HONG KONG (SE): “I had a real feeling that we finally have a piece of land to build our church,” said Father Manoj Mullackal SVD, parish priest of the Visitation Church, Tung Chung. Reflecting on the significant moment, he recalled how he and a group of volunteers hung banners marking the construction site of the new church on Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, on February 4.
The land, centrally located in Tung Chung, was cleared by the government in January, with trees removed to prepare for construction. Work is scheduled to commence in May, marking a major milestone for the Catholic community in the area.
Inspired by the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” [Acts 20:35], Father Mullackal extended an invitation to all to join the upcoming walkathon on February 23. “This event provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new church in Tung Chung. By participating in this fundraising initiative, we all become part of this blessed project,” he said.
The Diocesan Building and Development Commission will oversee the construction process, with hoardings surrounding the site until 2028. According to the commission, the 1,000-seat church is expected to cost HK$500 million. The diocese acquired the land for HK$60 million—a significant reduction from the original price of HK$160 million—due to concessions such as incorporating an existing public toilet and accommodating view obstructions caused by a planned adjacent airport unmanned railway.
This event provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new church in Tung Chung. By participating in this fundraising initiative, we all become part of this blessed project
Father Mullackal
The site will be one of the highlights of “A Walk to Nurture Creation–2025 Fundraising Walkathon,” organised by the Diocesan Fundraising Commission for Church Building and Development. Proceeds from the event will support church construction as well as the development of local Catholic cemeteries.
Participants will embark on a 30-minute walk along the picturesque Tung Chung East Promenade, offering scenic views and an opportunity to see the site of the future church. Along the way, they can explore exhibitions showcasing Lantau Island’s rich heritage and enjoy performances by Catholic music bands. Additionally, guided tours will be available to the Our Lady of Visitation Chapel in Sheung Ling Pei.
Anthony Lee, vice president of the Tung Chung parish executive committee, shared that the initial goal was to recruit 70 volunteers for the walkathon. However, enthusiasm surpassed expectations with over 100 volunteers from Tung Chung, Discovery Bay, and the airport community signing up. Additionally, approximately 400 legionnaires will assist with logistics, ensuring smooth entry, exit, and overall organisation of the event.
A longtime parishioner of Tung Chung, Lee expressed his excitement for the new church, emphasising that its central location will greatly benefit elderly members of the community, including his own mother, making it easier for them to attend Mass.
Along the way, they can explore exhibitions showcasing Lantau Island’s rich heritage and enjoy performances by Catholic music bands. Additionally, guided tours will be available to the Our Lady of Visitation Chapel in Sheung Ling Pei
The event will be held in two sessions, with the morning session accommodating students starting at 9:00am, and the afternoon session welcoming parishioners and members of Catholic organisations and starting at 1:00pm. Around 7,000 participants will commence the walk at Tung Chung MTR Exit B and finish at Tung Chung East Promenade.
A special kick-off ceremony, officiated by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., will take place at 2:30pm at the starting point. This will be followed by a blessing and commissioning ceremony at 3:30pm at the event’s conclusion, also officiated by Cardinal Stephen.
New online platform for donations
The Diocesan Fundraising Commission for Church Building and Development introduced a new online donation platform on January 16, streamlining the process and allowing for various electronic payment options to reduce administrative workload.
Agnes Mak, a representative of the commission, described the platform as a milestone that will continue to be utilised for future fundraising events. Nearly HK$4 million was raised online as of February 19.
Approximately 600 people, including Cardinal Stephen, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, the vicars general, schools, parishes, organizations, religious orders, and laypeople, have created personal fundraising pages to support the initiative.
The Diocesan Fundraising Commission for Church Building and Development introduced a new online donation platform on January 16, streamlining the process and allowing for various electronic payment options to reduce administrative workload
Mak encouraged people to support the cause by donating online and setting up their personal fundraising pages. She highlighted the simplicity of the process, requiring only an email address and phone number. However, she recommended that participants personally reach out to friends via WhatsApp rather than relying solely on the platform’s automated emails, as the messages are more likely to be noticed.
The last walkathon, held two years ago in Pak Shek Kok, successfully raised HK$12 million. Building on this success, the goal for this year’s event is set at HK$20 million. Mak expressed confidence in achieving this target, noting that while the online system has a transaction limit, larger donations can be made via cheque.
Participants managing personal fundraising pages can set their own deadlines before the next major fundraising event. Following the walkathon, the Diocesan Schools Council will collaborate with the commission to host a talent show marathon on March 22-23 at Kowloon Tong Bishop Walsh Catholic School. The event will feature performances from various schools in four two-hour sessions, with Cardinal Stephen and other Church leaders officiating to encourage donations from alumni, parents, and benefactors.
As the Catholic community unites in this endeavour, the walkathon stands as a testament to faith, generosity, and the shared vision of establishing a sacred place of worship for generations to come.
