Easter Joy at a Packed Cathedral
April 5, 2026
East Anglia Diocese announces Retreat Day for Women
April 8, 2026
On Saturday 7 March 2026, the “Jesus Hug” Cantonese Children’s Faith Group, part of the Cantonese Chaplaincy of the Diocese of East Anglia, set out on a Lenten pilgrimage to Ely. The organisers of pilgrimage, Frances Tai, Patrick Poon, and Teresa Ming Chung have written a report.
The day proved to be a grace-filled and spiritually enriching experience, offering all who took part a deeper appreciation of the Christian heritage of East Anglia.
Thirty-eight participants, including children and their families, travelled together to two places of great historical and spiritual significance: Ely Cathedral and St Etheldreda’s Catholic Church. The pilgrimage provided a valuable opportunity to nurture faith, strengthen community bonds and reflect on the shared journey of Christian life, mindful that “we are pilgrims on a journey” (cf. Hebrews 13:14).
The group began their pilgrimage at Ely Cathedral, a place of profound ecclesial and historical importance. The presence of Bishop Peter Collins as Ecumenical Canon at the Cathedral stands as a visible sign of the enduring relationship between Christian communities in the region. In this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the erection of the Diocese of East Anglia, the visit carried particular significance.
While at the Cathedral, participants prayerfully explored several areas of spiritual meaning. Walking the prayer labyrinth, the children reflected on the journey of life and placed their trust in the Lord, who promises, “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go” (Psalm 32:8). In the nave, they gazed upon the painted ceiling depicting the genealogy of Christ, recalling the unfolding of salvation history and the fulfilment of God’s promises through “Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). Beneath the magnificent Octagon Tower, the light streaming through the lantern above drew their thoughts to Christ, “the light of the world” (John 8:12), who leads all people towards the fullness of life. In the devotional area, reflection on Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the Risen Lord invited the group to share in the joy of the Resurrection, echoing her words: “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18).
The pilgrimage continued at St Etheldreda’s Catholic Church, where the group learned more about the life and witness of Saint Etheldreda, one of the patrons of the Diocese. Her faithful service to God, including the founding of a monastery for both women and men, offered a powerful example of how devotion to God bears fruit both in this life and in the life to come.
Gathered in prayer before her relics at the shrine, the children and their families entrusted their intentions to the Lord, praying especially for their families and for their chaplain, Canon John Minh (康铭恩神父). In doing so, they were mindful of the teaching of the Church that “the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). The group expressed their sincere gratitude to Canon John and to Canon David Finnegan, Parish Priest of St Etheldreda’s, for their kind guidance and support throughout the day.
The “Jesus Hug” Cantonese Children’s Faith Group continues to provide a welcoming and nurturing environment in which young people can grow in their faith, responding to Christ’s invitation: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them” (Mark 10:14). Parents are warmly encouraged to enrol their children and support their spiritual development within this vibrant Cantonese-speaking Catholic community.
For further information, please contact the East Anglia Cantonese Chaplaincy at cantonese.chaplaincy@rcdea.org.uk.
