The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Hong Kong was filled with thanksgiving on August 17, as nine Canossian Sisters celebrated their jubilees of consecrated life. The solemn Mass was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, joined by Vicar General Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu and seven other priests.
Among the jubilarians were Sister Giulia Brivio and Sister Ira Maria Nichetti, marking 70 years of religious life; Sister Theresa Cheng and Sister Cecilia Lam, celebrating 60 years; Sister Anna Maria Kwan and Sister Virginia Ip, both reaching 50 years; and Sisters Cecilia Chan, Catherine Fung, and Gemma Leung, who each marked 25 years of commitment. Sister Virginia Ip was unable to attend due to health reasons.
According to a report from Sunday Examiner, Bishop Ha expressed deep gratitude for the sisters’ lifelong dedication to God, highlighting their witness in schools, hospitals, and parish communities. “What matters most is not what we have done, but what God has done for us,” he reminded the congregation, pointing to Christ as the source of their joy and perseverance.
During the Mass, the jubilarians renewed their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, holding lit candles as a sign of their continuing fidelity. Symbols of their vocation—the Canossian Rule of Life, flowers, bread, and wine—were also offered, underscoring their mission of spreading Christ’s light.
The celebration was made even more meaningful by the sisters’ own words. Sister Catherine Fung reflected, “Vocation is a profound gift of love from God. Consecrated life is not about great achievements, but about being present among those in need and bearing witness to God’s love.” She drew strength from the words of their foundress, St. Magdalene of Canossa, who desired to become “dust” to spread Christ’s love everywhere.
Sister Cecilia Chan invited the choir to sing a hymn she composed, God’s Calling, reminding all to remain attentive to God’s voice. Sister Gemma Leung expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many people who supported their journeys of faith.
Speaking to Sunday Examiner, Sister Ira Maria Nichetti, who first arrived in Hong Kong in 1965 and later served in Macau, said she was grateful to celebrate her 70th anniversary at age 88. “I have always found happiness in serving God,” she said, a joy that has sustained her through the decades.
The celebration concluded with a reception at Caritas Community Hall, where the jubilarians, joined by Bishop Ha and the faithful, cut a cake in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving.
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