V2Catholic.com
A voice for the poor 
by HK prison chaplain
胡頌恆神父
Fr John Wotherspoon O.M.I.
Dr Jesus Centre 187 Temple St Jordan
jdwomi@gmail.com      +852 67095674
       
Imitating Pope Francis 

My other sites/links     

Merry Christmas! I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2025!

Thu Dec 26 

Good King Wenceslas
 with lyrics 
- a famous Dec 26 story about helping the poor ....which makes me remember the example of the late Archbishop Frank Rush of Brisbane who put on an apron and served the poor at the grotty St Vincent's Hostel each Christmas Day.

 From 2.30pm to 4.30pm yesterday afternoon a wonderful group of volunteers from the HK Diocesan Youth Group ...assisted by a most professional group of musicians ...with participants from 4 schools .... co-ordinated by MercyHK's Lucia ...sang Christmas carols on Temple Street in front of MercyHK's canteen....as hundreds of people walked past in Temple Street market. Moving! Beautiful!
With 2 extra special guests who spontaneously came to support the activity: Cardinal Stephen Chow (2.30 to 3.30) and Bishop Joseph Ha (3.30 to 4.30). God bless all who arranged, performed and attended the afternoon! And ... the cardinal and the bishop also paid a visit to MercyHK's recently opened day centre for homeless people at nearby 192 Shanghai Street. 

 

Then last night from 6pm to 6.45 there was the usual Wed night gathering at the Dr Jesus Centre in Temple Street for women who work on Temple Street ... 17 attended ... with special food provided by MercyHK canteen manager Lucia ....and special Christmas presents. Thank you Jane and Jennyfer for animating the activity. 

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This is beautiful! Well done CSD! Young children allowed hugging and games visit to dads 

 

  Tomorrow I'm due to use my annual holiday time to go on another anti-drug campaign trip ....to Africa ... to Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia .... to meet families of prisoners in HK ... and to meet with various authorities and media people .... . to try to stop drug mules coming to HK (about 100 arrested at HK airport this year). ....due back HK please God on Jan 23. Thank you for a prayer for this trip ... on which I'll be joined by 3 special friends. I'll try to update this blog each day as on previous trips. 

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  My Gaza Prayer *** Pope opens Holy Year, and again criticises Israel's killing of children in Gaza

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings
 
Readings are from Simple Bible

Feast of St Stephen - 
THE STORY OF STEPHEN:

Acts 6.8-15: One of the seven deacons, Stephen, was filled with grace and power. He began to do many miracles. A group of Jews tried to beat Stephen in a debate. But they could not win, because the Holy Spirit was guiding Stephen in his speech. The group then got some men to falsely accuse Stephen of being disloyal to Moses and to God. The group had Stephen arrested and brought before a meeting of the religious leaders. At the meeting, false witnesses accused Stephen of speaking against Moses and the Law.
Jesus, please protect people who are accused by false witnesses

Recording of this reading

 

Acts 7.1-54: The meeting of religious leaders had falsely accused Stephen of being disloyal to Moses. So Stephen gave a long speech, full of loyalty to Moses. Then he made a stinging attack on the leaders: "You stubborn people, with your pagan hearts and pagan ears. You are always resisting the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors did. Your ancestors killed the prophets who foretold the coming of the Just One. You have gone further: you have killed the Just One himself". When the leaders heard these words, they were very angry and wanted to kill Stephen.
Jesus, Just One from heaven, please don't let me resist the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit of God, please increase your influence in my life

Recording

 

Acts 7.55-58: Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand. "I can see heaven thrown open", he said, "and Jesus standing at the right hand of God". At this, the religious leaders at the meeting covered their ears with their hands. They sent Stephen out of the city and stoned him. The false witnesses (who were required to throw the first stones) put down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Paul.
Recording

 

 

Acts 7.59- 8.3: As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit". Then he knelt down and prayed "Lord, do not hold this sin against them". Then he died. Paul entirely approved of the killing. That day a bitter persecution started against the church in Jerusalem and everyone except the apostles fled to the countryside. Paul began working for the destruction of the church. He went from house to house arresting men and women and sending them to prison
Jesus, thank you for the example of Stephen who, like yourself, forgave those who were killing him

Recording

The stoning of Stephen 

Reflection on the above readings:
Stephen's extraordinary forgiveness of Saul surely had something to do with the deradicalization of Saul. A powerful lesson for today's radicalized world 


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   For the day after Christmas! Tangmalangaloo

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe , Russia          
Tues:
South Asia   
Wed: East Asia             
Thurs:
S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America      
Sat: Cent, N America     
Jesus, today, Thursday, please bless the people of South East Asia

And praying for one part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On this 26th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Xinjiang

And praying for one of
the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 26th of the month,  Jesus please bless the people of Madagascar

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Thursday, please pacify Al-Qaeda

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Merry Christmas! I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2025!

Wed Dec 25
 Christmas Day - O come let us adore him! 

Two nights ago a Filipino group sang Christmas carols outside MercyHK's canteen in Temple Street. Last night a group from St Paul's Parish did the same. Two beautiful performances which won the admiration of hundreds of people passing by.  

 

Young students at MercyHK's canteen, 191 Temple Street, Jordan


 On this Christmas Day my thoughts go back to happy days in Zhaoqing 

 

  My Gaza Prayer *** Israel murders 58 more people in Gaza

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The Book Blog:   4 readings + recordings 
Comments welcome here     
Readings are from Simple Bible


c.f. readings for Dec 25 

Isaiah 62.11-12: This the Lord proclaims to the ends of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, "Look, your saviour comes, the prize of his victory with him, his trophies before him." They shall be called "The Holy People", "the Lord's Redeemed." And you shall be called "The-sought-after", "City-not-forsaken."
Recording of this reading

 

Psalm 97: The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, the many coastlands be glad. Cloud and darkness are his robes. His throne is justice and goodness. The skies proclaim his goodness. All peoples see his glory. Let those who serve idols be ashamed. Let all creation worship the Creator. Light shines forth for good people and joy for the upright of heart. Rejoice in the Lord, all good people. Give glory to his holy name.
Lord, you indeed are God of the universe 
Recording

 

Titus 3:1-7: Remind everyone to be obedient to government officials; to be ready to do good at every opportunity; not to go slandering other people or picking quarrels; to be courteous and polite to everyone. There was a time when we too were ignorant; when we lived in wickedness and ill-will, hating each other and hateful ourselves. But then the kindness and love of God our Saviour were revealed, and God saved us because of his compassion. God saved us by the cleansing water of rebirth, and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit whom he has poured over us through Jesus Christ our Saviour. So we are justified by his grace, and look forward to eternal life. 
Jesus, Saviour of the world, you are our Saviour
Recording

 

Luke 2.15-20: After the angels went away, the shepherds said to one another "Let's go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about". So they quickly went and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. People who heard the shepherds talk about the angels were amazed. As for Mary, she treasured every moment of what had happened and pondered the whole event in her heart. The shepherds went back to their fields glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen
Jesus we adore you, Jesus we adore you, Jesus we adore you, Christ the Lord

Recording



Reflection on the above readings:

There's something in our DNA that draws us to the Baby Jesus, like metal to a magnet. That Baby makes us fall to our knees in loving adoration 

 

Reflection by Fr Peter: Chinese  English

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia         
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia      
Thurs:
S.E.Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America    
Sat:
Cent, N America    
Jesus, today, Wednesday, please bless the people of
East Asia

And praying for people in one part of China each day of the month:
On this 25th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Ningxia

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 25th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Lesotho

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today,
Wednesday, please pacify
Al-Shabaab 

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Merry Christmas! I wish all dear readers the peace of Christmas right through 2025!

Tues Dec 24 

 Christmas Eve! - O come let us adore him! 

 brilliant!   
The Christmas Scale
 (860k views)

It's hard to believe that the greatest message the world will ever hear is contained in one simple scale

  Beautiful Indonesian Christmas video: Yesus Putra Maria

 

Cardinal Stephen Chow's Christmas call for empathy rather than revenge (SCMP)

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Beyond the stormy waves - powerful letter from a young HK man from a fishing background on Cheung Chau Island ... how family tragedies and Covid led to economic hardship ... and to his involvement in drug trafficking ... with his remorse and resolution to change his life ...and a warning to others not to make the same mistakes:  English  Chinese

 

   My Gaza Prayer *** Israel ((& US)) genocide in Gaza ... why no action by the world?

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings
 
Readings are from Simple Bible

c.f. midnight Mass readings 

Isaiah 9: 
The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light. On those who live in a land of deep shadow, a light has shone. For the yoke that was weighing on them, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken and removed. For there is a child born for us, a son given to us, and dominion is laid on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace. 
Jesus, Prince of Peace, thank you for the peace and hope and joy of your friendship
Recording of this reading

 

Titus 2: God's grace has made salvation available for the whole human race. We must give up everything that does not lead to GodWe must delete our worldly ambitions. We must be self-restrained and live good lives here in this present world, while we wait in hope for the blessings that will come with the Coming of the glory of our God and savior Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from wickedness, and to purify us so that we would have no ambition except to do good.
Jesus, please help me give up everything that does not lead to you
Recording

 

Luke 2.1-7: Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census - the first - took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David's House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.
Recording

 

Luke 2.8-14: In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, "Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all who enjoy his favour."
Recording
 

 

Reflection: No matter where we are, no matter what's happening in our lives, even if we are in a time of sadness (e.g. after a death in the family), even if in prison .... Christmas gives us hope and peace .... because Christmas is all about the birth of the Source of hope and peace: Jesus

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 Elderly man in Phoenix calls his doctor son in New York ... your mother and I are getting a divorce. Divorce?! After 53 years?  What are you talking about?  53 years is about 50 years too long.  We really don't even like each other any more.  Dad!  I can't believe this. Hold on .... I'm gonna call my sister & I'll get back to you. (calls attorney sister in Chicago)  Sis! You're not going to believe this!  Dad just called to tell me that he and mom are getting a divorce!  What?!  That's crazy!  I'll call them, then we better get down there just as soon as we can.  (sister calls Dad back in Phoenix)   Dad?  This is just crazy, and besides I'm a lawyer. Don't do anything until I get there - until my brother & I get there.  We're coming in on the next possible flights. Elderly man hangs up the phone and turns to his wife and says, "Well, dear, the kids are finally going to come home for Christmas ... and they're paying their own way!" 
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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent, N America    
Jesus, today, Tuesday, please bless the people of South Asia

And praying for one part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On this 24th
of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Inner Mngolia

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 24th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Djibouti

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Tuesday, please pacify Boko Haram

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Mon Dec 23
2 days to Christmas.

O Immanuel, you are our king and our judge, the One whom the peoples await and our Saviour. O come and save us, Lord our God! 


One of my favourite videos

Bob Welsh: My Christmas Eve (3.7m views!) 

 

KKP report about MercyHK's canteen in Temple Street (right click on text to translate to English)

 

Simon Tisdall: Iran to follow Syria?

 

Is US losing its religion?

 

  My Gaza Prayer *** Pope condemns Israel's killing of 7 children in one family (see below, Dec 22)

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

c.f. readings for Dec 23

Micah 3: The Lord God says this: Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. Know that I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before my day comes. He shall turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the hearts of children towards their fathers.
Lord, may we accept the messengers who prepare your way

Recording of this reading

 

Psalm 24: Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me, for you are God my saviour. The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, he guides the humble in the right path, he teaches his way to the poor.
Lord, help me walk in your truth

Recording

 

Luke 1.57- 62: The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a kindness, they shared her joy. Now on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother spoke up. "No," she said "he is to be called John." They said to her, "But no one in your family has that name", and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called. 
Recording

 

Luke 1.63- 66: The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they were all astonished. At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. "What will this child turn out to be?" they wondered. And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him. 
Lord, may I treasure your message in my heart

Recording
 

Reflection: Today's readings are all about the Christmas Baby's cousin, John the Baptist, born 6 months before the first Christmas. His job was to prepare the way for Jesus. Which is also the job of every Christian - to prepare a way for Jesus, to help other people know and love the Baby born at Christmas. 

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 Christmas is going to be a busy and happy time in Temple Street ....a number of groups are due to hold Christmas Carol activities outside MercyHK's canteen over the next few of days. 

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

Sun: Africa 
Mon: Europe, Russia
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia 
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America
Sat: Cent, N. America   
  
Jesus, today, Monday, please bless the people of Europe & Russia

And praying for one part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On this 23rd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Guangxi

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month: 
On this 23rd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Togo

And praying for one
Islam-related intention each day of the week:

Jesus, today,
Monday, please pacify I.S.

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Dec 22
3 days to Christmas

Jesus born at Christmas, please give hope and peace to our troubled world, especially the Holy Land!

 

This distressing video about drug addicts on the streets of USA is a warning to other countries about the danger of legalising drugs

 

   My Gaza Prayer *** 7 children in one Gaza family murdered by Israel

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The Book Blog: 
readings + recordings
 
Readings are from Simple Bible

c.f. readings for Advent 4

Micah 5.1-4: The Lord says this: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, the least of the clans of Judah, out of you will be born for me the one who is to rule over Israel; his origin goes back to the distant past, to the days of old. The Lord is therefore going to abandon them till the time when she who is to give birth gives birth. Then the remnant of his brothers will come back to the sons of Israel. He will stand and feed his flock with the power of the Lord, with the majesty of the name of his God. They will live secure, for from then on he will extend his power to the ends of the land. He himself will be peace.

My recording of this reading

 

Psalms 79-80: O God, the nations have invaded your sacred land, they have profaned your holy temple. They have made Jerusalem a heap of ruins. We have become the taunt of our neighbours, the mockery and scorn of those who surround us. How long, O Lord, will all this last? How long will this sorrow keep going? Do not hold the guilt of our ancestors against us. If their guilt is somehow influencing our situation now please give peace and healing to everyone and everything in our  history. Let the groans of the prisoners come before you. Let your strong arm reprieve those condemned to die. O Lord, our God, help us and save us. Let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
Lord, please heal any problems in my family tree

 Listen

 

Hebrews 2.14-18: The Son did not become an angel. He became a man, so that he could die for us. By his death he took away the power of the devil. He himself experienced temptation. He is able to help us when we are tempted
Jesus, please help me when I am tempted to do something wrong

 Listen


 

Luke 1.39-45: As soon as she could and as quickly as she could, Mary went to Elizabeth's home in the hills near Jerusalem. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in Elizabeth's womb jumped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth said to Mary "Of all women, you are the most blessed, and blessed is the baby in your womb.  Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord?  Blessed are you for believing God's promise"
Mary, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus

 Listen

Reflection:  The Gospel of Disturbance ... Mary's revolutionary Magnificat! (David Timbs) 

Reflection by Fr Peter: English  Chinese

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Video commentary on today's readings - in Italian, Chinese, English, and Spanish (+ Cantonese audio)

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Hour of Love HK radio program 8.00 pm HK time tonight - with items about HK prison inmates

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For the Winter Festival yesterday I found this article about the Winter Solstice most interesting. . If the sun came any closer or was any further away, life on earth would have a problem. The ONE who designed the Universe sure did a great job!

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia 
Tues: South Asia  
Wed: East Asia
Thurs: S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Fri: South America
Sat: Cent., N America    
Jesus, today, Sunday, please bless the people of Africa

And praying for one part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On this 22nd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Zhejiang

And praying for one of
the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 22nd of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Senegal

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Sunday, please bless all Muslims in my country

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Sat Dec 21 4 days to Christmas
Come and save us, Emmanuel!

 
Happy Winter Festival tomorrow
! (my 2017 article)

 

  My Gaza Prayer *** MSF report exposes Israel's destruction in Gaza

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

c.f. readings for Dec 21

Song of Songs 1-2: The bride says: Kiss me. Your love is better than wine. How right it is to love you, you whom my heart loves. The bridegroom says: How beautiful you are, my love, how beautiful you are. The bride: He has taken me to his banquet hall and his banner over me is love. The groom: Come then, my love, my lovely one, come. Show me your face and let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is beautiful. The bride: My beloved is mine and I am his.
Dear God, please give me a lover's love for you

 Listen

 

Psalm 33: Ring out your joy to the Lord, all good people, for praise is fitting for loyal hearts. For the Lord loves justice and right; he fills the earth with his love. By his word the heavens were made, he spoke and the universe came into being. They are happy, whose God is the Lord, he is the source of all true joy. May your love be upon us, O Lord, since we place all our trust in you.
Lord, we trust in your precious love

Recording
  

 

Zephaniah 3.14-18: Shout for joy, daughter of Zion, Israel, shout aloud! Rejoice, exult with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has repealed your sentence; he has driven your enemies away. The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst; you have no more evil to fear. When that day comes, word will come to Jerusalem: Zion, have no fear, do not let your hands fall limp. The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult with joy over you, he will renew you by his love; he will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival.
My recording of this reading      And the Father Will Dance - Song

 

Luke 1.39-45: As soon as she could and as quickly as she could, Mary went to Elizabeth's home in the hills near Jerusalem. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in Elizabeth's womb jumped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth said to Mary "Of all women, you are the most blessed, and blessed is the baby in your womb. Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord?  Blessed are you for believing God's promise"
Mary, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus

Recording
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflection: Not with a royal family, not with religious leaders, but with simple and lowly people did God arrange the first Christmas

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  Christmas smile

Little boy in "Outback" Australia had never seen rain. 
There had been a drought for more than 5 years.
Then just before Christmas the clouds began to form.
On Christmas Eve water fell from the sky.
The little boy ran to the window to see what was happening.
He called out to his mother "Mum, what's that?"
His mother replied "That's rain, dear"  (.. reindeer ..)
 

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

Sun: Africa          
Mon:
Europe, Russia           
Tues:
South Asia  
Wed: East Asia                         
Thurs:
S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: South America                   
Sat: Cent. & N America    
Jesus, today, Saturday, please bless the people of Central & North America

And praying for one part of the Mainland each day of the month:
On this 21st of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Yunnan

And praying for one of the world's poorest countries each day of the month:
On this 21st of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Afghanistan

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Saturday, please pacify the Taliban

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Fri Dec 20
 5 
days to Christmas. 

Key of David, who open the gates of the eternal kingdom, come to liberate from prison the captives who live in darkness!


Has had 7 million views!
 
Say Merry Christmas

 

Fr Des O'Donnell O.M.I. Christmas reflection

 

   My Gaza Prayer *** "I got tired of writing about dead kids" ...why a US State Department worker resigned *** Singapore helping Gaza

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The Book Blog:
readings + recordings 
Readings are from Simple Bible

c.f. readings for Dec 20

Isaiah 7: A foreign king and his army attacked  Jerusalem. The king of Judah and his people were full of fear. God told Isaiah to say to the king of Judah: "Keep calm, have no fear. You will not be defeated. The Lord himself gives you a sign of his protection: a maiden is with child and will give birth to a son whom she will call God-with-us."
Lord, please help me understand how you are God-with-me every day

My recording of this reading

 

Psalms 24-26: The Lord's is the earth and all its peoples. It is the Lord who is Creator of the universe. May all hearts open their doors to the Lord. Let him enter, the king of glory. Lord I hope in you all the day long. Forgive my sins and help me walk in your truth. 
God my savior, teach me your way of truth

Recording

 

Alleluia, alleluia! Key of David, who open the gates of the eternal kingdom, come to liberate from prison the captive who lives in darkness. Alleluia!
Recording

 

Luke 1.26-38: In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary who was betrothed to a man named Joseph. The angel said to her "Mary, Rejoice! You have been greatly blessed by God. You are to conceive and have a son whom you must name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God". Mary said to the angel, "How can this happen since I am a virgin?" The angel replied "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will specially bless you. Know this too: your cousin Elizabeth has, in her old age, conceived a son, and is now in her sixth  month". "I am the handmaid of the Lord", said Mary, "let what you have said, be done for me". And the angel left her. 
God the Son, thank you for becoming a baby in Mary's womb

Recording


 Reflection (Dec 19, 2018): Christmas means helping the needy, just as Jesus came down to help us in our neediness; trusting in God, as Mary did, even if we don't understand his plans; rising up, as Joseph did, to accomplish God's will, even if it means changing our own plans. It will really be Christmas if, like Joseph, we make room for silence; if, like Mary, we say "Here I am" to God; if, like Jesus, we are close to those who are alone; if, like the shepherds, we go out of our enclosures to be with Jesus.

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 Christmas smile: 
What do you call an old snowman? Water.

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Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day, especially for the leaders of that area:

Sun: Africa
Mon: Europe, Russia        
Tues:
South Asia  
Wed: East Asia            
Thurs:
S.E. Asia, Pacific 
Frid: S. America     
Sat:
Cent, N. America    
Jesus, today, Friday, please bless the people of South America

And praying for one part of the Mainland each day of the month: 
On this 20th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Sichuan

And praying for one of
the world's poorest countries each day of the month: 
On this 20th of the month, Jesus please bless the people of Sudan

And praying for one Islam-related intention each day of the week:
Jesus, today, Friday, please bless all Muslims

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   Africa: 

2020: My trip to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg 

Jan 1, 2020: How cocaine trafficking is impacting West Africa 

2017: My trip to Southern Africa, Dubai ( The Last Run)

April 4, 2016: BBC video report (3 mins) about East African drug mules going to HK ...and my anti-drug campaign

2016: My trip to Kenya, Uganda

2015: My trip to Tanzania, Malawi

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 Latin America:

     2019-05-10: No More Mules Peru FB boost 199,000 views!

 2019-01-20: Article in El Pais, Uruguay - 01 02

2018-09-18: No More Mules Facebook campaign - more than 300,000 people reached in Venezuela

2018: My trip to Latin America

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South East Asia:

Aug 16, 2020: CNN - Indonesian women recruited to take drugs to Hong Kong

Oct 23, 2019: FM988 Breakfast program in Kuala Lumpur at which I was a guest

June 2019: My campaign featured in The Malaysia Drug Trade (6 written reports & documentary video)

2019-03-25: Eleven HK01 video and photo reports about Malaysian drug mules arrested in HK- here (one of the reports is about my anti-drug campaign).

Dec 2018 - My Jan 2019 trip to Malaysia

2018: My trip to Thailand and Cambodia

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HK-map-Asia.jpg (153861 bytes)

Hong Kong:

July 2019: My warning to HK domestic helpers - published here in HK Filipino media

 2018-09-22: My 60 min video interview with Radio99, in Cantonese, is here: 01 02 to help stop people going to prison

2018-07-29: SCMPBeware drug lords luring domestic helpers, refugees into narcotics trade

2018-04-08: The Pearl Report on TVB - concerning HK's Long Term Sentencing Review Board and my anti-drug campaign 

March 18, 2018: South China Morning Post report on my work

2017-09-27: SCMP Spirit of HK Awards (video starts after 20 secs)

2017-08-24: Cable TV video report on my anti-drug campaign and a Facebook report on the video report (click "translation" for English)

2017-05-17: SCMP - The prison chaplain who has stopped 150 drug mules reaching HK

2017-03-25: Oriental Daily report of case of South African woman given discount for help to my campaign *** May 14 updates: Oriental DailySing Tao

Dec 1, 2016 - HK News: More women being recruited as drug mules

2016-10-13: HK01 report about campaign and about work for the poor

2016-09-11: Oriental Daily report about my campaign - and same day Editorial

2016-08-27: Oriental Daily article about court case and campaign

July 16, 2017: Stay away - letter writing by South American inmates in HK is deterring drug trafficking, says prison chaplain

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My anti-drug campaign sites 
(skillfully managed by kind HK friends):

www.voiceforprisoners.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nomasmulas/

Facebook: Chinese no more mules page

http://hkdrugblog.org/name-and-shame/index.htm

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Photos from my time in China 2001-20008

Other photos 1957 to present

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Best of Smiles

Classics

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This website was launched  in construction mode in Hong Kong on November 20, 2011 - the Feast of Christ the King. The official launching  was held on the Gold Coast, Australia, on January 20, 2012. Map and Flag Counter began Feb 11, 2012.  Previous visits 4,932. Note: counter on this page + Map & Flag Counter record visits only to this main/index page. Visits to other pages and to Facebook page are not recorded. This site's 2017 statistics. Thank you for checking this website each day. God bless all readers and bloggers!                          counter for tumblr    

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 Fr John Wotherspoon O.M.I. 胡 頌 恆 神 父   
 jdwomi@gmail.com  HK mobile  +852- 67095674 
PO Box 74013 Kowloon Central Post Office, Hong Kong  
                     

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