The Catholic Church in Hong Kong is intensifying its initiatives to assist refugees and asylum seekers.
These efforts come as part of preparations for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 29, according to Sunday Examiner, the official publication of the bishop of Hong Kong.
Formed in November 2023, following the first session of the Synod of Bishops with the theme “Communion, Participation, and Mission,” a pastoral care group was established to extend the Church’s outreach to these marginalized communities.
Led by Good Shepherd Sister Cora Demetillo, the group comprises members from various Church and charitable organizations, including the MercyHK Centre, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), among others.
The group’s mission is to provide practical support while advocating for the societal inclusion of asylum seekers and refugees.
Throughout September, members will speak at Masses across different parishes to raise awareness about the challenges these vulnerable communities face.
“So there is a lot of work to do, but they really need it. They are the ones who are excluded. Our Church, in synodality, includes them in our services. It is a big task, but they deserve it,” said Sister Demetillo.
On September 29, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, a second collection will be held during public Masses.
The funds will go toward essential services for refugees and asylum seekers, including education, value formation, and medical assistance.
The group also collaborates closely with the Diocesan Commission for Pastoral Services to Migrant Workers.
On October 11, they are organizing a special event at Christ the King Chapel in Causeway Bay, featuring a Mass led by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing.
Around 200 refugees and families of asylum seekers, along with 500 supporters, are expected to attend. After the Mass, a “shared joy” session will follow, including songs, dances, and games to foster a sense of community.
Despite the estimated 14,700 asylum seekers in Hong Kong, refugees face numerous difficulties. These include limited financial support, restricted access to education and healthcare, and few opportunities for resettlement.
The pastoral group aims to address these issues by providing educational resources, and financial assistance, and coordinating efforts through a central database to track the needs of the community better.
Father Franco Mella, a long-time advocate for refugees, highlighted the value refugees bring to Hong Kong, noting that they contribute languages and cultural diversity.
However, he also expressed concerns about the conditions in which many refugees are living, particularly those in detention centers. He called on the Immigration Department for more transparency regarding the treatment of detainees.
To foster integration, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul launched the “Kitchen for Friends” initiative earlier this year.
The program invited refugees and asylum seekers to share traditional dishes from their home countries, with participants from Indonesia, Yemen, and Sri Lanka preparing meals and sharing their stories.
One Sri Lankan woman, aged 22, who grew up in an asylum seeker family, spoke of her challenges in finding a university that would accept her, as well as difficulties in securing internships due to her status.
Maurice Yeung Kwok-leung, convener of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Refugee Services Group, spoke about the positive effects of these initiatives.
“We embrace them while accompanying them in their journey as one family,” he said.
