The Hong Kong Lasallian Family is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Lasallian Mission in Hong Kong throughout 2025, honoring its legacy of education and service.

Under the theme “150 Years of Touching Hearts, Teaching Minds, and Transforming Lives,” the yearlong commemoration bridges the past and present, reaffirming the mission’s dedication to educating young people, especially those who are poor and disadvantaged.

The Lasallian presence in Hong Kong dates back to 1875, when six French and Irish Brothers established St. Joseph’s College, the first Lasallian school in the city. Today, the commitment to quality education within the Catholic and Lasallian tradition remains strong across all Lasallian schools and outreach programs.

The anniversary aims to inspire Lasallians to deepen their faith, embrace a spirit of service, and strengthen their sense of community among students, staff, alumni, and parents. Rooted in the Biblical question, “Where is your brother/sister?”, the celebration encourages reflection on the needs of marginalized communities and the call to extend support beyond the classroom.

A variety of events and initiatives highlight the mission’s rich history, achievements, and enduring values of faith, service, and community.

The first major gathering, the Joint School Mass and Kickoff Ceremony, took place on January 25, at La Salle Primary School in Kowloon. Cardinal Stephen Chow, SJ, presided over the Mass, joined by concelebrating priests and members of the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) leadership team.

The event brought together representatives, including supervisors, principals, students, alumni, and parents, from all eight Lasallian schools in Hong Kong — Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College, Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School, Chong Gene Hang College, De La Salle Secondary School NT, La Salle Primary School, St. Joseph’s Primary School, and St. Joseph’s College.

The Mass featured a solemn procession of relics from St. John Baptist de La Salle and other Lasallian saints, along with the presentation of school flags by principals. In his homily, Cardinal Chow emphasized the role of educators in instilling love and compassion in students.

Following the Mass, the kickoff ceremony commenced with remarks from Br. Dennis Magbanua, FSC, head of the Hong Kong Lasallian Family, who expressed gratitude for the dedication of Lasallian partners in advancing the mission. Magbanua served in many Lasallian schools in the Philippines before being assigned to Hong Kong in 2019.

The ceremony concluded with a countdown launching the anniversary year, a lion dance by De La Salle Secondary School students, and a Chinese drum performance by La Salle Primary School students.

“In commemorating our rich history, we express our creativity through varied projects and activities, highlighting our interesting stories, achievements, and the enduring values of Faith, Service, and Community,” Magbanua said.

Looking ahead, the Lasallian community remains dedicated to its mission, ensuring that education continues to transform lives. The yearlong celebration serves not only as a tribute to the past but also as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to shaping a brighter future through faith-driven service and education.