HONG KONG (SE): The lifelong dedication and unwavering commitment of the Canossian Sisters were celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on August 17, where Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing presided at a special Mass marking the jubilees of nine sisters.
The Mass was concelebrated by vicar general, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, and seven other priests. Among the jubilarians present were Sister Giulia Brivio and Sister Ira Maria Nichetti, celebrating their platinum jubilees; Sister Theresa Cheng and Sister Cecilia Lam, who marked their diamond jubilees; Sister Anna Maria Kwan, celebrating her golden jubilee; and Sister Cecilia Chan, Sister Catherine Fung, and Sister Gemma Leung, who observed their silver jubilees. Sister Virginia Ip, also celebrating 50 years of consecrated life, was unable to attend due to health reasons.
At the opening of the Mass, Bishop Ha expressed his joy in honouring the sisters who have devoted their lives to Christ and to the service of the Church. He reminded those gathered that vocation is a divine call given to all, inviting reflection on how each person responds to God’s invitation.
Hundreds of relatives, friends, former students, and lay Canossians joined the celebration, offering thanks for the sisters’ witness and the blessings they have shared over the years.
Bishop Ha recalled his many encounters with the Canossians in schools, convents, and hospitals, and said he felt privileged to celebrate their anniversaries. He noted that years of service often pass swiftly, as the presence of Jesus sustains the sisters with joy and zeal.
He highlighted the many roles the Canossians have taken on—teaching, nursing, and administration—touching countless lives. Yet, he reminded all that God does not measure us by the scale of our achievements. “What we have done is not the most important; rather, what matters is what God has done for us,” he said.
“The life of Jesus is the life of the sisters,” Bishop Ha continued. “Those who are consecrated always look to Jesus,” reminding the faithful that their witness remains a challenge in a secular world, urging all to keep their eyes fixed on Christ [Hebrews 12:2].
During the liturgy, the candles of consecration carried by the jubilarians were lit by Sister Virginia Wong, provincial superior of Hong Kong and Macau. The jubilarians then renewed their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, reaffirming their lifelong commitment to God. Offerings of the Canossian Rule of Life, candles, flowers, bread, and wine were brought forward, symbolising their readiness to embody their mission of spreading Christ’s light and building the Kingdom of God.
Bishop Ha expressed his joy in honouring the sisters who have devoted their lives to Christ and to the service of the Church. He reminded those gathered that vocation is a divine call given to all, inviting reflection on how each person responds to God’s invitation
The three sisters celebrating their silver jubilees also shared personal reflections. Sister Leung expressed gratitude to Bishop Ha, the concelebrants, superiors, families, and all who supported their vocations.
Sister Fung described vocation as “a profound gift of love from God,” adding that consecrated life is not about great achievements but about being present among those in need and bearing witness to God’s love.
She recalled the words of their founder, St. Magdalene of Canossa, who desired to become “dust” to spread Christ’s love everywhere, as a lasting inspiration.
Sister Chan then invited the choir to sing God’s Calling, a hymn she composed, encouraging all to remain attentive to God’s will.
A reception followed at the Caritas Community Hall, where Bishop Ha and the concelebrants joined the jubilarians in cutting a cake to mark the occasion.
Sister Nichetti, who came to Hong Kong in 1965 and served as a nurse at Caritas Medical Centre, told Sunday Examiner that she was grateful to celebrate her 70th anniversary at the age of 88.
She left Hong Kong in 1991 and was then assigned to a nursing home in Macau until her retirement earlier this year. She said she has always found happiness in serving God, a joy that sustained her even into her later years.
