Healing seminars and outreach activities organized by the Cebu-based lay charismatic community Oasis of Love have become part of the pastoral program for Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong, according to the chaplain serving the community.
Fr. Jay Francis Flandez, SVD, chaplain of the Filipino Migrant Workers in Hong Kong, told Radio Veritas Asia that the group’s programs have helped address the spiritual and emotional needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), many of whom face isolation and work-related stress.
“The seminars and outreach activities have supported the chaplaincy’s mission,” Fr. Flandez said, noting that the initiatives provide participants with opportunities for prayer, reflection and counseling.
Founded 30 years ago by Cebuano businessman Nonito Limchua, Oasis of Love conducts evangelization programs in different parts of the Philippines and abroad. Its one-day outreach activities typically include praise and worship, spiritual talks and a healing session led by Limchua. A longer format seminar, titled “Walking With Jesus,” runs for two to three days.
The Hong Kong mission began in 2016 after Limchua met Fr. Flandez during the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu. Limchua had earlier expressed interest in extending the apostolate to Hong Kong after learning about the situation of Filipino domestic workers in the territory.
Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, employs around 190,000 Filipinos, most of them women working as domestic helpers. While many attend Sunday Mass, Fr. Flandez estimates that a significant number spend their weekly rest day in public areas, where migrant communities gather.
In response, the chaplaincy began outreach efforts in parks and public spaces, distributing rosaries and prayer materials and engaging workers in conversation. “Many were meeting a Catholic priest for the first time,” Fr. Flandez said, noting that other religious groups are often active in these areas.
Oasis of Love held its first outreach in Hong Kong on October 1, 2016, a public holiday marking China’s National Day, when domestic workers typically have a day off. Activities included hospital visits and parish-based worship and healing sessions.
In 2017, the group organized its first two-day “Walking With Jesus” seminar at the Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre, a government-run facility serving foreign domestic workers. More than 200 participants attended. Some later formed the core group of the Oasis of Love Hong Kong chapter, established in 2018.
Since then, the chaplaincy has incorporated the healing seminars into its annual calendar, often scheduling them during major holidays such as Lunar New Year, when workers have extended leave.
Fr. Flandez described many OFWs as “forced migrants,” saying economic pressures at home push even trained professionals to accept domestic work abroad. He cited emotional strain, family separation and demanding work conditions as common challenges.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the outreach in Hong Kong, the local chapter organized a series of activities in February 2026. A praise and worship gathering was held at Epiphany Parish in Mui Wo, Lantau Island, administered by the Claretian Fathers. Fr. Ezakias Anthonyswamy, CMF, one of the parish priests, said Filipino workers play an active role in parish life across Mui Wo and nearby chapels in Peng Chau and Tai O. They serve as choir members, lectors and volunteers, and assist in maintaining church facilities.
On February 18–19, the Hong Kong chapter organized a “Walking With Jesus” seminar at Resurrection Parish in Kwun Tong, Kowloon. The program included talks on forgiveness, prayer and reconciliation, culminating in a healing session led by Limchua.
Daily Eucharistic celebrations were presided over by Fr. Carlito Clase of the Diocese of Butuan and Fr. Terrance Mascarenhas, SVD, parish priest of Resurrection Parish. The second day of the seminar coincided with Ash Wednesday.
Additional outreach activities were held at the Hong Kong Catholic Centre in Central, St. Alfred’s Church in Sha Tin, and at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration office within the Philippine Consulate in Admiralty. The mission concluded with a prayer gathering and Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Hung Hom.
Fr. Flandez said the partnership between the chaplaincy and Oasis of Love continues to focus on pastoral accompaniment, particularly during major Church seasons. “The aim is to walk with them in their circumstances,” he said, referring to the migrant workers the chaplaincy serves.
