Since 2007 Claretian Missionaries have been present in Hong Kong as three priests from India came to study Cantonese in the Chinese University. After the competition of their two years of language studies, the diocese assigned two of them to two different parishes as assistant pastors in 2011. Four years later, on 1 November 2015, Epiphany Parish in Lantau island was entrusted to the care of the Claretians. Fr. Jose Cherukara and Fr. Alberto Rossa resided in Mui Wo while caring for the Mass Centers in Tai O and Peng Chau. Fr. Ezakias joined the parish a year later in 2016.
In May 2019, Fr. Ezakias was appointed the parish priest in Mui Wo while Fr. Jose moved to Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cheung Chau. Fr. Ezakias and Fr. Rossa are joined by Fr. Piotr as the new assistant parish priest in Mui Wo.
Our Lady of Fatima Church is situated in a quiet and serene location near the waterfront of Chueng Chau Tung Wan. Cheung Chau is an offshore island about 10 knots southwest of Hong Kong. With a population of 30,000, it is considered the most densely populated island. Being centrally located amongst the neighboring islands, it enjoyed a strategic position thus attracting residents even 3,000 years ago. Cheung Chau was already a vibrant rural center in the 17th century, with many shops serving the needs of the neighbouring fishing fleets. There was a custom house during the Ching dynasty, guarded with garrison and soldiers.
Our Lady of Fatima Church has experienced a long history of development and is now an independent parish, more so, a famous destination for pilgrims of local worshippers. Pilgrims each year include the third day of the Chinese New Year fpr Chiu Chow and Swatow Catholics, May for the glorious cross and Our Lady of Fatima parade, and October for the Feast Day of patron saint.
People come, notwithstanding inclement weather, to pay tribute to our Lady, to say rosary, to pray for true repentance and peace for the world with whole hearted sincerity and dedication.
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| Fr. Jose with some of the parishioners of Fatima Parish in Cheung Chau |
Other Catholic Organizations in Cheung Chau
In the 1950’s, the Jesuits and the Salesians have established language centres in Cheung Chau for training of their priests and students. The Jesuits have also set up their own primary seminary, while the Salesians have developed their institute of philosophy and the Don Bosco centre for the young people. From 1960’s onwards, Caritas provided community work and youth services in Cheung Chau.
In respect of education facilities, the Sacred Heart Primary School and Kindergarten was completed together with the chapel. The Caritas Vocational Training Institute was founded in 1973 to fulfill the mission of evangelization through education. All these efforts by various Catholic organizations have taken root and flourished in the quiet and peaceful island of Cheung Chau.
The social services provided expand rapidly throughout the years, while at the same time complementing each other in achieving their objectives to serve the community, alongside the spiritual leadership under the Church of Our Lady of Fatima.
Together and working hand in hand, we can see the growth of religious life and spiritual worship being enriched through dedicated social and education services, making Cheung Chau a unique area of Catholic blessing.
The social services provided expand rapidly throughout the years, while at the same time complementing each other in achieving their objectives to serve the community, alongside the spiritual leadership under the Church of Our Lady of Fatima.
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