No disruption of masses in HK despite protests: CBCP

FILE: 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protest (Photo: Studio Incendo/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

MANILA — Filipino Catholics working in Hong Kong continue to attend masses on the island despite ongoing protests, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Friday.

“Our priest in Hong Kong is Father Jay Flanders, an SVD. There are still normal Holy Masses schedules and many more are coming, especially in the morning,” Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People chairman, said in an interview.

Santos added that the Filipino faithful remain devoted to attending masses despite the suspension of train operations in the Chinese territory, especially in the afternoon.

“This only shows their strong faith in God that in those trying and difficult times our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) still fulfill their Sunday obligations, trust Him and place their hope in God,” he added.

At the same time, Santos lauded the concern expressed by employers for OFWs.

“And I also inform that their employers are so concerned with the welfare and safety of their household service workers (HSWs) that they are limiting their free time, except going to Holy Masses,” he said.

“They are advised to stay home and avoid those places where rallies are held. We are appreciative and grateful for the compassionate gestures of their employers,” the CBCP-ECMI head added.

Santos also reiterated his earlier appeal to OFWs to obey the orders of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and follow the law of the Chinese territory.

“We also reiterate to our OFWs — always follow the instructions of our DFA consulate there and stay safe. Respect and observe the rule of law,” he added.

Government data show that more than 200,000 Filipinos work in Hong Kong, majority of whom are household service workers.

Protests continue across the island as residents demand the total scrapping of a bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China.