HONG KONG (SE): For Emilio Oelsinger, a 29-year-old European working professional in Hong Kong, picking up a promotional flyer outside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was the start of a transformative journey. Entering the Alpha Course without prior expectations, he found that sessions tackling fundamental questions like “Is there more to life than this?” struck a powerful chord, offering intellectual and spiritual clarity amid the daily exhaustion of city life.
“Exploring faith alongside peers in a supportive community was crucial to growing closer to God,” Oelsinger reflected, echoing a sentiment shared by dozens of participants whose lives were touched by the programme.
What began as a targeted youth initiative for the English-speaking community has expanded into a vibrant community effort at the cathedral. Co-organised by Diocesan English Youth [DEY] and the cathedral, the course has created a welcoming intergenerational space where participants ranging from 16 to over 70-years-old gather to explore faith, share meals, and build lasting friendships.
The initiative first took root two years ago when DEY launched its initial Alpha courses. Inspired after attending one of the sessions, Sister Mary Rani Arokiyasamy of the Institute of Foreign Missions brought the concept to the cathedral leadership, launching the parish’s first youth Alpha course in 2025 with strong backing from parish priest, Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming.
Building on that success, Sister Rani and the cathedral combined forces with DEY in 2026 to co-organise an expanded adult Alpha course from March to May.
Exploring faith alongside peers in a supportive community was crucial to growing closer to God
Emilio Oelsinger
Promoted during English Masses, the co-organised programme drew over 100 registrations and has maintained a consistent weekly attendance of 60 to 70 participants, with attendees from the Philippines, Indonesia, Europe, the United States, and local people.
Each session includes a shared meal, an icebreaker, a video talk, and small-group discussions based on age ranges—from university students and young adults to parents and retirees.
Space for vulnerability and connection
“Everybody needs community,” explained Eloisa Damulo, chairperson of DEY. “They met people who were not there to talk about how great their job is or their salary is, but were there to actually be quite vulnerable… they realised that they actually need people who want to listen to them and where they have the space to talk.”
Both Sister Rani and Damulo observed that participants across all generations found profound renewal. Senior attendees, including Cantonese participants and retirees seeking English-speaking fellowship, showed remarkable commitment, drawn by the weekly companionship and opportunities to deepen their faith.
They met people who were not there to talk about how great their job is or their salary is, but were there to actually be quite vulnerable… they realised that they actually need people who want to listen to them and where they have the space to talk
Eloisa Damulo
Meanwhile, young adults seeking relief from Hong Kong’s intense work culture thrived in peer discussions, transforming from hesitant newcomers into regulars who formed lasting friendships, learned to pray naturally, and stepped up as future volunteers.
The curriculum systematically unpacks core Christian beliefs through open weekly themes—exploring Jesus’s identity and sacrifice, the foundation of personal faith, practical prayer, divine guidance, overcoming spiritual struggles, and contemporary experiences of divine healing. This creates a supportive environment in which to address life’s biggest questions.
A pivotal moment came during a half-day retreat focused on the Holy Spirit at Canossa Convent on Caine Road. Volunteers were asked to pray specifically for individual participants, teaching everyone to rely on God. Observing the tangible spiritual impact on attendees, Sister Rani remarked that participants experienced the Holy Spirit and that their faith was strengthened tenfold.
The programme’s impact extended equally to its nearly 20 volunteers trained by Alpha Hong Kong. “The volunteers have learned maybe even more,” Damulo observed. “They learned how to have a big heart for service and listen to people.”
Lasting fruits for ongoing ministries
The long-term pastoral fruits of Sister Rani’s initiative are visible across the parish. Following Alpha, a number of non-Catholic participants joined RCIA [Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults], while others joined Bible study groups, Eucharistic adoration, and began attending Mass regularly. Sister Rani shared one young participant’s reflection: “We went from strangers to friends. I did not know how to pray before. Now it comes naturally.”
Meanwhile, young adults seeking relief from Hong Kong’s intense work culture thrived in peer discussions, transforming from hesitant newcomers into regulars who formed lasting friendships, learned to pray naturally, and stepped up as future volunteers
To sustain these ties, monthly post-Alpha gatherings draw 30 to 40 participants. Former participants are also stepping up to serve; Oelsinger signed up to volunteer for the next adults’ course.
Meanwhile, Sister Rani and her volunteer team are urging teenagers to join the upcoming teen Alpha course launching at the end of August, aimed at providing post-confirmation faith formation and addressing a key gap in the parish’s English-speaking youth ministry.
Reflecting on the fruitful partnership, Damulo offered encouraging advice for other local parishes: “Don’t be afraid to try… it really is worth it. It is about relying on God and the Holy Spirit.”
