28 April, 2026
Inheritors of Hope — Pilgrimage to St. Thomas the Apostle Church
On Monday, 9 March 2026, our school’s teaching team visited the Catholic Church of St. Thomas the Apostle in Tsing Yi, New Territories, to participate in a meaningful spiritual formation and retreat activity for teachers.
The event was personally led by Fr. Anthonius Reynolds Balubun. Together with the teachers, he embarked on this pilgrimage themed “Inheritors of Hope,” allowing the educators to find spiritual peace and nourishment for their faith amid their busy teaching schedules.
St. Thomas the Apostle Church is a modern, open-style church. Its floor-to-ceiling glass design symbolizes the close connection between the Church and the world, reminding every visitor to pray for the universal Church. The sixteen bronze relief panels at the main entrance vividly depict the history of Christ’s salvation, the martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle, and the missionary journeys of evangelists in China and Hong Kong. These artworks added rich historical and spiritual depth to the pilgrimage.
Under the guidance of parish volunteers, the teachers carefully appreciated the architectural features of the church, including the stained-glass window behind the altar that illustrates “Thomas’ Confession of Faith,” as well as the exquisite antique tabernacle and the relic of St. Thomas housed in the crypt chapel. As they walked and listened, they gained a deeper understanding of St. Thomas the Apostle’s firm declaration — “My Lord and my God!” — and how this faith has been passed down from generation to generation.
After the guided tour, the teachers engaged in a spiritual photography activity. Holding cameras or mobile phones, they captured images of the soul in various corners of the church. Through the lens, they combined the beauty before their eyes with the emotions in their hearts, experiencing a quiet visual meditation. In doing so, they rediscovered the “beauty” and “grace” often overlooked in daily teaching.
Fr. Anthonius Reynolds Balubun delivered a warm and profound sharing, encouraging the teachers to follow the example of St. Thomas the Apostle and courageously become “Inheritors of Hope” in their educational vocations. His words deeply touched everyone’s hearts. He then bestowed a blessing upon all the teachers, granting them strength and peace in the Lord.
The activity concluded warmly with the presentation of souvenirs. Everyone gathered in front of the altar for a group photo to commemorate this unforgettable spiritual moment.
This pilgrimage not only allowed the teachers to step away from their daily routines, but also helped them rediscover their original calling in education and their mission to “pass on hope” within the faith-filled atmosphere of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. We extend our sincere gratitude to Fr. Anthonius Reynolds Balubun for his dedicated guidance and to the parish for their warm hospitality. May the graces received during this pilgrimage continue to accompany every teacher on their educational journey, becoming a light in the lives of their students.
The event was personally led by Fr. Anthonius Reynolds Balubun. Together with the teachers, he embarked on this pilgrimage themed “Inheritors of Hope,” allowing the educators to find spiritual peace and nourishment for their faith amid their busy teaching schedules.
St. Thomas the Apostle Church is a modern, open-style church. Its floor-to-ceiling glass design symbolizes the close connection between the Church and the world, reminding every visitor to pray for the universal Church. The sixteen bronze relief panels at the main entrance vividly depict the history of Christ’s salvation, the martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle, and the missionary journeys of evangelists in China and Hong Kong. These artworks added rich historical and spiritual depth to the pilgrimage.
Under the guidance of parish volunteers, the teachers carefully appreciated the architectural features of the church, including the stained-glass window behind the altar that illustrates “Thomas’ Confession of Faith,” as well as the exquisite antique tabernacle and the relic of St. Thomas housed in the crypt chapel. As they walked and listened, they gained a deeper understanding of St. Thomas the Apostle’s firm declaration — “My Lord and my God!” — and how this faith has been passed down from generation to generation.
After the guided tour, the teachers engaged in a spiritual photography activity. Holding cameras or mobile phones, they captured images of the soul in various corners of the church. Through the lens, they combined the beauty before their eyes with the emotions in their hearts, experiencing a quiet visual meditation. In doing so, they rediscovered the “beauty” and “grace” often overlooked in daily teaching.
Fr. Anthonius Reynolds Balubun delivered a warm and profound sharing, encouraging the teachers to follow the example of St. Thomas the Apostle and courageously become “Inheritors of Hope” in their educational vocations. His words deeply touched everyone’s hearts. He then bestowed a blessing upon all the teachers, granting them strength and peace in the Lord.
The activity concluded warmly with the presentation of souvenirs. Everyone gathered in front of the altar for a group photo to commemorate this unforgettable spiritual moment.
This pilgrimage not only allowed the teachers to step away from their daily routines, but also helped them rediscover their original calling in education and their mission to “pass on hope” within the faith-filled atmosphere of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. We extend our sincere gratitude to Fr. Anthonius Reynolds Balubun for his dedicated guidance and to the parish for their warm hospitality. May the graces received during this pilgrimage continue to accompany every teacher on their educational journey, becoming a light in the lives of their students.
