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The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has a simple and elegant architectural design, and has witnessed the changes in Hong Kong for over a hundred years. It was classified as a Grade I Historic Building by the Antiquities and Monuments Office in 1990, awarded as UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2003.\。

In the beginning, the church was first built at Wellington Street in 1842. When the church expansion nearly came to an end in 1859, the church was devastated by fire consequently turned into a flatland. In 1860, the church decided to rebuild the church at the same location. As the number of parishioners was increasing day by day, besides the church parties believed the location was not acceptable to use as a worship location, the first Vicar Apostolic of Hong Kong – Msgr. RAIMONDI Giovanni Timoleone decided to discover a new location for the church, while the past church was pulled down after being purchased by the purchaser in 1886. In 1881, the Vicariate Apostolic has purchased the land on Caine Road and rebuild the present Cathedral at the location. The present Cathedral celebrated its first religious service on the at Immaculate Conception Eve on 7th December, 1888.

Cathedral Overview

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1. Main Door

Through this MAIN DOOR we encounter God. Jesus said, “I am the gate. Anyone who enters through me will be safe.” (John 10:9)

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2. Baptismal Font

The Baptismal Font is placed at the main entrance of the Cathedral to signify Baptism as the first and chief sacrament of the whole Christian life. This sacrament in which, by water and the Holy Spirit, a person is cleansed of all sins and reborn as son of God.

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3. High Altar

The High Altar is the table of the Lord on which the Eucharist is celebrated. This High Altar was relocated to the centre of the Cathedral in 1969 in accordance with the Vatican II liturgical reforms, such that the congregation is in unity with Christ’s sacrifice.

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4. Minor Altar

The Minor Altar is situated at the apse where weekday Masses are celebrated. The area of this Altar was originally the location of the High Altar before the Vatican II liturgical reforms.

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5. All Soul’s Chapel

The All Soul’s Chapel belongs to the old Church at the Wellington Street. In this Chapel we are invited to pray for our loved ones, and all the dead.

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6. Chinese Martyrs’ Chapel

The altar of the Chinese Martyr’s Chapel belongs to the old Church on Wellington Street. Two boxes containing the relics of the Chinese martyrs are placed at the foot of the altar for the faithful to pay them tribute and offer their prayers.

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7. Mission Chapel

The setup of the Mission Chapel aims to highlight the past and the ongoing missions in the Diocese of Hong Kong. It also serves to commemorate the missionaries who spent their lives spreading the Good News to the people of Hong Kong.

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8. Blessed Sacrament Chapel

The altar of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel was originally the High Altar of the rebuilt old Church on Welling Street 1860. The tabernacle of this altar is for the exclusive storage of the Blessed Sacrament – the flesh of the risen Christ, the bread of life.

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9. Crucifix

The Crucifix is a symbol of redemption and the source of eternal salvation. It was made and suspended above the High Altar in 2008 when the Cathedral celebrated its 120th anniversary.

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10. Episcopal Throne

The Episcopal Throne from which the Bishop of Hong Kong Diocese presides at liturgical services. In every Cathedral the authority of its bishop is most clearly symbolised when he presides from the throne.

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11. Lectern

The Lectern is a place from which the Sacred Scriptures are read, and the homilies are delivered. The dove symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit.

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12. Confessional

The Confessional is a place where the faithful can be reconciled to God. Bishops and priests, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all our sins. Jesus said, “For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.” (John 20:23)

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The Nave is in front of the Altar where parishioners sit, also the place for parishioners to pray on weekdays.

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