HONG KONG (SE): Around 400 members of the Filipino community attended a Christmas Vigil Mass organised by the Filipino chaplaincy at the consulate for the first time. The Mass celebrant, Filipino chaplain Father Jay Flandez, urged those present to remember that Christmas is a time for Christ and to draw strength from their faith.
In his homily, Father Flandez emphasised that Christmas should be centred around the birth of the Saviour. He reminded participants to live out their faith as a source of inspiration to others, learning from Mary and Joseph, who followed God’s will, and the shepherds, who shared the good news with love. He also called on them to resist temptations and prioritise their family’s needs.
He noted that Christmas is a time to reflect on humanity’s divine origin as being created in God’s image and highlighted the importance of meditating on Jesus’ teachings to find strength.
The traditional Mass for Filipinos in Hong Kong, known as “Misa de Aguinaldo” (Gift Mass), was previously held at the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town. This year, it took place at the newly opened OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) centre on the 18th floor of the United Centre in Admiralty. The centre is open daily, providing overseas workers with a space to relax and enjoy free coffee.
Consulate officials and Sister Corazon Demetillo rgs, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants attended the Mass.
Before the Mass, carolling began at 8:30 p.m., featuring seven performances by various community groups.
Consul Maria Sheila Monedero-Arnesto awarded the winners of the annual parol-making contest, organised by the cultural section of the Philippine consulate. She commended the contestants for their creativity, especially their use of recycled materials, and expressed gratitude to the performing groups and event sponsors, including LBC Mabuhay Hong Kong Limited and other organisations.
The Diwa’t Kabayan Benlife group won both the championship and the People’s Choice Award. Naty Manalo, the group’s chairperson and founder, shared that they crafted their parol using eggshells and blue and red soft drink cans to represent the colours of the Philippine flag, expressing their love for their country. Founded 12 years ago, the group also organises various livelihood programs for migrants every Sunday, including baking, meat processing, and ornament-making workshops.
The first runner-up of the contest was the Overseas Filipino Drivers and Aspirants Hong Kong, while the second runner-up was awarded to the Kapatid Hong Kong Association.
The El Shaddai Prayer Group choir added to the festive atmosphere with joyful hymns.
