(Hong Kong) In 1989, Chinese authorities used violence to suppress the pro-democracy movement in Tiananmen Square. This massacre resulted in the death of countless students and Beijing residents. Since then, Hong Kong held events commemorating the victims of June 4th every year. However, this year, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong will not hold a memorial mass.
CCP Control
With the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) taking full control of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong community has stopped holding commemorative activities. This is the second consecutive year the Hong Kong diocese will not hold a June 4th Memorial Mass. Consequently, this year marks the 34th anniversary of the massacre.
“Remember and hope”
The Hong Kong diocese expressed that they will “remember and hope” during the Mass of prayers for the Church in China on May 24th. The diocese did not provide further reasons for the suspension.
A small explanation
According to Yahoo News, Father Thomas Law Kwok-fai explained that June 4th falls on the Lord’s Day this year. There is no need for a special Mass, describing it as “if one remembers then one will remember.”
Previous vigil
In 2021, the diocese held a “Memorial Mass for the Dead” in seven churches. All seven churches were full, and there were even believers paying their respects outside.
National Security Law
Leaders of the Hong Kong diocese stopped holding a memorial mass last year. At that time, many worried that it would violate the Hong Kong National Security Law.
Mass of Prayer for the Church in China
The decision to suspend the June 4th Mass may be long-term. However, the Hong Kong Catholic Social Communications Office said on May 10t that all the “remembering and hoping” will take place at the Mass of Prayer for the Church in China on May 24th.
Pope tradition
The “World Day of Prayer for the Church in China” was established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. The current Pope Francis has prayed for Chinese Catholics on the Day of Prayer every year since he took office. In 2021, Pope Francis prayed for Chinese Catholics to be more united in their faith.
~Gao Zhensai, Special Correspondent of ChinaAid