Filipinos in HK hold memorial services for Tai Po fire victims

 

Flowers and prayers were offered on Chater Road to the victims of the Tai Po tragedy

There was a huge outpouring of grief and sympathy for the victims of the massive fire in Tai Po that based on the latest figures, has claimed the lives of 146 people, as Filipinos gathered on Sunday to hold two separate memorial services for them.

In the first event, organized by FilAction Hong Kong, a mass was held at 11am on Chater Road, with Fr. Dwight dela Torre of Philippine Independent Church officiating.

Hundreds of Filipinos were joined by a big number of migrant workers from Indonesia and other natioanalities in a gathering held in in solidarity with the victims of the tragedy. Nine Indonesian domestic workers and one Filipina were among those who died.

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“With heavy hearts and hopeful spirits, we stood united in our shared grief and concerns,” said FilAction HK in a statement.

Fr Dwight reminded all those who gathered of the strength found in community and the healing power of support.

Fr Dwight led the community in praying for strength and healing for the victims and their families

The memorial service which was arranged on a day’s notice, was held in lieu of a mass protest action against corruption which FilAction (Filipinos Against Corruption and Impunity) Hong Kong had planned to coincide with the One Trillion March in several places in the Philippines.

The Consulate also offered a mass for the Tai Po victims at the OFW Global Centre

At 4:30pm, the Philippine Consulate General organized a Catholic mass at the OFW Global Centre also in memory of the victims of the Tai Po tragedy.

Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. led the rites, during which a special prayer for the Tai Po victims was read out.

Basahin ang detalye!

The prayer read in part: “We earnestly beg Your grace, show mercy to all those who have died, and grant them eternal rest.”

“We implore You to heal the injured, that in their suffering they may find Your comfort.”

Congen Israel lit the ceremonial candle signifying the Advent, or the coming of Christ.

Consul General Jun Israel lights the candle signifying the start of Advent

The mass was also held to offer a special prayer for Fr. Efren Ojeda, OFM, who passed away on November 22 at the age of 66.

Fr Efren had long served the Filipinos in Hong Kong, and was well-remembered for his humor and deep concern for the migrant community.

A full memorial mass for Fr Efren will be held at a later date, followed by his burial.