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The Hong Kong Catholic Mission was established 170 more years ago after the First Anglo-Chinese War (Opium War). In fact, the link was far back more than 470 years in the Age of Discovery when the Portuguese established their trading base in Macau bringing with them the Catholic missionaries. The economic and military factors had directly provided an opportunity for Catholicism to build up its local Church in this part of the world. Since the Roman Empire was converted to Christianity in the 4th century, the Church has had a very close relationship with the political, economic and cultural affairs of Western Europe. Though many incidents happened in the following centuries causing Christianity and the Western European society to drift apart, missionary activities still maintained countless links with the social system. In the early stage of the Macau and Hong Kong Missions, these Western links were particularly obvious.Undergoing the destructive occupation of the Japanese in 1941-45 and the impact of a massive influx of refugees from mainland China in the 1960s, Hong Kong gradually grew into a modern city. Meanwhile the Church has taken part actively in education, relief work and social services. On the one hand it mingled itself with local residents and on the other hand it has developed into a mature local Church with local clergy and became self-sustainable.Looking back at the past, the Catholic Church in Hong Kong has overcome various natural and man-made calamities as well as social and personnel changes, but it still stands firm in today’s complex situation and moving forward. Using the adjective “difficult” to describe these touching stories is the most appropriate.
This book investigates the historical trajectory and enduring impact of Catholic evangelization in Hong Kong. Louis Ha Keloon, drawing on extensive historical records, examines the establishment and growth of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong, tracing its roots back over 470 years to the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The narrative highlights how economic and military factors facilitated Catholicism's early presence, mirroring its historical relationship with political and cultural affairs in Western Europe. The book details the Church's active role in education, relief, and social services amidst Hong Kong's transformation into a modern city, particularly after the Japanese occupation and the influx of refugees. It concludes by reflecting on the Church's resilience through various calamities and changes, emphasizing its development into a self-sustainable local institution.
The book offers a detailed historical account of Catholic evangelization in Hong Kong, emphasizing the complex interplay of geopolitical events, economic opportunities, and social development. It highlights the Church's significant contributions to the city's infrastructure and welfare, particularly in education and relief work, charting its evolution from a foreign mission to a self-sustaining local institution. The narrative underscores the resilience of the Church in navigating periods of conflict and societal change. The work is presented as a thorough examination of a significant aspect of Hong Kong's history and religious landscape.
Page Count:
73
Publication Date:
2019-05-07
Publisher:
Chorabooks
ISBN-10:
9887961752
ISBN-13:
9789887961758
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