Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35), Jesus' words have accompanied the 25-year life of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos of the Diocese of Hong Kong. They were 25 years of spiritual, moral and even material service for Filipino domestic workers first, and later also for the Indonesian, Thai and other countries. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), over 800 Filipinos and Indonesians faithful attended the Mass for the 25 years that took place in the parish of Christ the King, presided by Fr. Lim, spiritual director and responsible for Filipino immigrants, and by Fr. J.Incarta, spiritual director and responsible for Indonesian immigrants. Sister F. Nisperos, director of the Center, and the Consul General of the Consulate of the Philippines to Hong Kong were also present. In his homily, the President encouraged participants to spread the love of God in their work, bringing the warmth of this community to other immigrants. Sr. Nisperos thanked the priests and religious in Hong Kong who gave spiritual support to these immigrants, and especially Msgr. John Tong, Bishop of Hong Kong, future Cardinal.
On October 1, 1986, considering the pastoral needs of large groups of Filipino domestic workers who arrived in Hong Kong, Cardinal J. Battista Wu, then Bishop of the diocese, established a "Committee of attention to the needs of Filipino maids". On January 4, 1987 the body was renamed the "Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos" with the motto "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35). After ten years its service has expanded to include Indonesians, Thais .... The Center offers many services, so as to make it "our second home", as it was defined by the immigrants. Among these activities: Bible reading, prayer meetings, spiritual retreats, formation, legal consulting, counseling, visiting the imprisoned and the sick, connecting service with the employer, the consulate and the police. It also offers accommodation in case of emergency. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 14/2/2012)
