Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - During a ceremony to open a new Diocesan Museum in Hong Kong Rev Thomas Law Kwok Fai, head of the diocesan history department said “These 200 exhibits are a witness of God’s love and a sign of inculturation and testimony of the labour of missionaries. The Museum is an experience of prayer and spirituality”. The Museum was opened by auxiliary Bishop John Tong on July 9. According to the diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao the museum is situated in two halls on the third floor of the theological institute of Holy Spirit Seminary. The first hall presents exhibits on history of the diocese and the second contains a collection of liturgical objects used for Mass before the Second Vatican Council.
Present for the occasion diocesan chancellor rev Lawrence Lee, priests and religious and about 100 lay people. Rev Law, said the exhibits came mainly from 5 sources: offered by priests and lay people; found among material in disuse; purchased at auction sales; collected during mission in the mainland; found in renovation work on the Cathedral. Exhibits include a collection of letters between the missionaries and the Emperor of the Ming dynasty; a tabernacle; a mitre and ring belonging to Card. Wu and to Bishop Francis Hsu Chen-Ping (first Chinese bishop of Hong Kong). A photograph of Pope Paul VI history making visit to Hong Kong.
Bishop Tong said: “We are here not only to admire these exhibits but above all to let them stir new love for the Lord”. The diocesan Office has found thousands of historical objects carefully repaired and cleaned by lay people. Mgr Tong said: “these objects show us the faith more clearly”. (Agenzia Fides 18/07/2006 Righe: 33 Parole: 364)
