Cardinal Chow lauds Filipino community’s contribution to Church in Hong Kong

Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., paid tribute to the Filipino Catholics in Hong Kong for their contributions to the local Church during the 25th anniversary of a faith-based association for Filipino migrant workers.

Oct 02, 2024

“Your presence enlivens our Church life, making it more vibrant and energetic. I am grateful to all our lay leaders, religious sisters, and priests from the Philippines for their good work,” the prelate said to the members of Simbayanan-KAMMPI.

In a report by Sunday Examiner, the cardinal encouraged the congregation to continue spreading love despite challenges. He also emphasized the importance of respecting diverse perspectives, and grounding faith and hope in “authentic love.”

Established in 1999 by the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos (DPCF), Simbayanan-KAMMPI aims to unite Filipino migrant workers across parishes in Hong Kong, providing them with spiritual, socio-cultural, and educational opportunities. 

Since 2015, English-speaking parish communities and the DPCF have formed its core membership. 

Father Emilio Lim, the former chaplain for the Filipino community in Hong Kong from 2003 to 2011, reflected on the organization’s enduring mission to foster unity among Filipino Catholics.

 “And so may it continue to be so, that the different communities from different parishes do not operate or express their faith in isolation or separately, but really as one brotherhood or sisterhood,” he said.

The priest also expressed gratitude to the bishops of Hong Kong for their unwavering support, which has allowed Filipino communities to flourish in every parish across the territory.

The organization’s activities range from liturgical seminars and seasonal reflections to annual sports festivals and cultural celebrations like Pistahan sa Nayon (Festival in the Village). 

According to the Hong Kong diocese, these events foster interaction not only among Filipinos but also with other migrant groups, reflecting a commitment to building a more inclusive Church community.

Sister Corazon Demetillo, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants and the current advisor to Simbayanan-KAMMPI, thanked Cardinal Stephen for affirming the community’s integral role in the Diocese of Hong Kong. 

She extended her appreciation to the clergy, former and current officers of the organization, and guests, including the Maryknoll Sisters and members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

To mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Sister Demetillo urged attendees to extend their hospitality to asylum seekers and refugees of various nationalities, in line with the broader mission of the Church to welcome the stranger.

Mary Jean Poca, the president of Simbayanan-KAMMPI, spoke about the challenges of leading over 20 communities within the group, particularly in coordinating activities amid busy schedules and the relocation of former officers. 

As the organization looks toward the future, Sister Demetillo noted that its journey aligns with Pope Francis’ call for a synodal Church, where migrants are recognized as vital contributors to parish life. --licas.news