By Sr. Bernadette Yuen, Marycove School, Hong Kong (Province of Northeast Asia)                                                         

Since 1968, Marycove School has stood at the heart of Hong Kong, providing a safe, nurturing environment for girls aged 10 to 18 who are navigating complex emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Guided by our foundational belief that one person is of more value than a world, Marycove School is dedicated to the holistic growth of every student. We walk hand in hand with these girls, offering them the care, education, and spiritual guidance they need to build optimistic lives. Recently, our students had the beautiful opportunity to put our core values of compassion and love-in-action into practice through two community service initiatives.

On February 26, 2026, the members of the Marycove School girls’ Lion Dance Team traveled to the TWGHs Jockey Club Blissful Day Care Center for the Elderly. The Lion Dance is a vibrant and cherished pillar of Chinese culture, but on this day, it served a much deeper purpose than simply honoring tradition. It became a bridge of faith connecting communities across generations. As the girls performed their lively routines, they filled the care center with immense warmth, joy, and spiritual encouragement to the elderly residents. This opportunity allowed our students to step outside their own challenges and offer a true ministry of presence – strengthening the communal bond that is so vital to our shared human experience (see more pictures of the event here).

A few days later, on March 4, 2026, our students embarked on another journey by participating in a special Chinese Cultural Inheritance and Service Experience outreach program, visiting the CCC Mongkok Church Kai Oi School, which serves students with mild intellectual disabilities. During this visit, the Marycove girls shared the rich, traditional heritage of Tai O culture with students across various grades. Demonstrating remarkable empathy and patience, our girls divided into small groups to interact with their peers. They used simple instructions and practical, hands-on demonstrations to ensure that every individual felt included and capable of participating (see more pictures of the event here)

Through these opportunities, the young women of Marycove School cultivated a deep sense of respect for vulnerable members of our wider community. They learned that true strength is found in gentleness, and that inclusion and justice are built through everyday acts of kindness. These experiences are instrumental in the holistic development of our students, addressing not only their intellectual and physical growth but also their moral and spiritual maturity. By reaching out to the elderly and to children with special needs, our girls discover their own inherent worth and capacity for goodness.

As part of the global Good Shepherd community, we celebrate the remarkable transformation unfolding within the hearts of the girls at Marycove School in Hong Kong. Their activities are a radiant reflection of Jesus the Good Shepherd’s reconciling presence. We invite all our sisters and partners-in-mission around the world to keep these courageous young women in your prayers as they continue their spiritual journeys, growing into empowered, compassionate individuals who bring light and hope to the world.