Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai S.D.B. to Visit Cambridge

His Excellency Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, S.D.B., Apostolic Nuncio to Malta and Libya and Titular Archbishop of Sila, is making a pastoral visit to the Cantonese Catholic community in Cambridge on Saturday, 25 January.

As part of his visit, Archbishop Savio will celebrate the first parish Mass of Sunday at Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs (OLEM) in Cambridge at 6.00pm on Saturday, 25 January.

This visit marks Archbishop Savio’s third journey to Cambridge in recent years, following previous visits in January 2023 and February 2024. His presence is especially significant to many Hong Kong settlers in the region, as Archbishop Savio himself hails from Hong Kong. A Salesian and a theologian of repute, he was consecrated as a Bishop by Pope Benedict XVI and served on the “Theological Commission” at the invitation of the late Holy Father.

Fondly remembered by Hong Kong Catholics in the UK, Archbishop Savio is well-regarded for his pastoral care during his active ministry within the Salesian Order and the Diocese of Hong Kong. Among his notable contributions is leading a team to translate the Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by St John Paul II, into Chinese – an enduring legacy widely used across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and mainland China.

Archbishop Savio’s visit comes during the season of Lunar New Year celebrations, underscoring his deep commitment to the cultural and spiritual life of the Cantonese Catholic community. Despite his aversion to the UK’s typically cold winter weather, he has chosen to be present at this time, a testament to his pastoral heart and dedication to those he serves.

True to his belief in the universality of the Catholic faith, Archbishop Savio has requested and received permission from Mgr Eugène Harkness to celebrate the Saturday evening Mass in English. This gesture reflects his commitment to fostering integration within the local Church and ensuring that differences in language and culture do not create barriers for worshippers.

Archbishop Savio continues to encourage the Cantonese Catholic community to feel at home in the Diocese while embracing their unique cultural identity. 

During his time in the UK, Archbishop Savio will also visit parishes in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Warrington, and Manchester, bringing his pastoral message to Cantonese communities and beyond.

The visit is a poignant reminder of the Church’s role as a universal home for all believers, transcending borders, languages, and cultures.

For more information about the visit contact the Cantonese Chaplaincy:  cantonese.chaplaincy@rcdea.org.uk 

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