HONG KONG (SE): Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-fai, apostolic nuncio to Malta and Libya, made a pastoral visit to the Chinese-speaking communities in Britain, delivering papal regards and words of encouragement during the Lunar New Year season. His visit, which took place from January 24 to February 2, included Mass celebrations and spiritual talks aimed at fostering faith and unity among Chinese migrants.
During his journey, Archbishop Hon celebrated Masses in major cities, including London, Cambridge, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Warrington, and Manchester. Addressing congregations, he conveyed Pope Francis’ well wishes and prayers for the community, to those present, their families and the needy around them.
A key aspect of the archbishop’s visit was a series of spiritual talks under the theme, “Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.” He encouraged Chinese-speaking Catholics not to fear challenges and to embrace their identity as children of God. He also highlighted the significance of feeling at home in their respective dioceses while maintaining their unique cultural heritage.
The visit, organised by the Emmanuel Prayers Community, marked the fourth occasion since 2022 that Archbishop Hon had undertaken such a mission in Britain. Community members expressed deep gratitude for his presence, citing his inspiring messages, prayers, and guidance as sources of spiritual renewal and strength.
Permanent deacon James Shin of the Hong Kong Catholic Migrants Pastoral Coordination Group, who assisted Archbishop Hon in the Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in London on January 26, expressed gratitude for the archbishop’s concern, particularly as the visit coincided with the Lunar New Year, a time of renewal in faith and hope. Father Joseph Liang concelebrated.
On January 25, the archbishop also led a Mass in Cantonese at Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church in Cambridge. Italian permanent deacon Gianluca Savini, who has been serving the Cantonese-speaking community since 2022, read the gospel in Cantonese using phonetic symbols.
Many attendees were moved by the archbishop’s dedication, as expressed by Dominic Chung of the Chinese-speaking community in Cambridge, considering the long journey from London that same morning.
The Mass was followed by a talk and an evening English Mass to integrate the community within the local Church.
Archbishop Hon’s visit also encompassed Scotland, where he engaged with Chinese Catholic communities in Glasgow and Edinburgh for the first time. On January 28, he celebrated a Lunar New Year’s Eve Mass at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in Glasgow, where the Chinese-speaking congregation has been active for over 30 years.
Archbishop Hon celebrating Mass for the Cantonese community, assisted by Deacon Gianluca Savini (left), in Cambridge.
Stanislaus Lee, a member of the Chinese-speaking community in Scotland said he was deeply touched by the archbishop’s kindness and willingness to hear confessions before the Mass, as well as his discussions with parish priest, Father Allan Cameron, on pastoral care for Hong Kong migrants.
Continuing his mission, Archbishop Hon visited Edinburgh on January 29, where he met with Archbishop Leo Cushley of St. Andrews and Edinburgh before celebrating a Mass in Chinese at the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart.
The service was attended by approximately 40 members of the newly-established community, with assistance from Permanent Deacon Andy Lau, who recently emigrated from Hong Kong. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the archbishop’s support, noting that his visit strengthened their resolve to maintain their faith in Scotland.
On 23 December 2010, Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop Hon secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, an office he held from 2010 to 2017, and made him Titular Archbishop of Sila.
For the Hong Kong faithful, Archbishop Hon is well-regarded for his pastoral care during his active ministry as a priest of the Salesian congregation in the Diocese of Hong Kong. He is known for his contributions to theological education and his work in translating the Catechism of the Catholic Church into Chinese.
