Recently, Pope Leo XIV hosted a lunch at Borgo Laudato Sì’ [Laudato ‘ Village] in Castel Gandolfo for approximately 200 vulnerable individuals from the Diocese of Rome. He also arranged a tour of the papal estate, enabling the guests to feel the warmth of being welcomed, listened to, and cared for. This shows that those often regarded as voiceless are, in fact, people of flesh and blood. They are made in the image of God, just like you and me: beloved children of God with the right to live a life of dignity.
The vulnerable often stand on the margins or in the corners and remain inconspicuous. These include cleaners and labourers who serve the public in silence, the elderly, the homeless, refugees and migrants, the sick, low-income families, and those in prison. Positioned at the lower rungs of society, they become a silent or even invisible group, frequently neglected and in urgent need of public care and support.
The Diocese of Hong Kong offers a variety of services to the public through Caritas-Hong Kong. As one of the largest local social service organisations, it has responded to social needs over the past few decades. Its scope is broad, encompassing social work services [youth, elderly, family, child care, rehabilitation, and community development], educational services [pre-school education, special education, vocational training and education, community and higher education, and the Caritas Institute of Higher Education], healthcare [hospitals and dental clinics], and community and other services [hostels and camps, catering, services in mainland China, regional services, and IT development centres]. They serve with love and inspire hope.
Alongside its work for the vulnerable locally, the diocese extends its compassion globally. In late June, two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, toppling buildings and leaving thousands dead and tens of thousands injured. Many are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, awaiting rescue.
Moved by the tragedy, Cardinal Stephen Chow urged the faithful to pray for both the victims and the rescue workers. He also encouraged practical support, such as the special collection held at all parish Masses last Sunday [July 12] to provide immediate disaster relief. This response highlights how the Catholic Church reaches beyond borders to support people in need around the world.
We truly see the face of Jesus in our vulnerable brothers and sisters. When we offer assistance and walk alongside the marginalised, we embody the words of Jesus: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” [Matthew 25:40]. SE
