HONG KONG (SE): While welcoming a plan to subsidise transport costs for working people presented by the chief executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, in her maiden policy address on October 11, the Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs is calling it a token gesture or cosmetic throwaway line.
 
In a statement released on the same day Lam addressed the Legislative Council, the commission said that the fundamental difficulties faced by working people involve long work hours, low wages and a lack of any realistic retirement protection plan.

HONG KONG (SE): Reverend Francis Mahilum and Reverend Flavien Bouambe, both from the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM), were ordained priests during October and although they are confreres in Hong Kong their ceremonies were far apart.
 
Father Mahilum was ordained by Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung at St. Lawrence’s parish in Tsuen Wan on October 14.
 
Now 38-years-of-age, Father Mahilum, was born into a Catholic family in The Philippines and is the youngest of 11 children.
 

HONG KONG (SE): While Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung sees many challenges for the Church both in China and Hong Kong, as well as internationally, he told the French publication La Croix in an interview published on October 18 that his primary focus is on his own diocese.
 
The 71-year-old bishop believes that the local Church’s major priorities are local and as the bishop of Hong Kong he sees many immediate challenges that what he terms a fractured society presents.
 

HONG KONG (UCAN): Threatening letters have been sent to the British-based family of the editor of the Hong Kong Free Press, Tom Grundy, warning that he needs to tread carefully in the political coverage provided by the English-language media outlet.
 
Grundy is the cofounder and editor-in-chief of the Free Press and a warning letter sent to his family in the United Kingdom on September 29 reads, “In politics, when one does not know one’s enemies clearly, one could get hurt.”
 

HONG KONG (SE): The diocese of Hong Kong has added two more names to its leadership and administration team, with Father Peter Choy Wai-man and Father Benedict Lam Cho-ming being added to the list of vicars general.
 
They will join Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing and veteran vicar general, Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, in taking up various responsibilities for different areas of operation.
 

HONG KONG (SE): To mark the launch of Share the Journey by Caritas Hong Kong, a prayer vigil for migrants and refugees was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on September 27.
 
Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung said during the vigil that caring for migrants and refugees is an important expression of our faith and we should not forget that each and every one of us is but a traveller on this earth.
 

HONG KONG (UCAN): Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung, the new bishop of Hong Kong, has described his approach to dealing with China as one of healthy realism that must consider ongoing talks between the Vatican and Beijing.
 
The 71-year-old Bishop Yeung was keen to remind people that he is neither a diplomat nor engaged in Vatican-Beijing negotiations and added that he would not rock the boat in terms of relations between the Church and China.
 

HONG KONG (SE): Over 200 people, including residents and volunteers of the Home of Love, a centre for the homeless at Sham Shui Po, as well as parishioners, joined the sisters of The Missionaries of Charity in marking the feast day of St. Teresa of Kolkata at Our Lady of China parish, Tai Kok Tsui, on September 5.
 
Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung who expressed his appreciation for Mother Teresa as she manifested great love in her life by caring for the poorest in society. 
 

HONG KONG (SE): Catholic organisations were urged to use less disposable products especially during its large-scale activities at a forum and Mass organised by the Catholic Messengers of Green Consciousness to mark the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation at St. Vincent’s Chapel, Wong Tai Sin, on September 1.
 
The Mass also marked the Season of Creation from September 1 to October 4, when Christians around the world undertake to pray and take action for the benefit of creation.