Reflections on Hong Kong

Sr. Maureen Murphy, OP

I recently had the privilege of visiting Hong Kong. Signs of China’s position of being a Global Competitor in the economic arena were visible throughout Hong Kong. New buildings going up, international trade shows being hosted, a tremendous amount of money being spent by tourists, all in this little part of China’s world. The Government is doing all they can to provide for the native peoples, the Ex-Patriots conducting business in Hong Kong, and the immigrants brought in to do “Domestic Work”. At any given day or evening, there is a sea of people coming and going. I had been invited to give a retreat to a group of English speaking women. What an inspiring experience to see the hunger and thirst for a deeper connection with God in these women. I have found that same kind of hunger and thirst shared by all serious searches around the world.

One experience that saddened my heart was learning of the plight of the domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Good portions of the immigrant workers hired are not even provided adequate living arrangements and in many cases are abused. I learned that the practice of most employers is to “lock them out of the house” on their day off. This leaves them wondering the streets waiting for their ‘free day’ to end. The Government has offered a cordoned off section of the Ferry Pier for them to “hang out”. On any given day, you might find 100 to 150 Domestics sitting around chatting, eating, playing cards and waiting… I was told that on a Sunday the number can triple.

I was reminded of how important the work of the United Nations Task Forces and our work for Immigrants and against Trafficking can be for the desperate, the voiceless, and the entrapped people. How much I have and how grateful I am for the working conditions I am blessed with.

Sr. Maureen Murphy, OP