendly chat and gradually invite them to join us in prayers and some of them happily responded to our invitation.
From time to time when Father Flandez is not busy with his schedules, he would join us and give spiritual inputs sometimes in the park if no place available. He gives us formation on Bible, catechesis and reflection of the Sunday’s readings. He brings the Church to the streets, where many Migrants spend their time for the whole day. This is why our group is called Chaplaincy Street Evangelisation Group.
Street Evangelisation Group
Chaplaincy to Filipinos
