HONG KONG (SE): Masses were offered in memory of the departed at seven parishes in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories at 8.00pm on June 4. The faithful gathered to remember and pray for those who lost their lives during the June Fourth Incident 32 years ago.
The memorial Mass, organised by the Justice and Peace Commission, were held in Holy Cross Church, Sai Wan Ho, St. Bonaventure Church, Tse Wan Shan, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Shek Kip Mei, St. Andrew’s Church, Tseung Kwan O, Holy Redeemer Church, Tuen Mun, St. Benedict Church, Shatin, Ss. Cosmas & Damian Church, Tsuen Wan.
To abide by Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic social distancing regulations, the parishes strictly limited the congregation to 30 per cent of the normal capacity by giving out tickets to attendees after they had registered. All parishes were filled to the allowed limit.
In most parishes, people turned up well ahead of time to ensure they had seats. Holy Cross Church, the only parish on Hong Kong Island which held the memorial Mass, had hardly any seating left an hour before the Mass started.
Masses in Shek Kip Mei, Tseung Kwan O and Tsuen Wan were livestreamed for those who could not get a seat. There was a recitation of the Rosary to pray for the dead prior to Eucharistic services, while the names of 178 people who lost their lives were read out at the start of the Masses. A candle was then lit by the altar, symbolising the kindling of hope in darkness.
‘Their sacrifice was for us and we embrace their unfulfilled hope: a just and peaceful society, a people respected by the regime and a truly great China respected by the world.’
Joseph Cardinal Zen
Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, the former bishop of Hong Kong, celebrated the Mass at St. Andrew’s Church. In his homily he said, “Their sacrifice was for us and we embrace their unfulfilled hope: a just and peaceful society, a people respected by the regime and a truly great China respected by the world.”
A day before, there was an attempt to create tension as anonymous banners condemning the memorial Masses appeared outside the seven churches. Police were seen around church premises ensuring the observance of pandemic restrictions.
Around 400 people attended the service at St. Benedict Church. Once participant, Jenny Chen, said she worried that she would not get a seat so she came early. She said she felt sad hearing the names of the dead being read out, but the prayers and the lighted candle by the altar gave her comfort.
She said she could have mourned by lighting a candle at home, “But I thought I could feel better if I shared the sadness with others in the Mass.”
Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong, celebrated the Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church.
In his homily he said, “It is true that all of us have to pass away someday, but to see them die innocently is a source of great sorrow, emotion, and distress… What they sought were in fact the common values of human nature, so although they have passed away, it is still worthwhile to remember them, to give thanks for them, and to pray for them.”
Quoting the gospel reading for the Mass, Bishop Ha reminded the faithful, “Jesus is the way, the truth, the life, because he reveals how one should live in the world, how to live a life of value and meaning. Let us not be troubled in our hearts, but trust in God and trust in Jesus.”
