As 2026 begins, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants (DPCM) looked back and shared their journey on the year that was. The Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 was a year for migrants in Hong Kong, not only to celebrate hope, but to live it, in the routines and struggles of their daily life, in their fellowship and liturgical celebrations and in their efforts to reach out to those in need.
A Home Where Hope Is Lived
Founded in 1986, DPCM has for four decades, stood as a concrete expression of the Diocese of Hong Kong’s care for the migrants. The past year, the center has served a total of 718 migrants in distress. The two shelters of the Centre, Mary’s Home and St Martha’s has admitted 479 residents, each carrying her own story: termination, illness, labor disputes, police or immigration cases, or the silent wounds of abuse. There, they are provided with basic needs, counselling, accompaniment and formation. One resident shared her gratitude for the shelter where she found “a peaceful and hopeful environment.”
For those who are subjected to imprisonment, the two sisters, Sr Nenet Daño RGS and Sr Ruth PDDM made sure they were not forgotten through regular visits. “As a Good Shepherd Sister, I believe I am the last person to judge,” reflected Sr. Nenet. “Those I visited became members of my extended family.”
Pilgrims and Missionaries of Hope
The migrant communities also embarked on pilgrimages visiting Jubilee churches in Hong Kong and Macau. Through the prayers, reflections and Eucharistic celebrations, this spiritual journey became a source of renewal.
One of the community members shared: “Despite difficulties, what we experienced renewed our faith and gave us hope, helping us find new confidence together.”
During the Jubilee of Migrants celebration held in Oct 7, each community reflected on the lives of their chosen saints like St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Martha, St. Jude, St. Faustina, and many others. They creatively presented how these saints who knew suffering lived lives of service, and steadfast hope echoing the message of Pope Leo XIV: “Let us fill our lives with the gift of hope that God gives us, and through us, allow it to reach everyone who is looking for it.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, Bishop of Hong Kong, presided over the Mass. He thanked the nearly 800 migrants present and reminded them that migrants are not only welcomed, but sent. “You Filipino migrants give life and dynamism in the Church” he affirmed.
Singing their Hopes
Another fruit of the Jubilee Year is the song that was born out of the reflections of the migrant communities. Their experiences of crossing seas, enduring silence, and faithful service were gathered into lyrics that became “With Hearts Inflamed.” Music was composed by Fr Manoling Francisco SJ. It was sung by choirs across parishes and communities including the Jubilee concert that was held in October. “We cross the seas with hope and grace, Bearing Christ in every place.” This line from the song captured the missionary vocation of the migrants.
Hope That Reaches Beyond Walls
Hope did not stop at DPCM’s doors. Migrants also extended help to disaster victims in the Philippines particularly in Cebu. They also stood in solidarity with asylum seekers and refugees during a fun day celebrated with them in July. They also did not forget to reach out to victims of the tragic fire in Tai Po and share with them what they can.
Walking Forward Together
Sr Cora Demetillo, RGS, who serves as Directress of the center summed up the year and looks forward to 2026: “We ended the year with grateful hearts for the abundant blessings we received and shared as Pilgrim-Missionaries of Hope… Let us start the new year 2026 as Missionaries with renewed Faith, Hope and Love!”
