On 10 June, WCCM (HK) organised a one-day pilgrimage to Fanling, New Territories and Shenzhen, across the border, to visit two Catholic churches. As “Pilgrims of Hope” in this Jubilee Year, we came to admire Hong Kong’s newest Catholic church - Fanling St. Joseph - and its subterranean sanctuary. The altarpiece features a figure of Jesus in the air with open arms, symbolizing both His ascension to heaven and His return in His Second Coming. This modernist design is the creation of an Italian nun, as are the other significant elements, the altar, lectern, tabernacle, the presider’s chair. The spaciousness of the sanctuary enhanced the overall experience.
The parish began serving the faithful in 1954 from a small church built from locally sourced granite stone. We started our visit with 20 minutes of meditation in this 71-year old building. Now a Grade III Heritage site, it has witnessed the transformation of Fanling as a village to the town of a quarter million residents that it is now. As the community grew, the original church became too small, leading to the construction of a new church beside it. Consecrated in January 2024, the new Fanling St. Joseph has welcomed visitors from near and far during this Jubilee Year.
After lunch, our next stop was St. Anthony's Church, located in the Futian district of Shenzhen. Approximately a decade old, the church's design resembles a bell, and when viewed from a height, the church with its tall steeple evokes a ship with a mast. Surrounding the church, statues of St. Francis of Assisi and Matteo Ricci stand amidst carefully tended flowers and plants. There is a grotto for quiet prayer in front of Our Lady. At the back of the church, there is a Chinese gazebo providing a perfect spot for rest, while the gentle sound of a nearby water wheel enhances the tranquil atmosphere.
The church features impressive copper doors engraved with a map of the Greater Bay Area, which were specially opened for us during our visit. Upon entering, our eyes were drawn to the stunning Byzantine-style icons adorning the side walls. The half-dome above the altar showcases a depiction of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, with the Holy Spirit descending upon Him in the form of a dove. We were told weekend masses are often attended by more than a thousand people.
What made our visit particularly memorable was that Fr. Paul Tam, WCCM (HK)’s spiritual advisor, celebrated Mass for us in this beautiful church. Though on a weekday, the church’s organist came to accompany us, and a deacon assisted Fr. Tam during the service. Few of us could have imagined that Shenzhen is home to such an unexpectedly stately church, and experiencing Mass there filled us with a profound sense of joy.
Our pilgrimage was deeply rewarding as we visited the modern and spacious St. Joseph’s Church in Fanling, followed by the unexpected discovery of the beautiful St. Anthony’s Church in Shenzhen. These sacred spaces uplifted our hearts in hope, strengthening us as we journey in faith together.
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