Caritas Hong Kong ushered in the Year of the Snake with its annual spring reception on February 14, bringing together over 300 benefactors, supporters, staff, and representatives from various Church organizations.
Held at the Community Hall of Caritas House on Caine Road, the celebration highlighted the organization’s enduring mission of compassion and community service.
The event opened with a drone performance by students from Caritas Fanling Chan Chun Ha Secondary School, according to Sunday Examiner, the official news site of the Church in Hong Kong.
The display formed symbols representing “abundance, prosperity, and connectedness,” setting an uplifting tone for the evening.
Call for love in action
Addressing the gathering, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., presiding officer of the Council of Caritas, drew on the symbolism of the Lunar New Year’s zodiac.
He encouraged attendees to embrace the vigilance and agility of the snake to navigate life’s challenges while emphasizing the power of collective support for those in need.
“So may our hearts be connected to help Caritas together to face everything,” Cardinal Chow said. “In fact, the support does not go to Caritas itself but to those we serve. They may be students, the elderly, the sick, the lonely, and the widowed. Helping Caritas is helping them.”
The reception coincided with Valentine’s Day, a connection Cardinal Chow did not overlook. He reminded guests that their shared commitment to Caritas reflected the true spirit of love, even acknowledging the organization’s imperfections.
Hope and humor amid celebration
Cardinal Chow further urged everyone to practice self-love and resilience. “Let’s maintain positive energy, which can help us advance our goals, and be a pilgrim of hope,” he said.
Ending his remarks with a touch of humor, he quipped that Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, chief executive of Caritas, might need to reconsider his name for the Year of the Snake, as “lung” in Cantonese means “dragon”—the zodiac of the previous year.
Father Yim, playing along, responded with a smile, saying he would “seriously consider it,” prompting laughter from the crowd.
The evening continued with a toast led by Cardinal Chow, Father Yim, and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, symbolizing unity and renewed commitment for the year ahead.
Celebration of service
The celebration featured vibrant performances by the Caritas Wong Yiu Nam Centre and the Caritas Nursery School – Yau Tong.
The Wong Yiu Nam Centre, known for its drug counseling services, supports young people under 35, offering stays ranging from one week to a year to aid in their recovery.
A male youth band energized the hall with their performance, while children’s dances conveyed the blessings and support Caritas provides throughout different stages of life.
Father Yim, in his closing remarks, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all supporters and volunteers. He encouraged them to continue their work with purpose, saying, “I hope they will make good use of their talents and serve, following the will of God.”
The evening ended on a high note, with guests, volunteers, and staff standing together for a group photo—a testament to the enduring community spirit that Caritas-Hong Kong strives to uphold.
