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



Easter Celebration Honors Six Years of Claretian Vietnamese Youth Ministry in Japan
On May 5, 2026, around 150 Vietnamese youth, together with several Japanese parishioners, gathered at Kadoma Church for a joyful yet emotional Easter Season Mass and farewell celebration. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Paul Y, CMF, who will soon begin his new assignment in the Kyoto Diocese. The celebration was followed by a farewell party filled with gratitude, memories, and heartfelt emotions. The Vietnamese youth community, formed six years ago by Fr. Stephen Nang, became


Queen of Peace Youth Choir Wins First Place in Aboriginal Singing Contest
The youth group of Queen of Peace Parish Youth proudly won first place in the Indigenous Language Hymn Competition held in New Taipei District as part of the “115 Years Feast of Love” Folk Activities celebration last May 3, 2020, at Cardinal Tien College of Healthcare and Management in Xindian District, New Taipei City. The competition was organized in celebration of the Month of Mary and gathered various groups to promote faith, culture, and indigenous heritage through music


Vietnamese Pilgrims Gather in Kyoto for Faith and Fellowship
Over the past three months, from February to May 2026, St. Therese the Little Flower Church, also known as the Catholic Fushimi Church, warmly welcomed ten different groups of Vietnamese pilgrims from around the world. The pilgrims came from Vietnam, the United States, Brazil, Poland, and other countries, accompanied by priests from different dioceses. Many of the visiting groups gathered in prayer and fellowship at the church, strengthening their faith and unity while visiti


Shatin House Community Celebrates 81st Birthday of Fr. Rossa
The community of Shatin House joyfully celebrated the 81st birthday of Fr. Rossa on April 29, 2026. The celebration was filled with gratitude, prayer, and fraternity as members of the community gathered to honor Fr. Rossa’s years of faithful service, dedication, and joyful witness to religious life. The simple yet meaningful gathering included prayers, fellowship, and birthday greetings, expressing appreciation for Fr. Rossa’s continued presence and inspiration within the com


Our Congregation journeying towards the XXVII General Chapter: Letter of Father General after the intensives sessions
Apr 22, 2026 | XXVII General Chapter, Mathew Vattamattam Discover a message of hope, discernment, and missionary renewal in the latest letter of the Superior General, Fr Mathew Vattamattan, CMF, following the intensive sessions. Set against a world marked by crisis and longing for peace, this letter invites the entire Congregation to journey together toward the XXVII General Chapter with a spirit of synodality, prayer, and shared responsibility. It highlights key decisions, e


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
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