June 4 mass canceled by Catholic Diocese for third consecutive year

The annual June 4 mass has been canceled for the third consecutive year by the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong as today (Tue) marks the 35th anniversary of the incident.

Replying to media inquiries, the diocese said May 24 is the annual Mary Help of Christians memorial, as well as the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI back in 2007.

“This is also an action for the Universal Church to follow,” the diocese said.

The service was held about two weeks ago at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on Caine Road, Mid-Levels which was attended by former Bishop of Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun.

During the service, Bishop of Hong Kong Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan said the day was set aside to pray and show care and support for the Church in China and the country, according to the Sunday Examiner.

“In prayer, we show understanding for each other’s needs… We don’t have to agree on everything to pray for someone, as his heart is also turned towards God. We will ask God to give the best…”

The event was first canceled in 2022 as the diocese said they were concerned that such activity might violate the Beijing-imposed National Security Law after discussions with a few Justice & Peace Commission members.

The masses were last organized at seven churches by the Justice and Peace Commission in 2021.