The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) celebrated its 151st anniversary on July 1 with the SVD Lamp Assembly 2026, held at the Holy Family Parish in Choi Hung. Organised by the SVD Lay Association of Mission Partners, the event centred on the theme, “Two Hearts, One Beat, One Mission.”
The celebrations commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Father Johnson Dhos, provincial councillor of the China Province, and concelebrated by 11 confrères.
In his homily, Father Dhos emphasised that the theme calls believers to unite their hearts with God’s heart in love. He noted that when hearts beat together in faith, the mission for the Church and the community can be truly fulfilled. Father Dhos urged the congregation to pray for their collective mission in Hong Kong, and requested blessings for the communities, parishes, and the wider SVD China Province—including Taiwan, Mainland China, and the Hong Kong–Macau districts.
Following lively praise and worship songs by the St Joseph Community and a welcome address by Father Jerry Perocho, Hong Kong–Macau SVD Mission Animation Coordinator, the programme featured an opening singing performance by the SVD priests themselves.
A major highlight of the day was a series of vibrant cultural dances performed by English communities from various local parishes. Participants proudly wore traditional attire representing diverse countries where SVD missionaries are active. Each performance was prefaced by a short video narrative from a missionary stationed in that specific region. Represented territories included Haiti, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Argentina, Austria, Thailand, Belgium, and Papua New Guinea.
Intermission performances by local choirs and special guests brought bursts of energy to the afternoon.
The memorable day concluded with the awarding of certificates, followed by closing remarks and a final blessing from Father Franz Gassner, the newly-elected district superior of the Hong Kong–Macau District.
