HONG KONG (SE): This year’s Caritas Bazaars season was officially launched by Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. and visiting Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at St. Paul’s Convent School in Causeway Bay on November 2.
The event was first held in 1961, aiming to foster community spirit and charity. Cardinal Stephen expressed his delight at witnessing the unity among participants, emphasising the collective effort to cultivate positive outcomes for the community.
The bazaar in Causeway Bay took place simultaneously with another one in Tuen Mun Cultural Square. Over 22,000 people were drawn to the event on the first weekend.
The occasion commenced with a lighting ceremony, officiated by Cardinal Stephen together with Archbishop Leow; Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, executive of Caritas Hong Kong; Sister Winnie Marie Yau, the new provincial superior of the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres; Sister Nancy Margaret Cheung, superior of St. Paul’s Hospital; Sister Margaret Wong, supervisor and principal of the secondary section of St. Paul’s Convent School; Mrs. Magdalena Leung, principal of the primary section; and Theresa Ng, chairperson of Friends of Caritas.
The Causeway Bay bazaar featured over 50 organisations, including schools, parishes, diocesan commissions, and various Caritas units, with more than 130 booths representing the community’s engagement.
Addressing the Jubilee Year’s theme of hope—Spes non Confundit [Hope does not disappoint]—[Cardinal Stephen] pointed out that, despite challenging times, faith and compassion can guide individuals through difficulties
In his opening remarks, Cardinal Stephen expressed his gratitude and happiness at being able to gather with such distinguished guests to support the bazaars. Addressing the Jubilee Year’s theme of hope—Spes non Confundit [Hope does not disappoint]—he pointed out that, despite challenging times, faith and compassion can guide individuals through difficulties. He also expressed his appreciation for the involvement of young people in the event, whose enthusiasm he deemed essential to the mission’s success.
Cardinal Stephen noted that this was his fourth year attending the bazaar as the bishop of Hong Kong. Comparing St. Paul’s Convent School with the bazaar’s traditional venue, Victoria Park, he believes the school campus is a better place for vitality to be shown and for the laughter of participants to resonate.
Archbishop Leow, who had been visiting Catholic organisations in Hong Kong since arriving three days earlier, expressed his deep appreciation for the work carried out by Caritas. He recognised the organisation’s well-established services for young children, single-parent families, migrants, and the impoverished.
He observed that Caritas addresses not only material needs but also provides emotional, psychological, and spiritual support. He also remarked that the bazaars exemplify excellent cooperation between the Church, schools, government, and the wider community.
Archbishop Leow, who had been visiting Catholic organisations in Hong Kong since arriving three days earlier, expressed his deep appreciation for the work carried out by Caritas
“I wish to congratulate Caritas under the Church’s leadership for not only recognising the need, but also anticipating the unvoiced needs of the community,” he said, urging everyone to walk alongside those in need in a synodal and missionary Church.
The creativity and faith of young people was evident in the booths. Aberdeen Technical School featured a shooting game inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins, set against a backdrop of the city’s evolving architecture. Teacher, Wilson Lee, highlighted that the booth integrated innovations, educational objectives and student collaboration.
Meanwhile, Yu Chun Keung Memorial College sold notebooks designed by students to commemorate the diocese’s upcoming 80th anniversary. The Diocesan Youth Commission also actively participated by offering a push-button game marking the long history of Caritas-Hong Kong.
For the first time, participants had the opportunity to experience remote-controlled drones, flying them through target circles within the school hall.
May our efforts be a testament to God’s love, and may our actions continue to bring more light to Hong Kong and our world
Cardinal Stephen
Cardinal Stephen reflected on the collective significance of the bazaars, where diverse groups unite in the spirit of cooperation and charity. He encouraged attendees to partake not only in shopping but also to immerse themselves in a variety of activities and games, primarily devised by young individuals from different communities.
“May our efforts be a testament to God’s love, and may our actions continue to bring more light to Hong Kong and our world,” he exhorted.
The bazaar in Tuen Mun was kicked off by deputy chief executive of Caritas-Hong Kong, Father Peter Lo, episcopal delegate for Education, Joseph Kung Kwong-pui, and head of Family Services, Vanessa Chung. Over 60 booths were set up by four parishes, nine schools and other Caritas organisations.
Future bazaars are scheduled for November 9 at Fa Hui Park in Boundary Street and Pak Tai Temple Playground in Cheung Chau, followed by bazaars at the Sha Tsui Road Playground in Tsuen Wan on November 16 and Sha Tin Park on November 23.
