Priest returns to Belgium after 52 years in Hong Kong
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Father Patrick Masschelein, a Scheut missionary, returned to Comines, Belgium after serving in Hong Kong for 52 years.
He first visited Comines in 2023 to celebrate 50 years as a priest and is now back for several months. Masschelein notes changes in Hong Kong since the territory transitioned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, but says the Catholic Church operates without issue under Vatican appointments.
Hong Kong presents challenges for religious communities because most of its 7 million residents do not practice religion. Catholics make up only 2% of the population and Protestants 3%. Masschelein’s parish reaches people through events like funerals and weddings, where non-religious family members attend services, creating opportunities to share Christian beliefs and encourage adult catechism. Recently, Masschelein began celebrating Mass in English to accommodate Catholic domestic workers from the Philippines who seek religious services in Hong Kong.
He explains the role of missionaries has evolved from teaching about their home countries to international collaboration, his team in Hong Kong includes fifteen Scheut missionaries from six nations. On October 18, Masschelein will lead a Sunday mass dedicated to missions in Comines, followed by a gathering.
