Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – Next Saturday, 26 March, in the cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Diocese of Hong Kong will come together to celebrate Holy Mass to “invoke the protection of the merciful Lord for the Japanese people and reinforce moral support for the earthquake victims and relief workers”: this is the appeal by Bishop John Tong of Hong Kong. According to reports from Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), this week, from 21 to 25 March, in every parish in the diocese Mass will be celebrated for the Japanese who died in the earthquake and tsunami, and for the survivors. On Saturday, 26 March, there will be a diocesan celebration, presided at by Fr Francis Lau Tak Kwong, Rector of the Cathedral. Yesterday, Sunday, 20 March, in all the parishes throughout the diocese a collection was taken to send aid to earthquake victims.
Immediately after the tragedy of the earthquake and the resulting tsunami, the Diocese of Hong Kong mobilised. On 11 March, Bishop Tong appealed to the faithful for the devastated population. On 13 March in all the parishes, a memorial Mass was celebrated for the victims. The Japanese immigrants residing in Hong Kong celebrated the memorial Mass in the parish of St Margaret, with the Japanese Christians of other Christian denominations in Hong Kong also present. On 14 March, the diocese issued a press release announcing fundraising at the Sunday Masses of 20 March and recalling that donations may be made at any time through Caritas Hong Kong, also online. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 21/03/2011)
