HONG KONG (SE): Approximately 7,000 participants joined the Walk to Nurture Creation – 2025 Fundraising Walkathon in Tung Chung, organised by the Diocesan Fundraising Commission for Church Building and Development on February 23, raising funds for the construction of the new Visitation Church for the area and cemetery development.
As of the time of going to press, the event had raised HK$16.9 million, with online donations reaching HK$5.9 million and offline ones amounting to HK$11 million. The new online system proved to be a success as a total of 747 people had set up their personal pages, and 12,500 people had donated online.
The walkathon was officially inaugurated by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, who fired the starter’s pistol at Tung Chung MTR Exit B at 2:15 pm. The opening ceremony was also attended by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, the vicars general, and the deans.
Around 2,000 to 3,000 participants, accompanied by Church leaders, embarked on a scenic walk along the Tung Chung East Promenade. Over 300 members of the Legion of Mary guided the walkers, ensuring safety as they navigated subway areas and narrow bike paths.
Participants had the opportunity to explore exhibitions on sustainability and Lantau Island’s rich heritage set up along the promenade. The commission also distributed bookmarks featuring designs inspired by creation.
A blessing and commissioning ceremony marked the event’s conclusion at the end of the promenade. It began with a rendition of the Jubilee Year’s theme song, “Pilgrims of Hope.” Cardinal Stephen expressed his joy at witnessing the unity of the faithful in supporting the Tung Chung parish’s new church project, highlighting the spirit of synodality. In the Jubilee Year, he reminded participants that hope is rooted in God’s love rather than in what is visible.
“We have every reason to be hopeful that we will reach our fundraising target and beyond because we have love. We have our brothers and sisters’ great passion and love that will achieve great things,” the cardinal said.
He also urged people to pray for the health of Pope Francis, who was in critical condition. “I will let him know that we are walking for him and walking with him,” Cardinal Stephen added.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the cardinal commissioned those present to bring hope to the world with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, chairperson of the commission, noted that the walkathon, supported by a new online donation platform, at that point, had raised HK$15 million both online and offline up to that date—nearing its HK$20 million target.
Father Chan extended his gratitude to the 102 schools, 35 parishes, and 10 Catholic organisations and religious institutes that participated in the event. He also thanked over 400 volunteers, including members of the Legion of Mary, medical personnel, MTR staff, and the police, for their support.
He reminded particpants that the deadline for online donations was February 28, emphasising, “Every single donation is an important contribution to the Church.”
During the Prayers of the Faithful, the congregation was called upon to actively respond to the needs of the community in Hong Kong and to foster a deeper communion with nature.
Earlier in the day, 4,000 students from various Catholic schools participated in morning walkathon sessions. They were blessed during a special ceremony led by Father Manoj Mullackal svd, the parish priest of Tung Chung.
Father Mullackal expressed his gratitude for the widespread support of the Tung Chung church project. He emphasised the urgent need for a new church due to the growing local population and hoped that the same enthusiasm would be seen in future church-building initiatives.
In January, the Diocesan Building and Development Commission organised a briefing on the new church’s design. With construction set to commence in May, Father Mullackal shared that he had gathered input from various pious associations and would continue consulting parishioners in March and April.
On their return journey, participants had the opportunity to visit the future church’s construction site on Tat Tung Road.
Emma Charnock, a parishioner at Holy Trinity Church in Discovery Bay, expressed excitement about the upcoming church, which is expected to cost approximately HK$500 million. She hopes the design will honour the presence of God.
Both Chinese- and English-speaking communities from various parishes contributed to the event’s success. Daisy Ogcang, a choir member from St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Tuen Mun, shared that her community actively participated by filling in donation forms for one another and making online contributions through their parish page.
The event also featured musical performances by Maria and Friends, Free-Up Music, and Face Sax Big Band, adding to the spirit of unity and celebration.
