> Our Vision

  > Archives

Mission to the Homeless in Hong Kong

Homeless is a paradox of modern society. It seems the greater the material wealth of society and hence the greater the potential to house everyone, the more people become homeless and unwanted by society. Fortunately, in many cities throughout the world, good people respond and reach out to help homeless.

Loneliness can still be experienced in a large city

In the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, students from the Oblate’s Notre Dame College go out each Friday night to meet the homeless people in their “homes” – under freeway overpasses, in parks, in alleys-to provide them with food parcels.

Fr. Slawek OMI with a street person

The programme was initiated by Fr. Slawek Kalisz OMI, Parish Priest of Notre Dame, who accompanies the students each week on their mission walk. He knows all the homeless by name and is part of the informal “family” structure, which develops among homeless people. He knows if someone is missing from their normal squat and is able to follow up and offer care for them, if necessary.

Young People from Notre Dame Parish

Fr. Slawek explains it this way: “Through our simple service: bringing food, fruits, clothes… and spending time with the homeless and poor, we really bring the Gospel to them. We realize that the Gospel is not just words – it is reality lived out in the lives of those who are formed by and follow the Good News of Christ.

Students from the Oblate’s Notre Dame College preparing food parcels for homeless

The Gospel becomes real and active through the hands and hearts of Christ’s followers, in His living, breathing, loving, caring, giving, embracing and sacrificing people. Now we can say that these homeless and poor are like “family members” to us and they recognize us as their family and friends.”