Yim Tin Tsai was the main missionary area of Catholicism in the early days of Hong Kong. Two priests visited the island and spread gospel in 1864. All villagers were baptised in 1875 and the island became a “Catholic village”. Most of the villagers are Catholic nowadays, some of them are pastoral workers. The willingness of accepting gospel might be due to Hakka’s lifestyle.
The word “Hakka” means “guest people”. They were originated from the northern part of China, moving and settling around different regions and Asian countries. They might then be used to get along with foreign people. Besides, local Cantonese people might be looking down or even oppressing Hakka people when the Hakka moved in. With these factors, the Hakka people might think that being a Catholic they will be protected.
Built in 1890, the St. Joseph’s Chapel was for the priest, St. Joseph Freinademetz who was from Austria, to spread gospel in the Village. The chapel was renovated several times and awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2005.
The design of the Chapel is of a simple style, the colour of the altar is full of Chinese style. It integrates the etiquette of Vatican II Council and the features of chapel in Chinese rural areas.
From April 1879 to April 1880, St. Joseph Freinademetz arrived at Sai Kung and started spreading gospel there, including Yim Tin Tsai.
St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of the church. A picture hanging on the wall of the altar shows the little Jesus cuddling by St. Joseph.
Founded in 1920, Ching Po School educated young generations of villagers and residents in Sai Kung. With the development of Sai Kung and relocation of villagers, the school was left vacant. Today, it is renovated as the Heritage Centre showcasing some equipment used in the old days as well as telling the history of the Village.
