Caritas-Hong Kong opened its annual bazaar season with a large public turnout and a renewed call for unity and hope.
Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. of Hong Kong and visiting Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim of Kuala Lumpur inaugurated the festivities at St. Paul’s Convent School in Causeway Bay, Sunday Examiner reported.
The event, first held in 1961 to foster community spirit and charity, drew more than 22,000 visitors across its Causeway Bay and Tuen Mun venues during the opening weekend.
Cardinal Stephen welcomed the gathering of Church leaders, partners, and young people, saying he was grateful to “be able to gather with such distinguished guests to support the bazaars.”
Reflecting on the Jubilee Year theme Spes non Confundit (Hope does not disappoint), he noted that “despite challenging times, faith and compassion can guide individuals through difficulties.”
He emphasized the role of young people in sustaining the mission, calling their enthusiasm “essential to the mission’s success.”
Marking his fourth year attending as Hong Kong’s bishop, he said the school campus offered “a better place for vitality to be shown and for the laughter of participants to resonate.”
The lighting ceremony included Archbishop Leow; Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung of Caritas-Hong Kong; leaders from the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres; and representatives from St. Paul’s Convent School and Friends of Caritas.
More than 130 booths from over 50 organizations filled the school grounds, showcasing the engagement of parishes, schools, diocesan commissions, and Caritas units.
Visiting archbishop commends Caritas for recognising the ‘unvoiced needs’ of Hong Kong
Archbishop Leow, who had been meeting with Catholic organizations since his arrival three days earlier, praised Caritas for its long-standing commitment to vulnerable communities.
He said the organization offers “well-established services for young children, single-parent families, migrants, and the impoverished,” noting that it responds not only to material concerns but also provides “emotional, psychological, and spiritual support.”
He said the bazaars show strong cooperation “between the Church, schools, government, and the wider community.”
Students from Catholic schools showcased new activities and designs that drew long lines of visitors.
Aberdeen Technical School presented a shooting game themed on the Seven Deadly Sins against a backdrop of the city’s changing skyline.
Teacher Wilson Lee said the booth brought together “innovations, educational objectives and student collaboration.”
Yu Chun Keung Memorial College sold notebooks created by students to mark the upcoming 80th anniversary of the diocese, while the Diocesan Youth Commission prepared a push-button game that highlighted the long history of Caritas-Hong Kong.
For the first time, visitors also tried manoeuvring remote-controlled drones through target circles inside the school hall.
Cardinal Stephen said the bazaars show how diverse groups can act together in charity. “May our efforts be a testament to God’s love, and may our actions continue to bring more light to Hong Kong and our world,” he said.
Caritas expands its reach with Tuen Mun bazaar, more events ahead
In Tuen Mun Cultural Square, Father Peter Lo, Joseph Kung Kwong-pui, and Vanessa Chung opened a parallel bazaar featuring more than 60 booths set up by parishes, Catholic schools, and Caritas programmes.
