Rosary Church (Chinese: 玫瑰堂; pinyin: Méiguì Táng) is located in 125 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. It is the oldest Catholic church in Kowloon[1]. The church is in classic Gothic style; the original floor plan was based on a Roman Basilican model. The church, St. Mary's Canossian College and St. Mary's Canossian School in adjacent belongs to same building cluster.
It was classified as Grade II Historic Building and now a Grade I Historic Building.[2].
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In 1900, because of the Boxer Rebellion in China, some Indian battalions in the British army were stationed in Kowloon; there were about 200 Catholics in the brigade. At the same time, there was an increase in number of Catholics among the civil population.
A donation of $20,000 was made in 1903 by Dr. Anthony Gomes, a Portuguese Catholic.[3] [4]. so that the church could be built. The foundation stone was laid solemnly by Fr. De Maria, Pro-Vicar Apostlic of Hong Kong on 10 December 1904.
The construction of the church was completed in 1905, for the population of Catholic was increasing even after the British troops had left.[5]
On 23 May 1905, the completed church was consecrated to Our Lady of Pompeii, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary; according to the intention of Dr A S Gomes, the benefactor, in loving memory of his parents and brother.
During the Second World War, the Church remained untorched by the Japanese army and still could continue its religious services. At that time, the Church was led by the Italian Parish Priest, Horace De Angelis.[4].
Currently, three full-time priests are serving at this parish: Rev John B. Tsang (Parish Priest), Rev Francis Mfesao Bakongo, CICM., and Rev. Eamon Sheridan, SSC.
A Permanent Deacon, Rev. Francis Wong also served at this Church, but died in 2008. Rev. Francis Fung, another permanent deacon from the Diocese of Hong Kong now serves in this parish.
Priests are available for confession on Sunday mornings or by appointment
Sacristan: Rowland Gutierrez （高仁）
Secretary: Ms. Tong
Pastoral assistant: Alice Lee （李淑敏小姐）
Notable ground staff: SONG Mei-lin (May姐), CHAN Ka-Jau(就叔)，文哥
The following groups are notable pastoral association in the Church: