當年今日
關於我們

‘Carry on with martyrs’ mission’: Hong Kong cardinal urges as city marks Tiananmen anniversary

蘋果日報 2020/06/05 12:12


Catholics should carry on with the mission of the student protesters killed in the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, Hong Kong Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen said as churches provided an alternative way of commemoration after the police banned the annual vigil.
Masses were held across the city on Thursday to mourn the victims who died in Tiananmen Square 31 years ago. They were organised by the Hong Kong Alliance of Catholic Groups in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China as a response to the police ban on the annual vigil in Victoria Park.
Although Zen did not comment on the crackdown when he attended one of the masses, he said in a blog post that the commemoration was a reminder that “we should carry on with the flag that fell with the martyrs, and carry on with their mission.”
“The Holy Father had let us live on this free and peaceful island for so many years, and now we have the responsibility to defend this treasure, not only to pass on to our next generation, but also to fight for our compatriots on the mainland, so that they can stop being enslaved, and enjoy the dignity of being the children of God,” he added.
Zen said the looming national security law was “not only foolish but crazy” as it violated China’s promise to Hong Kong and harmed the interests of China and other countries.
He urged China to stop the law: “Will Hong Kong be another Tiananmen, or another West Berlin? We are more than sheeps waiting to be slaughtered.”
Holding the mass at Holy Cross Church in Sai Wan Ho, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha said Hong Kong’s future would become more difficult following the enactment of the national security law.
“Will this be our last time to hold a June 4 mass?” he said, adding that he believed God would be with Hong Kong people regardless.
---------------------------------
Apple Daily’s all-new English Edition is now available on the mobile app
To know more: https://bit.ly/2yMMfQE
Apple Daily mobile app latest version DOWNLOAD NOW