HONG KONG (SE): The Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development organised a Mass, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha OFM, and concelebrated by Oblate Father Dominic Fung King-ho, and Father Luigi Bonalumi, of the Ponitifical Institute for Foregin Missions, on March 20, to commemorate the feast day of its patron saint, St. Oscar Romero. The celebration took place at Holy Cross Parish, Shau Kei Wan.
At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Ha reflected on the life and martyrdom of St. Oscar Romero, who was assassinated 45 years ago while celebrating Mass. He emphasised that the saint’s sacrifice is a reminder to embrace selfless love for the poor and marginalised.
“His feast day, March 24—the day of his assassination—reminds us that he died in love. Until his last breath, he bore witness to the gospel, calling us to care for the poorest and most vulnerable,” Bishop Ha said. “It is the responsibility of the Church to love the needy because we are all children of God.” Over 100 faithful attended the feast day Mass.
From 1977 to 1980, Archbishop Romero of El Salvador was a beacon of hope for the marginalised under a brutal military regime. He denounced violence and championed peace through love, opening the Church’s doors to the homeless and earning the title of “the voice of the voiceless.”
Tragically, he was assassinated in 1980 while celebrating Mass, and his last words were: “May God have mercy on the assassin.” He was canonised by Pope Francis in 2018, recognised for his martyrdom and unwavering faith. His teachings on non-violence and forgiveness continue to inspire movements for peace in a world still marred by conflict.
During the Mass, the faithful prayed for the dignity of humanity, for those suffering from war, for an end to violence against nature, and for greater awareness of the suffering of others.
Delivering the homily, Father Fung recalled how St. Romero walked with the poor, courageously responding to the signs of the times. He urged the faithful to adopt a Christ-centred vision of the world and protect the oppressed. He also called on the congregation to remember those who lack basic necessities, particularly during Lent, and emphasised that the Church must transcend boundaries to reach out to the poor.
His feast day, March 24—the day of his assassination—reminds us that he died in love. Until his last breath, he bore witness to the gospel, calling us to care for the poorest and most vulnerable
Bishop Ha
At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Ha blessed the congregation with a relic of St. Romero, praying for his intercession to strengthen all in love.
In line with the Jubilee Year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” the commission has put out a meditative leaflet titled “The Stations of the Cross in the City.” This resource encourages the faithful to recognise and pray for their neighbours while contemplating Christ’s suffering. As they journey through places like Tsim Sha Tsui, with its beautiful yet polluted Victoria Harbour, or Yau Ma Tei, home to subdivided flats for the grassroots, they are invited to leave a mark of hope in the community.
To further this mission, the commission will hold a Way of the Cross on April 12 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Shek Kip Mei. Led by Father Martin Ip Po-lam, this event, in collaboration with various parishes and the Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students, will encourage participants to recognise Christ’s suffering in the marginalised and walk in solidarity with them during Lent.
