June 4 this year marks the 34th anniversary of the “June 4th” incident. The Hong Kong Catholic Social Communication Office responded to the query of “Yahoo News” that this year the Catholic Hong Kong Diocese will not hold the June 4th memorial mass like last year. Hopefully, it will be held during the Mass of Prayer for the Church in China on May 24.”
The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong did not hold a memorial mass for June 4th last year. The diocese responded to inquiries at the time and stated that some frontline workers and some members of the Catholic Justice and Peace Committee expressed concerns about holding a memorial mass, including whether it would violate the “Hong Kong National Security Law”.
The last June 4 mass in the diocese was the year before last. In 2021, the June 4 Mass was held by the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. At that time, Masses for the Dead were held in 7 Catholic churches. The committee has now been renamed the Diocesan Whole Person Development Committee.
June 4th is Sunday this year. Father Luo Guohui replied to “Yahoo News” that that day is the Lord’s Day, and there will be mass in each parish. all read the same scripture.”
As for the Mass of prayer for the Chinese Church on May 24 mentioned in the diocesan reply, it is the day of prayer for the Chinese Church established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. The current Pope Francis prays for Chinese believers on prayer days every year. For example, in the 2021 Francis prayer, he prays for Chinese believers to be more united in their faith.
2023-05-11 06:49:47
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