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CLARETIAN News Update —Hong Kong - Japan, Macau - Taiwan



Joy Beyond Service: Fifteen Years of Friendship at Linglong Leprosy Village
For over fifteen years, members of Candle Light have accompanied Father Jojo CMF in visiting Linglong Leprosy Village—what began as outreach has become a joyful tradition of friendship. Each visit is a reunion filled with warmth. The group shared a meal, distributed gift bags of food and drinks, and brought smiles to the villagers. Encouragingly, all residents were healthy, with no need for hospitalization, supported by two dedicated young nurses at Linglong Hospital. Simple


New Aboriginal Ministers Complete Formation in Taipei
A formation program for new aboriginal pastoral ministers concluded successfully in Taipei, equipping participants from various indigenous communities with theological training and practical skills for church ministry. The program was accompanied by Fr. Arturo Morales, CMF, who guided the candidates throughout their formation journey. The curriculum focused on inculturation, Scripture study, and pastoral care tailored to aboriginal traditions and needs. Graduates will now ser


Hong Kong Diocese Turns 80: A Jubilee of Faith, History & Unity
The Diocese of Hong Kong celebrated its 80th anniversary on Saturday, April 11, at a packed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road, marking its elevation from an apostolic vicariate on the same day in 1946. The day’s events began with a performance of the specially composed theme song for the anniversary in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. This was followed by a tribute led by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, to Father Theodore Joset, the first a


Easter Message 2026: Choosing Love Over Violence in a World at War
In a world marked by war and division, the Easter Message 2026 of the Superior General, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, rises as a quiet call to hope, where love overcomes violence, and light breaks through darkness. Read the full message.


Freewheeling into Easter Monday: A Claretian Breath of Fresh Air
After the sacred Holy Week activities of processions, liturgies, and the deep silence of the Triduum, the Claretian Community of Taiwan went to unwind with the cyclists' handlebars. On Easter Monday afternoon, the missionaries set out on their bicycles across the Taiwanese countryside. With the joy of the Resurrection still fresh in their hearts, they pedaled through winding roads and along the peaceful riverbanks.


Easter Celebration and Fellowship at Narumi Parish in Nagoya
We had an international celebration of Easter; 208 people from different nationalities participated in the celebration. It was a blessing to our parish. The Mass was filled with joyful hymns in multiple languages. After the liturgy, a festive fellowship brought everyone together in the parish hall. Laughter and conversation flowed freely as we shared traditional Easter dishes from various cultures. Children ran between tables while adults exchanged heartfelt "Alleluia" greeti


Happy Birthday, 57th Fr. Nagasaki!
We had a simple celebration in the community with (Front Row L-R) Frs. Nagasaki and Yoon and (Back Row L-R) Jaime, Felix. The small gathering was filled with warm smiles and heartfelt prayers. A simple cake sat at the center of the table, lit by a single candle. Fr. Nagasaki blew out the candle as the brothers sang a quiet "Happy Birthday." The afternoon was spent enjoying each other's company. It was a humble but meaningful way to honor 57 years (April 2) of God's faithful


Cardinal Stephen Presides at Chrism Mass
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, celebrated the annual Chrism Mass on April 2 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road. The liturgy included the blessing of the Holy Oils and the renewal of priestly promises. Concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, bishops emeriti John Cardinal Tong Hon and Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, along with priests and deacons of the diocese, the Mass was attended by hundreds of faithful.


One Faith, Three Tongues: Macau’s Chrism Mass Unites Communities
The annual Chrism Mass was celebrated April 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cathedral, presided by Bishop Stephen Lee. Faithful from Macau’s English, Chinese, and Portuguese communities gathered to bless the Holy Oils and renew priestly promises. In a powerful sign of unity, the liturgy unfolded in three languages, reflecting the diocese’s rich cultural fabric.


Strengthening Mission Partnerships in Nanjing
In a spirit of collaboration and shared mission, Fr. Paco is currently visiting Amity Printing Press in Nanjing together with Fr. Alberto and Ms. Divine. The visit aims to deepen relationships and gain a better understanding of our valued partners in Amity Press, one of the world’s leading Bible printing ministries. During their time at the press, the group has been given a firsthand look at the remarkable work being carried out—an inspiring witness to dedication, precision,


Earth Hour 2026
Earth Hour is an annual environmental campaign organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable living. It typically takes place on the last Saturday of March at 8:30 PM local time . The event aims to unite people globally in the fight against climate change and highlight the importance of protecting nature.


Syro-Malabar Community Marks Palm Sunday at Our Lady of Joy Abbey
TAI SHUI HANG, HONG KONG – The Syro-Malabar Catholic community gathered on March 28 at Our Lady of Joy Abbey, a monastery in Tai Shui Hang (大水坑), Lantau Island, for Palm Sunday celebrations led by Fr. Jijo and Fr. Jose. The solemn observance began with the blessing of palm fronds, followed by the Way of the Cross, during which the faithful meditated on the Passion of Christ as they processed through the abbey grounds. The celebration concluded with the Holy Qurbana (Mass), w


Claretian Missionaries – Appeal for Peace
Bolawalana, Sri Lanka, 2026 March 7 Dear brothers and sisters, We speak with deep concern as we witness the tragic escalation of violence and war in the Middle East. Before the eyes of the world, destruction answers destruction and the language of weapons has drowned out the language of dialogue. The greatest victims of this spiral of violence are innocent people – families displaced, children living in fear, and communities suffering immeasurable loss. This painful reality r


Moments from the encounter of the major superiors in preparation for the XXVII General Chapter
Colombo, Sri Lanka — March 2-8, 2026 The General Government, together with the Major Superiors, began an eight-day journey of prayer, reflection, and synodal discernment in Colombo. This significant gathering marked an important step in preparing the Congregation for the XXVII General Chapter, fostering hope, unity, and renewed missionary zeal. Photo 1: The inaugural mass of the encounter. The days were dedicated to deep listening, communal prayer, and discerning the Spirit’s


Ministry Update | Kyoto, Japan
Fr. Stephen Nang, CMF continues to serve in a wide range of pastoral ministries in the Kyoto Diocese, including immigration outreach to English- and Vietnamese-speaking communities, ministry among indigenous peoples, and extensive educational apostolates. He currently pastors, with two other priests, five parishes—including the Cathedral—each linked to kindergartens or schools. Located near a major educational complex from kindergarten to university, Fr. Nang regularly encoun


Lent: A Quiet Journey Back to God
Lent is a sacred season that invites us to slow down and look honestly at our lives. It is not meant to make us sad, but to make us awake —to what truly matters, to who we are becoming, and to where God is gently calling us. For forty days, the Church invites us to walk with Jesus through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are not mere religious duties. They are simple practices that help clear our hearts: prayer reconnects us with God, fasting teaches us self-control and


Encounter with Claret 2026 Begins for English-Speaking Claretians
Vic, Spain. The Encounter with Claret 2026 is being held from 24 February to 26 March 2026, gathering 16 English-speaking Claretians from different Organisms for a month of study, prayer, and pilgrimage centered on the life and mission of St. Anthony Mary Claret. The programme aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Claret’s spirituality and missionary vision through intensive sessions and visits to significant Claretian sites. The Encounter unfolds in three phases in V


Building Connections at a Global Catholic Gathering
Fr. Jose Cherukara, CMF attended the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 2026 , held from February 19–22, 2026 , at the Anaheim Convention Center , California. Organized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education , the four-day congress is the largest annual Catholic gathering of its kind, bringing together around 35,000 participants , including educators, pastoral leaders, and faithful from the U.S. and abroad. The event featured workshops, liturgi


EAD Claretians Assembly for Chinese speaking region
An Assembly of Claretians working in the Chinese Mission was held from February 8–13 in Taiwan. The gathering focused on prayerful discernment, pastoral sharing, and strategic planning to strengthen collaboration, missionary presence, and future directions of the Claretian mission among Chinese communities.


Sunday Mass Marked by New Beginnings and Remembrance
The local Catholic community gathered for a solemn Sunday Mass presided over by Fr. Arturo. The liturgy was a vibrant celebration of faith, highlighted by the active participation of Aboriginal Ministers and the formal induction of new students into their roles as lay ministers, marking a significant step in their spiritual journey. The congregation also took part in a deeply moving moment of commemoration for the late ci Tilo sinpo ato ci Ka'onto sinpo . The ceremony served
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