HONG KONG (SE): Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. thanked the Filipino community in Hong Kong for bringing energy to the Church as he celebrated a Mass marking the 25th anniversary of Simbayanan-KAMMPI in Hong Kong at Holy Family Parish, Choi Hung, on September 18.
At the beginning of the Mass, Cardinal Stephen said the day was to celebrate the unity of a community, bringing strength and hope in the Lord. He wished the community more jubilees to come among the changes for a better Hong Kong, Philippines and the world.
During the Mass, he expressed his gratitude to the Filipino community for bringing joy and happiness to the Church on behalf of the diocese.
“Your presence enlivens our Church life, making it more vibrant and energetic. I am grateful to all our lay leaders, religious sisters, and priests from the Philippines for their good work,” Cardinal Stephen said.
The Mass was concelebrated by the spiritual advisor of Kammpi, Oblate Father Rodolfo Jacobe, its former spiritual advisor, Divine Word [SVD] Father Emilio Lim; PIME Father Franco Mella; Filipino chaplain, Father Jay Flandez SVD; parish priest, Father Johnson Dhos SVD; as well as Father Peter Le SVD and Father Arjay Venus SVD.
In his homily, the cardinal encouraged them to continue loving even when faced with challenges. He also emphasised the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints and said that faith and hope should be rooted in authentic love.
At the beginning of the Mass, Cardinal Stephen said the day was to celebrate the unity of a community, bringing strength and hope in the Lord. He wished the community more jubilees to come among the changes for a better Hong Kong, Philippines and the world
After the Mass, Father Lim, the former Filipino chaplain in Hong Kong, who looked after the group from 2003 to 2011, emphasised that the community has been dedicated to fostering unity among the Filipino Catholic communities in Hong Kong since its establishment.
“And so may it continue to be so, that the different communities from different parishes do not operate or express their faith in isolation or separately, but really as one brotherhood or sisterhood,” he said.
Father Lim conveyed his appreciation to the bishops of Hong Kong for their continuous support over the past 25 years in enabling the Filipino community in Hong Kong to flourish. As a result, Filipino communities are present in every parish in Hong Kong due to their support.
Sister Corazon Demetillo, who is the director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants and currently advises the group, expressed her gratitude to the cardinal for affirming the love of God for those in attendance and acknowledging their special roles within the Diocese of Hong Kong.
She extended her thanks to the concelebrants, current and former officers, as well as guests such as the Maryknoll Sisters and members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Before the observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 29, she encouraged everyone to offer their hospitality not only to Filipino migrants but also to asylum seekers and refugees of various nationalities in their parishes.
And so may it continue to be so, that the different communities from different parishes do not operate or express their faith in isolation or separately, but really as one brotherhood or sisterhood
Father Lim
Mary Jean Poca, the group’s president, mentioned that one of the challenges she faces in leading over 20 communities within the group is convincing members to participate, given their busy schedules and the difficulty of coordinating with co-officers in different locations.
Some former officers have relocated from Hong Kong and are not easily replaced. While recognising these challenges, she emphasised the support of Sister Demetillo, who has played a crucial role in connecting with various parishes.
A total of 14 communities joined a presentation on Biblical prophets in the afternoon.
Journeying with migrants towards a synodal Church
Sister Demetillo said the development of the community in the past 25 years reflects Pope Francis’ recognition of migrants as a vital part of parish life as they serve dedicatedly despite the load they carry. The pope said at a Mass for the Filipino community in Rome in 2019: “Your faith is leaven in the parish communities to which you belong today.”
Established in 1999 by the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos [DPCF], Simbayanan-KAMMPI, is a Church-based association for Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong. Its mission is to unite Filipino workers across parishes and provide them with spiritual, socio-cultural, educational, and training opportunities. The organisation’s early efforts focused on offering shared Advent and Lenten reflections, seminars on liturgy, and assistance to workers facing challenges.
Since 2015, English-speaking parish communities and the DPCF have formed the core membership. The organisation holds regular gatherings annually, including a sports fest and Pistahan sa Nayon, a festival to celebrate Philippine tradition and culture to provide opportunities for interaction with other migrant groups.
Sister Corazon Demetillo, who is the director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants and currently advises the group, expressed her gratitude to the cardinal for affirming the love of God for those in attendance and acknowledging their special roles within the Diocese of Hong Kong
Sister Demetillo believes this has deepened the sense of community in moving towards a synodal Church.
The spiritual formation and training in Church ministries are supported by parishes, the Chaplaincy for Filipino Migrants and the DPCF.
In 2024, the Macau Pastoral Centre for Migrants joined the KAMMPI gatherings.
The organisation has received guidance from several advisors. This includes Sister Aida Casambre [1999 to 2007], and Sister Felicitas Nisperos [2008 to 2017] of the Good Shepherd Sisters.
Additionally, spiritual advisors, such as Divine Word Father Alfredo Rollon [2011 to 2015], have played a key role in shaping the organisation’s journey.
