Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – A solemn Mass at the Cathedral of Hong Kong Immaculate Conception opened the May 11 celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the mission of the Canossian Sisters in Hong Kong. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), Bishop John Tong of Hong Kong presided the liturgy that was attended by the Canossian Sisters, Third Order members of the Canossian Order, and students and teachers of Canossian schools and colleges. As was mentioned by the Superior of the Canossian Province of Hong Kong and Macao, Sister Cynthia Chan, today "the congregation sees spiritual formation as the core of our mission and ministry to respond to the signs of the times." According to the President of the Third Order, "we lay people are like outstretched arms of the Sisters, for the transmission and prolonging of the mission of the religious."
The Canossian Sisters (Daughters of Charity - Servants of the Poor) were founded in 1808 in Verona, Italy. They arrived in Hong Kong in 1860 and Macao in 1874. In Hong Kong, they have always carried out the charism of their founder, Saint Magdalene of Canossa (1774-1835), dedicating themselves to evangelization in education, health, pastoral, and social service. Currently, the community of Hong Kong has 82 religious and 1 novice. It manages the “Canossa Hospital,” the Honeyville Canossian Retreat House, and many educational and charitable works. The Canossians number about 3,000 worldwide. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 12/05/2010)
