Introduction
In 1956, Bishop Bianchi Lorenzo, P.I.M.E. laid the foundation stone of the South China Regional Seminary Chapel [the Chapel of Our Lady Queen of China]. In 1957, Bishop consecrated and inaugurated the opening ceremony of the Chapel. In 1964, the South China Regional Seminary and Chapel were handed over to the Diocese of Hong Kong. In order to complement the Seminary, the Chapel adopts a Chinese architectural style as well. Once entering the Chapel, the solemn Chinese canopy announces the presence of the Holy Christ the King insides the Tabernacle which is placed at the central axis of the Altar zone. Priests and seminarians hold mass at the Seminary Chapel every morning.
Overview
hover background1. The Foundation Stone of The South China Regional Seminary Chapel
On December 8, 1956, Bishop Bianchi Lorenzo, P.I.M.E. laid the foundation stone of the South China Regional Seminary Chapel (the Chapel of Our Lady Queen of China). The foundation stone recorded the event in Latin. In 1957, Bishop Bianchi Lorenzo, P.I.M.E. consecrated and inaugurated the opening ceremony of the chapel.
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hover background2. The Holy Door
In 2015, Pope Francis announced that the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy would take place that year. This chapel was designated as one of the local places of pilgrimage, and the Holy Door of the chapel was opened that year.
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hover background3. The Holy Painting of the Last Supper
The painting of the Last Supper, placed above the Holy Door, just inside the chapel, recalls the mystery of Christ’s establishment of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
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hover background4. The Holy Mosaic Image of Jesus Christ and Mary
On the left side of the foyer of the entrance, the mosaic image depicts Mary embracing the Child Jesus. The image exhibits a combination of a Chinese architectural style in a Western mosaic pictorial tradition.
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hover background5. The Holy Mosaic Image of Jesus Christ and Joseph
On the right side of the foyer of the entrance, the mosaic image depicts Joseph embracing the Child Jesus. The image exhibits a combination of a Chinese architectural style in a Western mosaic pictorial tradition.
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hover background6. The Candle Lamps
At the entrance foyer stands some ritual objects used in past religious ceremonies. A set of traditional hand-held metallic candle lamps is installed at the left side of the foyer.
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hover background7. The Chime Bells
At the entrance foyer stands some ritual objects used in past religious ceremonies. A set of metallic chime bells is installed in a Chinese style wooden frame at the right side of the foyer.
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hover background8,9. The Mosaic Images of Angels
Ten mosaic paintings of angels grace the upper walls of both sides of the chapel. The angels offer their whole-hearted praise to God on different musical instruments, each in his/her own unique way
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hover background10,11. The Stations of the Cross
Fourteen full coloured three-dimensional Stations of the Cross are installed on the metal lattice in front of the light green tinted glass of the windows of the chapel. The curvature of each cross-shaped wooden Station harmonizes well with the circular metallic lattice.
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hover background12. The Lectern
The Lectern is the place where the Word of God is proclaimed. The Chinese style carved wooden board, with accompanying reading lamp, is designed to draw the focus of both the lector and listener to the spiritual message of God’s Holy Word.
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hover background13. The Priest’s Chair
The Priest’s Chair is an antique transferred from the Bishop’s House. This wooden chair sits in a central place right in front of the Altar area.
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hover background14. The Altar
The circular Altar is an antique transferred from the Bishop’s House. It replaces the marble altar built before Vatican Council II. It is placed at the centre of the Altar area as the table on which to celebrate the Eucharist. It symbolizes the sacrifice and communion of all the faithful in Christ.
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hover background15. The Chinese Canopy
The Chinese canopy installed above the Altar reverently reminds us that the holy presence of Christ Our King is here, and here is where we should fervently worship Him.
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hover background16. The Holy Cross Crucifix
The crucifix presents a suffering Christ the King. It is a symbol of humanity’s salvation and the source of God’s grace. The crucifix is in the form of a mosaic, and is the focus of the Altar area.
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hover background17. The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle is designed in the Chinese hexagonal pavilion style, with a Cross on top. It echoes the religious symbolism of the Cross on the roof of the seminary building itself.
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hover background18. The Tabernacle Lamp
The Tabernacle Lamp is designed in the Chinese hexagonal pavilion style. Its red light, diffused through the Chinese-style lattice work, produces the effect of an ancient heritage.
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