Consider a place where peace resonates. That place is Our Lady of Joy Abbey. It stands on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. This is more than just a building. It’s a haven with a rich past.
Our Lady of Joy Abbey began with monks seeking refuge. They were fleeing the Chinese Civil War. The Hong Kong government offered them land on Lantau Island. They started building in 1951. Our Lady of Joy Abbey officially opened in 1956.
Initially, the monks ran a dairy farm. They produced butter and cheese. Hotels and restaurants in Hong Kong enjoyed these goods. The monks named their dairy Trappist Dairy. The dairy operation later moved. It remains a well-known brand today.
The path to Our Lady of Joy Abbey is lined with the Stations of the Cross. These markers depict Christ’s Passion. Sunlight barely penetrates the trees along the path. This creates a reflective atmosphere.
Arriving at Our Lady of Joy Abbey, you’ll notice Latin inscriptions. “Pax intrantibus” means “Peace to those who enter”. A Chinese pagoda stands in the garden. It displays a nativity scene. This unique fusion reflects the abbey’s history. Chinese monks founded it. They used Mandarin in their prayers.
A bridge leads to the abbey’s main buildings. A clear stream flows beneath it. The church is simple. White walls and a few benches adorn it. Less than 20 monks use it for prayer.
Nicholas Kao Se Tseien once lived here. He was the world’s oldest living priest. He lived through three centuries. He witnessed the reign of ten popes. Nicholas passed away in 2007. He now rests in the abbey’s graveyard.
Our Lady of Joy Abbey changed its name in 2000. It was formerly the Trappist Haven Monastery. This change marked a new chapter in its history.
Our Lady of Joy Abbey is temporarily closed to visitors. But its facade and courtyard remain. They are a testament to its enduring legacy. Our Lady of Joy Abbey stands as a symbol of faith. It represents resilience and cultural fusion in Hong Kong.