Saturday, November 01, 2014

Welcome to the China Bulletin - November 2014

Issue: 100!
Yes! We are glad to reach you with our news, views and comments for 100th time! 
We express our sincere appreciation for your support and encouragement! 
Will begin this issue, taking guard all over again! 
Hence, a recap of the Vol.1, Issue.1  
This issue went on line in April 2006 






Feast of St. Claret celebrated in Hong Kong


The various service groups and pious associations of St. Benedict Church in Shatin Wai, Hong Kong joined hands to celebrate the Feast of St. Antony Mary Claret [1807-1870], the Founder of the Missionary Congregation of the Sons of  the Immaculate Heart of Mary on 24 October.
Reception 
Fr. Alberto with the Lay Claretian friends
Prior to the Eucharistic Celebration 
Fr. Edward Yu, our Main Celebrant 




Rev. Fr. Edward Yu, Asst. Parish Priest of St. Benedict Church presided over the concelebrated Holy Eucharist. For the parishioners of St. Benedict, this was a way of expressing their love and appreciation for the missionaries. Over two hundred guests from Hong Kong and Macau had joined the celebrations. 

For more visuals from the Feast Day celebrations, check out the video at the end of the page! 

From the Publications

One of our recent titles from the Claretian Publications, "Sharing the Joy of the Gospel in China" by a Chinese author, Chiaretto Kin Sheung Yan, was officially launched in Macau in the last week of October.
The Poster for the event 
The Event 
Chiaretto Kin Sheung Yan (the author); Bishop Jose Lai (Bishop of Macao); Florinda Chan (Secretary for Administration and Justice in Macau) ; Alberto and Jijo  (event coordinator)

Other Titles from the Publications 

"Meeting Jesus" - in Traditional Chinese : One of the four volumes of the book
"Open Mind, Faithful Heart" by Pope Francis 
Daily Gospel 2015 in Simplified Chinese for mainland China 
The cover for the Simplified Chinese version of the title,
"Open Mind, Faithful Heart" by Pope Francis


Fr. Ezakias moves to Rosary Church

Fr. Ezakias Antony Swamy, CMF 
Fr. Ezakias has completed his two years of service in St. Teresa's Church is appointed the Assistant Parish Priest in Rosary Church at Tsim Sha Tsui. On his return after two months of vacation in India, he moved to his new parish on 19 October.  We wish him the very best and God's blessings in abundance in his new parish. 
Rosary Church, Tsim Sha Tsui
Rosary Church in Tsim Sha Tsui was built in 1905. This is the oldest Catholic Church on the Kowloon Peninsula. The history of the Church traces back to the time of the Boxer Uprising in 1900, when Great Britain had mobilized several regiments of army to Hong Kong to be stationed in Kowloon.

Hence, a Mass centre was opened in the premises of the Canossian Missionaries to serve the needs of the Catholic military and lay people. As Tsim Sha Tsui district expanded and the population increased, a small Church which could accommodate 800 people, was built in 1901. But soon it became obvious that the small Church could not meet the local needs as the expatriates – especially the Portuguese community - living in Tsim Sha Tsui had greatly increased. Thus, Rosary Church was rebuilt on 8th May 1905. 
Interior of the Church 
Over the years, many improvements have been made to the original structure . In preparation for the centenary celebration, large-scale renovation and improvement works, as well as refurbishment of the Parish hall, were undertaken and completed in 2003. The architecture of Rosary Church is in classic Gothic style with the original floor plan based on a Roman Basilica model.
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Rosary Church 
In 1950 with the addition of the nave, the floor plan appeared as a Latin crucifix, a long nave passing through the baptismal font leading to the semi-circle sanctuary. The Monuments and Antiquities Board has classified Rosary Church as a Class B heritage building as recognition for its architectural uniqueness.

Taiwan Claretians are 20 Years Old!


Participants of the East Asia Delegation Assembly at Yangmingshan, Taipei, Taiwan
Claretians in The East Asia had their 8th Delegation Assembly from October 27 to 31, 2014 at St. Clare Retreat House in Yangmingshan, Taipei, Taiwan. 
Meals time! 
28 Missionaries from the East Asia, together with Father General, Josep Abella CMF, came together for fraternity, sharing and discernment of our Claretian presence in this part of the world.
Fr. Jijo [L] presenting a Chinese translation of a book written by Pope Francis to Rev. John Hung Shan Chuan, SVD, Archbishop of Taipei, even as Fr. General, Josep Abella [R] looks on 
The Macau Community with Fr. Paco [in shorts!] and Fr. General, Josep Abella [4th from right]
Rev. John Hung Shan Chuan, SVD, Archbishop of Taipei presiding over the Eucharist 
The year 2014 is of great significance in the life of the Claretian community in Taiwan as it marks the 20 years of our Missionary presence in Taiwan. 
The Community celebrated the occasion with a thanksgiving mass, Presided over by Rev. John Hung Shan Chuan, SVD, Archbishop of Taipei. 

Recollecting the early days in the region, Fr. Francisco Carin, one of the pioneers to Taiwan, expressed his gratitude towards all those who have supported the missionaries over the years. Fr. General went a step further, thanking God for his providence, appreciating the people for their support and love for the missionaries and also asking pardon for any failure in missionary commitment which we should have done. 
Dancers from the Amis Aboriginal Community during the offertory procession
Archbishop John in his homily appreciated the missionaries for their commendable services in the diocese, with the aboriginals and in parishes.  
Fr. Arturo [R] with the Archbishop 
Concluding the celebrations, the movie, "Un Dios Prohibido", on the the Martyrdom the Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro, with Chinese subtitles was screened. Many were seen wiping tears as the movie ended! A word of thanks would not suffice to express our appreciation for our Missionaries in Taiwan for the meticulous planning and commendable execution of the whole event which lasted for over a week. A job well done, dear brothers!  

With the Archbishop 

The General Assembly and Jubilee celebrations were also an opportunity for some us to explore the scenic beauty of Taiwan. The personal attention and care by the missionaries was more than what one could ask for! Here are a few visuals our Taiwan exploration


Bitou Cape Trail
A view from the Bitou Cape Trail
On Fulong beach: 
The Taiwan International Sand Sculpture Championship is held here annually
Villa of Our Lady at Wu Fung Chi 
ILan County, Taiwan
A pretty awesome ride out to Wufen Mountain (五分山: 757m)
Hsinchu - Kansai - Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Persimmon (Kaki or Shizi) Fruit - 晒柿餅 
Every autumn, farmers in Hsinpu Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan harvest and peel persimmon fruits, then put them in the sun for drying
In a Persimmon (Kaki or Shizi) Fruit garden 
Enjoying a Korean Dinner 
Thank you Fr. Liju for all the hard work! 
Fr. Ezakias with Fr. Liju at Chungshan Building, Yangmingshan

The Frankfurt Book Fair

"Claret Publishing group" has been a regular face in the Frankfurt International Book Fair and this year was no exception!
The presentation of the Claret Publishing Group 
Although the name "Claret Publishing Group" is relatively new, Claretian Publications from different parts of the world have used the Frankfurt Book Fair as a platform for meeting and making friends in the publishing world.
Representatives from Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines and China
This year, Fr. Alberto Rossa representing the Publishing House in Macau, has participated in the book fair for the 28th time!
Alonso (Argentina), Fernando (Madrid), Antonio (Argentina) 
Alberto (China), Dennis (Philippines)

聖母聖心愛子會Happy Feast Day

Enjoy the visuals of the gathering of friends and well wishers of Claretians in St. Benedict Church on the Feast of St. Antony Mary Claret on 24 October.