The development of social services in the Hong Kong Catholic church (1901-2000)

Abstract

The author highlighted the Catholic Church Social Services in 100 years. In the beginning of the Century, the Church demonstrated the traditional social services in caring for the orphans, the invalid and the poor. This work was done by three main pioneer religious congregations. During the War period (1917-1945), the main focus was on the care of the injured, the sick and the imprisoned ones. In the post war time (1945-1960) the Church reconstructed its services to utilize the material resources received from oversea agencies as relief to help the poor and refugees. The exile missionaries from China formed the basic human resources and laid the foundation for the emergence of various service institutions. The climax was found in the blossoming period post 1960. Parallel to the laws promulgated to curtail social ills, the demands of needs give rise to the development of special services and public education to the vulnerable groups. The Church addressed to human needs, civil laws, social ills and attempted to work towards changes and improvements, to advocate for justice. The Church undertook various roles as pioneer, leader, educator and advocator to promote solidarity and strive towards freedom, equity and justice. It has succeeded to excel in Asia as a model in social services to develop into a matured city of fraternal love through services. The Church has tilled on this stony island through its social services, turned it into fertile soil, transforming it into a vibrant city with a sense of commitment, mission and vision.