Love and hope

Caritas-Hong Kong is holding its annual charity bazaar over four consecutive Sundays beginning this Sunday, November 8. The charity bazaar kicks off this Sunday with events at Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island and the Tuen Mun Town Hall Plaza. As in years past, parishes and Catholic schools will set up vibrant booths, offering the community not only entertainment but also a chance to support a worthy cause and share the Gospel. Such occasions embody the spirit of unity, service, and faith that define our city.

This year, the number of booths has risen by 10 per cent compared to last year—a testament to the steadfast support from parishes and Catholic schools. Their enthusiastic participation in decorating booths and designing carnival games reflects a spirit of generosity and inclusivity, reminding us that everyone in our community is a brother or sister.

In early October, Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J., issued a heartfelt appeal, urging the faithful to support this important fundraising campaign. Responding to his call, parishioners across Hong Kong have been actively selling Caritas charity raffle tickets since mid-October, channeling collective effort into sustaining Caritas’s vital social services.

The services provided by Caritas-Hong Kong span a wide spectrum, including social work [childcare, youth and community, elderly services, family services, and rehabilitation], education [preschool, special education, vocational training, and community/higher education], medical and nursing care [hospitals and clinics], and community services [hostels and catering, campsites, mainland affairs, district affairs, and IT initiatives].

As the social welfare agency of the diocese, Caritas has always been dedicated to supporting grassroots families in our society, particularly for the most vulnerable, marginalised, and helpless.

While the scope of Caritas’s services is broad, it goes beyond merely providing financial or material support to underprivileged groups. Instead, it walks alongside those in need to grow together and face challenges hand in hand, empowering service users to achieve self-help and mutual support to live fulfilling lives. For example, the mission of Caritas educational services is to nurture students into caring, self-motivated learners equipped with leadership skills so that they can shine in their fields and contribute to society.

Such a wide range of services cannot be sustained without the collective effort of the entire community. Whether through financial contributions or volunteering time and talent, everyone has a role to play in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable among us.

This year, as the Diocese of Hong Kong celebrates its 80th anniversary, the bazaar adopts the theme “Messengers of Hope,” echoing the diocese’s commitment to continuity in its pastoral direction and action plans.

A new broadcasting system has also been introduced at this year’s bazaar, offering participants opportunities to learn more about the Catholic Church and experience the warmth of faith firsthand. May this message of hope reach all who attend. SE