Fleeing war and persecution, imagine monks seeking refuge. This is the story of Our Lady of Joy Abbey, also known as the Trappist Monastery here in Hong Kong.
Originally called Trappist Haven Monastery, its roots go back to China. Communist forces destroyed Our Lady of Consolation Abbey in 1947. This abbey was located in Yangchiaping. Monks from Our Lady of Joy Abbey in Chengting also fled. Thirty-three monks from that abbey had been murdered.
In 1947, the remaining monks moved to Hsin-tu county near Chengtu. Father Paulin Li led forty monks to this new location. However, the communist invasion reached them by late 1949. They had to move again. Communists occupied the Chengtu Monastery on Christmas Day 1949. Some young monks suffered severe beatings. Three were martyred after brutal torture. Their names were Vincent Shi, Albert Wei and Father You.
Father Paulin Li sent ten monks to Canada. The Hong Kong government offered refuge to the remaining monks. Bishop Enrico Valtorta helped them found a monastery on Lantau Island. They arrived in 1951 and started building. The monastery officially opened on February 19 1956. The monastery adopted its official name Our Lady of Joy Abbey on January 15 2000.
The Trappist Monastery is home to monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. These monks follow a life of prayer and work. They dedicate their lives to God.
Did you know that the Trappist Monastery was once famous for its dairy farm? The monks produced Trappist milk known as 十字牌牛奶 or 神父牌牛奶 in Cantonese. The factory is now located in Tai Sang Wai. You can still see feral cattle roaming near the monastery. These cows are descendants of those released after the dairy farm closed.
The Trappist Monastery offers a resting point for hikers. It is located on a scenic trail from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo. You can also reach the monastery by kai-to ferry. Ferries depart from Peng Chau or Discovery Bay.
Today, Our Lady of Joy Abbey stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. It’s a place of peace and reflection. The monks continue their tradition of prayer and work. The abbey is a sanctuary. It serves as a reminder of their journey from China. It is also a symbol of hope amidst adversity.