HONG KONG (SE): A series of fundraising variety shows and music marathons under titled, “Let Talent Shine”, was organised by the Diocesan Schools Council, the Catholic Education Office, and the Diocesan Fundraising Commission for Church Building and Development, from March 22 to 23 at Kowloon Tong Bishop Walsh Catholic School. As well as raising funds, the event provided students with the opportunity to showcase their artistic and musical abilities.
A total of 120 performances were given by the 103 member schools of the Diocesan Schools Council. These included choirs, dances by different nationalities, marital arts, musical theatre, instrument and orchestral performances by secondary school, primary school, and kindergarten students.
Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, chairperson of the commission, kicked off the first variety show on March 22 at 2:00pm. He expressed gratitude for all performers who exhibited a variety of talents and creativity.
Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., while leading a prayer before the second variety show starting at 7:00pm on March 22, expressed gratitude towards the 2,800 students, teachers and principals who devoted their time to raise funds in support of Church development, including the construction of the Tung Chung Visitation Church which, even with its simple design, needs as much as HK$400 million.
Cardinal Stephen urged everyone to support the first series of variety shows and music marathons, after previous rope-skipping events organised by the council in 2021 to 2024 raised over HK$11 million. However, in addition to physical health, he stressed the importance of promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Arts and performances nurture our minds and spirits, and let us see our potential. That is why we have organised this event this time,
Cardinal Stephen
“Arts and performances nurture our minds and spirits, and let us see our potential. That is why we have organised this event this time,” he said.
The cardinal then presented certificates of gratitude to Shu King, the principal of Kowloon Tong Bishop Walsh Catholic School, and its supervisor, Father Peter Lo Pak-wing, who provided the venue for the occasion, as well as Joseph Lee, founder of Wofoo Foundation who sponsored a matching fund capped at HK$400,000.
In his message in the event brochure, Lee emphasised the importance of utilising individual talents and abilities to contribute to family, society, and bear witness for Christ. He believes Hong Kong’s current challenges, such as budget deficits and healthcare issues, require everyone’s selflessness and a collective commitment to finding solutions.
Bishop Walsh Catholic Primary School performed a musical titled, “Starlight Heroes”, which tells of a place called Starlight City whose inhabitants live with joy and overcome distrust with their faith in Jesus Christ.
In her role as a villain trying to steal starlight from the city, Louise Cheung said she enjoys acting and dancing. The primary five student said playing a bad guy was fun. On the other hand, Lydia Yeung, playing another character named Big Star who saves the city by encouraging mutual trust, said the performance strengthened her faith.
Educators and parents should help children discover and nurture their unique talents
Jenny Lo
The teacher who directed the musical, Alice Tsang, shared that the preparation had fostered teamwork and collaboration. She said that the ending slogan for all, “light comes from mutual help”, reminded the audience to have hope in the Jubilee Year.
The school’s Konley Law also sang a Cantonese opera solo. As an award-winning singer, she shared her desire to promote Cantonese opera as each song has a beautiful story from Chinese literature or tradition.
The primary school’s principal, Jenny Lo, is happy to see students of different schools being able to express themselves outside school boundaries. “Educators and parents should help children discover and nurture their unique talents,” she said.
Students of St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School [Po Kong Village Road] performed the gospel song, “Go! Tell it on the Mountain”, on the handbells. Fanny Lee, a music teacher, explained that the instrument requires a strong team spirit, and the school team has a nurturing culture with older students guiding younger members. In addition, she noted that handbells are convenient to play.
“Many children in the group have limited access to instruments outside of this experience, but by participating in the handbell team, they learn to read music, enjoy making music, and develop teamwork skills,” she said.
Charley Lee, a primary six handbell team member, said she enjoys the collective effort of playing the handbell rather than solo instruments. She also expressed excitement about unique ways to create music, such as drumming on tables, which can produce powerful sounds.
Julia Chan, principal of the school, said the joyful song aligns with the Church’s theme of hope in the Jubilee Year, aiming to inspire everyone involved.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing ofm, and vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, also took part in the event by officiating in opening ceremonies the next day.
The event aims to raise HK$3 million. Online donations are accepted until April 4.
