Our school successfully held the “messenger of Hope” themed Religious Week series of activities last week. This year’s Religious Week encouraged students to translate faith into action, becoming a “light” that bears witness to Christ’s love and compassion within the school, family, and society. Through a series of diverse and meaningful experiential activities, students not only deepened their understanding of Catholic teachings but also personally practiced the core values of caring for others, serving the community, and protecting creation.
Morning Praise, Daily Reflection
The week commenced on Monday with carefully selected hymns by Ms. Chu and Ms Wong resonating across the campus each morning. Accompanied by specially prepared morning prayers, they set the tone for a day filled with grace and reflection for all teachers and students, fostering a profound spiritual atmosphere.
Passing the Torch, Deepening Faith
The first highlight arrived on Tuesday. The morning assembly featured the inauguration ceremony for the new committee of the Catholic Students’ Association, where the outgoing president formally passed on duties and mission to the new student leaders, symbolizing the continuity of service within the faith community. That afternoon, the lively “Bible Quiz” booth, with questions designed by senior students, attracted enthusiastic participation from many junior form students. Through answering questions, students revisited Catholic teachings and enhanced their understanding of the faith in an interactive setting, demonstrating a spirit of exploration and sharing.
Creative Broadcast, Embodying Love
During Thursday’s morning assembly, students presented a deeply moving story through a meticulously produced radio drama. It narrated the tale of the fourth wise man, Artaban, who carried three precious gemstones for the newborn king. During his thirty-three-year journey of search, compelled by compassion and charity, he used the gems to aid a sick elder, save a mother and child in peril, and redeem a young woman forced into slavery. When he finally stood before the king, his hands were empty, and his heart was filled with remorse. Yet, the king told him, “whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.” Each of his gifts had long been offered to the king. The students’ expressive voice acting and thoughtful narration powerfully conveyed the Gospel spirit of caring for the vulnerable and practicing charity. This drama, aligning with the week’s theme of “bearing witness” and the faith’s core that “what you do for the least, you do for Jesus,” deeply touched the hearts of the entire school community.
A Meal of Contentment, A Thought of Gratitude
During lunch that day, Secondary 2 students participated in the highly educational “Hunger Banquet” experience. Students were randomly divided into “wealthy” and “poor” groups, enjoying either a six-course lunch or a simple meal of bread. This activity allowed students to personally experience global resource inequality and the challenges of hunger. Notably, students with the “wealthy meal” proactively shared their food with their “poor” peers. The hall naturally filled with dialogue and smiles of sharing. In the post-activity reflection, teachers guided students to appreciate the blessings of living in Hong Kong, cultivating virtues of contentment and sharing. This was connected to Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’ and its call to “care for our common home,” encouraging students to start by caring for those around them and extending that responsibility to protecting our planet.
Practicing Charity, Joyful Communion
The Religious Week concluded on a high note on Friday with the school-based “Caritas Bazaar.” Donated generously by benefactors and the whole school community, the stalls, filled with Christmas decorations, plush toys, and more, attracted enthusiastic support from students. Many even willingly paid above the marked prices, demonstrating selfless generosity and strong support for the charitable cause. Simultaneously, Secondary 3 students showcased their creativity and faith knowledge by organizing various religious-themed booth games. These activities allowed Secondary 1 and 2 students to learn through play and interaction, drawing closer to God while enjoying themselves.
The “Messenger of Hope” Religious Week has now concluded successfully. We are delighted to have witnessed the students” faith enthusiasm, creativity, capacity for reflection, and concrete acts of charity throughout the activities. The school hopes this “light” will continue to burn within our students’ hearts, inspiring them to persistently pass on the love and wisdom they have received in their daily lives, working together to build a more compassionate and just world.