On May 25, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos and Simbayanan-KAMMPI co-organised an ethnic cultural presentation at the Mother of Good Counsel Church in San Po Kong, Kowloon to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong’s foundation.
The day commenced with a Mass celebrated by the group’s spiritual director, Father Rodolfo Jacobe OMI, along with Father Roy Paciente OMI and Father Andrei Paz SSC, who delivered the homily. Following the Mass, spiritual adviser, Good Shepherd Sister Corazon Demetillo, discussed the diocese’s history and its legacy of supporting the vulnerable. She highlighted that Hong Kong hosts nearly 400,000 foreign domestic workers, half of whom are Filipinos, and quoted Cardinal Stephen Chow SJ, who had described them as joyful “Messengers of Hope”.
The main programme, themed “Messenger of Hope”, was held in the hall and attended by roughly 600 guests. Participants showcased diverse Filipino ethnic cultures wearing costumes made entirely from recycled and upcycled materials like plastic bags and newspapers. After national anthem and opening prayers, KAMMPI president Imelda Mertula welcomed the audience, and spiritual adviser Sister Victoria Victorino pddm gave an inspirational message.
Sister Victorino emphasised ecological awareness and the interconnectedness of nature and culture, praising the participants’ eco-friendly creativity. She also explored the concept of faith, acknowledging the courage of migrant workers who risked moving to Hong Kong, and urged them to remain hopeful.
The cultural performances were divided into two segments, separated by a lively musical interlude by Penny Salcedo, which got the audience, priests, and sisters dancing. Thirteen community groups performed traditional dances and received awards, including the Mother of Good Counsel Community (Most Colorful), St. Thomas Community (Most Ingenious), Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community (Most Resourceful), Star of the Sea English-speaking Community (Most Inventive), and St. Alfred’s English-speaking community (Most Beautiful).
Angel Wong from the Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project praised the performers’ creative costumes and invited people to join an upcoming Green Vibes Fashion Show. Father Jacobe concluded the successful event with closing prayers. SE
