The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong has suspended June 4th memorials for the third consecutive year, marking a significant halt in commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. This decision aligns with growing concerns over compliance with the Hong Kong National Security Law.
On June 4, 2021, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese organized a "Memorial Mass for the Dead" across seven churches in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. These events were well-attended, with some participants standing outside to pay tribute. However, since then, no further memorial masses have been organized by the Diocese.
The Justice and Peace Commission has since rebranded itself as the "Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development," possibly due to safety concerns or fears of future retaliation.
This year, instead of holding memorial masses on June 4th, the Diocese designated May 24 as a special day of prayer for China. This date coincides with "The Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians" and is also observed as the "World Day of Prayer for the Church in China."
Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-Yan recently wrote that “The deadly event that occurred in the capital thirty-five years ago” continues to trouble many people and leaves deep trauma. He emphasized that while forgiveness does not mean forgetting, it can lead to inner freedom and a brighter future.
Since its enactment, Hong Kong's version of the National Security Law has significantly curtailed efforts toward freedom and democracy within society. Memorial services for Tiananmen Square victims have been banned since 2020 under high political pressure. Victoria Park in Causeway Bay has been prohibited from hosting these services for five consecutive years.
Police recently detained performance artist Sanmu Chen at Victoria Park after he mimed actions such as pouring wine on the ground in tribute to June 4th victims. He was later released.
In line with mainland China's stance, references to “June 4th” have been replaced by terms like “political turmoil of spring and summer 1989.” The avoidance underscores Beijing authorities' reluctance to acknowledge past mistakes while exerting their influence overseas.
For many within the Church community, remembering Tiananmen Square's events remains essential. They believe it honors those killed or disappeared during that time and serves future generations through faith practice.
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