On the 4^th of February 2023, the thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan sj.  Cardinal John Tong, Abbot Dom Paul Kao, of our Lady of Joy Abbey; the Head of Study Mission in Hong Kong of Philippines, Monsignor Jose Luis Diaz-Mariblanca Sanchez, the vicar general Fr. Joseph Chan Wing Chiu, and 20 priests thanked God ‘s loving care and protection for the past hundred years.

At the beginning of the Mass, bishop Chow expressed gratitude to the congregation for its mission of the elderly over the past century. In his homily, he expressed gratitude to God for the presence of the Little Sisters of the Poor who came to Hong Kong at the request of Bishop Dominic Pozzoni and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  He also expressed his understanding about the challenges faced by the congregation at present, lack of vocation, hard to hire adequate and suitable staff for caring for the elderly, it requires a lot of love and patience. Many old people in Hong Kong have a strong feelings of loneliness and helplessness, they may have serious emotional issues as well. Through the service of the sisters, we can see mercy, goodness, and patience. At the same time, he understands that there can be frustration at work in homes for the elderly. He reminds those present that is most important, is to work for Jesus and forgive. He expressed gratitude to the Canossian Sisters for caring for the elderly before the Little Sisters came to Hong Kong.

A foundation book featuring the historical events of the congregation while serving in Hong Kong for over a century, as well as a residents’ registration book, were later offered to the altar by Sister Imelda de l’Immaculee and Sister Paula Marie de la Providence. The two books were placed under the picture of the Congregation Foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, in front of the altar, as a sign of gratitude for all the blessings from God.

A letter from Mere was read out from Sr. Cecilia Emmanuel thanking the local Church community, many friends, and benefactors, past and present for their wonderful support over the years whose contributions are significant for the development of the two homes today and urged prayers for more vocation to follow the footsteps of St. Jeanne Jugan.

We are grateful for our devoted volunteers who helped us to prepare the Mass online for those in Sheung Shui Home’s residents, staff, and volunteers who cannot come for the celebration so that we can be united together in thanksgiving of our Home in Hong Kong.