Description

By Time Travelers

In the hustle and bustle of Causeway Bay where people walk at a hasty pace, the Christ the King Chapel, on the contrary, sits gracefully in the ever changing and restless heart of Causeway Bay. Tranquilly witnessing the passing of time and the crossing of milestones painted with the ticking of every second, this quiet witness of history has an 80-year old tale to tell.

On the 21st April 1928, the laying of the foundation stone of Christ the King Chapel marked the start of a great history. Not only did it mark the establishment of the Chapel, it also symbolized the mission of Sisters of St. Paul De Chartres in Hong Kong: serving the kingdom of God and upholding the love and fraternity in the family of God.

In two years time, after the hard work of Mother Margaret, the new chapel was blessed and opened on 10 May 1930 with six bishops concelebrating. At the beginning, it was designed for the private use of the Sisters only. After 11 years time, in 1941, Hong Kong was under the threat and menace of the Second World War, numerous war-torn victims and the injured were left unattended as the hospitals in Hong Kong were full. The chapel now had not only served its original intentions to heal the wounded and weary souls, but had also tended the physically ill and injured patients.

This a magnificent contribution to the community and society. With their altruistic and selfless assistance, not only the Catholics in their own community benefited, but also the needs of the laymen and the needy were catered.

The chapel also provided a shelter for helpless women and children during the tormenting war. Women and children were especially vulnerable and defenseless to the chaotic and unprecedented situation. In the middle of nowhere, the church offered a helping hand, which was like a lighthouse in the dark sea.

“The chapel is a part of my religious life. I cannot live without it.” says Sister Joseffina, who has been serving in the church all her lifetime.

This chapel was not only a beacon throughout the dark years for the vulnerable. It also played a significant role in a Catholic’s life. For instance, Sister Joseffina has lived most of her life in this long-standing chapel. She herself served countless people physically and spiritually.

In fact, every person in Christ belongs to the same joyous family. In the 1960s, the Sisters of St. Paul De Chartres had fully reflected such kinship through Christ the King Chapel. Upon the request of the Parish, the institution had begun to provide regular mass services to everyone who was interested in Christ, and it congregated the people in the community to a place to worship together. It enhanced the community network and proximity among people.

Up until today, the chapel continues to welcome Catholics regardless of race, social status and other differences with open arms, accepting all willing Catholics into the House of God. It provides a place for the French community and Indonesian community to gather, pray and enjoy the bond in human race.

Despite its symbolic long-lasting existence throughout the years, it has undergone some renovation. Due to changes made in the liturgy, the altar was renovated from keeping a noticeable distance from people attending mass, to bringing people closer to God by making it closer to people. After the renovation, its design was then changed, where the Father would be facing church-goers instead of turning his back to the believers, bringing ordinary people closer to their own faith.

What is most remarkable in this chapel is that inside there are no pillars. Wherever you stand, you can see the altar. The delicate structure inside the chapel shows the carefully thought out design. Despite the intricate Roman style completed with a dome and the extensive use of Corinthian columns around the chapel, the interior design of the chapel demonstrates its simplicity and sheer beauty.

The chapel has been standing gracefully hidden from view in the heart of Causeway Bay for the past 80 years, witnessing the ups and downs in Hong Kong’s history, offering a refuge to people in times of need, while preserving a piece of living history in this ever changing world. “Regem Regum Venite Adormeus, Come let us adore the King of kings” craved in the pediment of the chapel describes perfectly the purpose of the chapel.



Team name: Time Traveller
School name: St. Paul’s Convent School
Team’s leader: Sandy Cheng 5L
Team Members: Michelle Cheung 5L, photo- editor
Kitty Leung 5L, writer
Wince Wong 5L, transcript writer
Michelle Wong 5L writer


Comments:
Michelle Cheung:
It has been a very memorable experience to interview Sister Josefina. It gave me personal insight to her feelings towards the Chapel as this special building really meant the world to her. During the interview, Sister Josefina has introduced a lot of history about the Chapel and so many information that can only be obtained from first-hand.
I felt deeply moved by her attachment to the Chapel and strongly understand how much this Chapel means to the community.

Kitty Leung:
All of our members have learnt much more about the chapel run by the Sisters of St. Paul De Chartres. Although it is near our school, we only knew little about it until we chose this to be our topic. Through interviewing with Sister Josefina, we discovered more authentic and concrete contribution of this chapel.

Sandy Cheng:
Through doing this project, I know more about the history of Christ the King Chapel, which located near to our school, the centre of Causeway Bay. Although the building is not magnificent, however it has significant and important contribution to the community. In addition, we interviewed Sister Josefina and I found that she is a quiet person. Therefore, we need to ask more questions to dig out more information from her. It is a very good experience and I learnt a lot from doing this project. It is a valuable experience.

SCHOOL: St. Paul’s Convent School

TEAM
Leader: Sandy Cheng 5L
Photo Editor: Michelle Cheung
Writer: Kitty Leung & Michelle Wong
Interview transcript: Wince Wong

CAPTIONS
1. Christ the King Chapel is situated next to St.Paul’s Convent School
2. A mass being hold in Christ the King Chapel.
3. Christ the King Chapel in the 1970s
4. The foundation stone of Christ the King Chapel.
5. The beautiful exterior of Christ the King Chapel
6. Many attended the mass being held in Christ the King chapel
7. A group photo of students from St. Paul Convent’s School and Sister of St. Paul De Chartres in front of Christ the King chapel.

Photos courtesy of Sister Josefina