HONG KONG (SE): The Indonesian Catholic Youth [ICY] gathered at Holy Family Church in Choi Hung on Saturday, September 19, for its annual Welcoming Mass, embracing a new cohort of students and marking the beginning of the academic year. The liturgy was offered in thanksgiving for God’s grace and guidance over the past year, while entrusting the journey ahead into his hands.
Fostering a true “home away from home”, the Mass welcomed newcomers into the fellowship and offered both students and young workers a deep sense of community.
The Eucharistic celebration brought together a vibrant gathering of over 170 young Catholics living in Hong Kong, including nearly 100 incoming freshmen. Mass was concelebrated by Divine Word priests, Father Natalius Suryanto and Father Ryan Dajong.
Reflecting on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard [Matthew 20:1–16], Father Suryanto noted that student life abroad brings both highs and lows, academic pressures, and moments when things may seem unfair or overwhelming. He encouraged the youth not to measure their worth by worldly standards, but to rest in God’s generous grace and trust in his plan for each of them.
The Eucharistic celebration brought together a vibrant gathering of over 170 young Catholics living in Hong Kong, including nearly 100 incoming freshmen
Building on this message, Father Dajong gently reminded attendees how easy it is to become absorbed by modern “gods”—such as academic achievements, financial success, or popularity—that can gradually push faith aside and leave one feeling isolated. To remain spiritually grounded, he highlighted the gift of Christian fellowship, inviting new arrivals to make ICY their “second home” in Hong Kong, and encouraging seniors and alumni to accompany them with open hearts.
The gathering brought together incoming students from tertiary institutions across Hong Kong and Macau—including The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, and HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education. For many, this was their first opportunity to meet fellow Indonesian Catholic peers and to be welcomed into the community.
Father Dajong gently reminded attendees how easy it is to become absorbed by modern “gods”—such as academic achievements, financial success, or popularity—that can gradually push faith aside and leave one feeling isolated
The event continued with fellowship over a shared Indonesian meal. To break the ice, the group played a game of “Human Bingo”, where participants sought peers who matched a checklist of traits and characteristics. This provided a fun and easy way for everyone to connect, exchange tips about living in Hong Kong, and begin forming friendships.
ICY serves as a key youth ministry under the Indonesian Catholic Community in Hong Kong Chaplaincy, supporting a wider network of approximately 500 Indonesian students and young working adults in Hong Kong.
To keep the community spiritually rooted and closely connected throughout the year, ICY organises weekly Indonesian Masses, First Friday devotions, regular Bible study and sharing sessions, and community fellowship—continuing to cultivate a faith-filled home away from home for young Catholics in Hong Kong.
