A decade-long effort by the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong to provide a modern worship space for Tung Chung’s Visitation Parish is nearing fruition.
On January 12, the diocese presented plans for a new church at a community briefing at Tung Chung Catholic School, where parishioners and stakeholders reviewed the design and shared feedback.
The new church, to be built on a 2,200-square-meter site near Tung Chung’s cable car and MTR stations, marks a significant milestone for the parish, which has outgrown its existing facilities, according to the Sunday Examiner, the Diocese of Hong Kong’s official news service.
“Initially, a less central plot near the tunnel exit was offered by the government,” said Philip Kwok, chairperson of the Diocesan Building and Development Commission (DBDC).
However, after negotiations, the diocese secured a more accessible location previously earmarked for leisure and cultural purposes.
The diocese acquired the land for HK$60 million (US$7.7 million), significantly lower than the original HK$160 million (US$20.55 million) price, by agreeing to include a public toilet and addressing nearby airport railway view obstructions.
Estimated to cost HK$500 million (US$64.23 million), the project will take four to five years to complete.
Designed by CYS Associates (Hong Kong) Ltd., the four-story building will feature a 1,000-seat main chapel, a smaller chapel, a multipurpose hall for 500 people, and underground parking for private vehicles and coaches.
Environmental considerations such as ventilation and sustainable design are integral to the plan.
Father Thomas Law, former chairperson of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, emphasized the importance of planning for the future.
“A church building should serve the liturgical needs of the community while symbolizing the presence of Christ,” he said, noting that the design should accommodate at least 20 years of growth.
Currently, the parish conducts Chinese and English Masses at a converted clinic in Sheung Ling Pei, built in 1971. Weekend services draw 400 to 500 attendees for Chinese Masses and 500 to 600 for English Masses.
The Sunday school caters to 120 English-speaking and 30 Chinese-speaking students, with demand expected to rise due to new residential developments and transportation expansions in Tung Chung.
Parish priest Father Manoj Mullackal highlighted the importance of community involvement. “A parish priest may leave upon another appointment, but parishioners will stay and use the church for generations,” he said.
Father Mullackal plans additional consultations to refine the design, including adjustments for Sunday school facilities.
The church’s strategic location will also serve as a regional hub for communities in Discovery Bay, Mui Wo, and beyond.
“This is our chance to build a church that accommodates future growth. It’s better to make it bigger now because we don’t know when we’ll have another opportunity,” Father Mullackal added.
During the briefing, parishioners raised concerns about pedestrian safety, parking capacity, and the site’s potential as a pilgrimage destination due to its proximity to the airport.
Father Law encouraged participation from all parish groups to ensure the facility meets the community’s needs. “Everyone’s input is vital to creating a functional and welcoming church,” he said.
Construction is scheduled to begin in April, pending government clearance of the site. “This is a sacred opportunity for our parish,” Father Mullackal said. “We are building not just for ourselves but for generations to come.”
