The Diocese of Hong Kong marked this year’s Mission Sunday with two large-scale musical evangelization events at MacPherson Stadium in Mongkok, uniting music, testimony, and prayer.
The gatherings aimed to share Christ’s peace with those struggling under the pressures of modern life, according to a report by Sunday Examiner, the official news service of the diocese.
The first session, held on October 18, was dedicated to secondary and tertiary students, while the second, on October 19, brought together parishioners and their non-believing friends.
Both days began with a rendition of the Jubilee Year theme song “Pilgrims of Hope” performed by the Free-Up band, followed by a welcoming message from Deacon Gamaliel Cheng, who set what the Sunday Examiner described as “a warm and inviting tone for the events.”
Stories of faith and resilience
Throughout the two-day celebration, participants shared deeply personal stories of struggle, recovery, and faith.
Performer Kris Yuen recounted the difficulties he faced pursuing his artistic dream — from parental opposition and academic setbacks to uncertainty in his career.
“He found strength in his faith,” the report said, and ultimately achieved his goal of becoming a program host, realizing “that life’s path is paved not just with triumphs, but also with lows that enrich our understanding.”
Another speaker, Sushi Siu, shared her experience of depression and the loss of a close friend to suicide. Introduced to a parish by a friend’s mother, she found healing and faith that led to her baptism in 2018.
“Through years of inner turmoil and reflection, she discovered healing through love and faith,” the article noted. Today, she works for a non-governmental organization helping people with mental health challenges.
Cancer survivor Ivon Ho also took the stage, reflecting on how his battle with colon cancer reshaped his family relationships and spirituality.
After surgery and chemotherapy, “he reconciled with his family and revived his spiritual connection, discovering strength through love and the unwavering support of his faith community.”
Cardinal Chow: ‘I am loved by God’
Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, S.J., of Hong Kong, offered his reflections on the first day, expressing “deep empathy towards the recovering patients and the young dreamers striving amidst obstacles.”
He also revealed his own health challenges, recalling how epilepsy once made him question his vocation.
The cardinal disclosed that he had survived thyroid cancer after undergoing a “four-hour surgery to remove a large tumor,” and shared that his health is now stable.
The event’s theme song, he said, “moved him to tears” for its depiction of “the loneliness of an orphan cherished by God,” mirroring his own moments of isolation and helplessness. “But I am grateful,” he said, “for I am loved by God.”
He added that the song reminded him of “late Pope Francis, who designated the Jubilee Year,” whom he said he deeply misses.
Faith through caregiving and compassion
The second day featured testimonies from Gilbert and Amy Tsui, who spoke of their journey as caregivers amid serious health challenges in their family. They shared their gratitude “for the ability to care for their family members,” seeing their struggles as “part of God’s plan.”
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing addressed the audience that day, encouraging the speakers and participants to remember “God’s presence in their lives.”
Music continued to play a central role throughout the two-day event, as Deacon Cheng and the Free-Up band “urged non-believers to reflect on life’s deeper meaning and sparked a zeal for evangelizing among non-believers as they bear witness to their faith.”
A blessing of peace
The celebration ended with priests and deacons offering blessings to all in attendance, with special prayers “for those who did not yet believe,” in the hope of extending God’s love into their lives.
Father Paul Kam Po-wai, vicar general of the diocese and head of the preparation team, expressed gratitude to those who invited friends and family to the event. He said he hoped “the blessings would mark a new beginning in their spiritual journey, bringing peace as they experience God’s serenity.”
Youth participation and inspiration
The first day drew about 1,000 students from more than 50 Catholic schools and tertiary institutions, while the second day attracted some 1,300 parishioners.
Sister Marinei Pessanha Alves, supervisor of Pope Paul VI College, said she joined the event with students and their families “to deepen their understanding of God,” believing it would “encourage them to grow deeper into understanding the Catholic faith and values.”
Nine student leaders from the Immaculate Heart of Mary College also participated. Vice principal Sung Sze-chun said the school aimed “to involve non-Catholic student leaders to broaden participation in religious activities.”
Student union chairperson Hannah Wong said she believed “every religion imparts positive life lessons,” while Tiffany Wong expressed her eagerness “to learn from the life stories shared by others.”
