The Root of Shung Tak

By 1P Ceres Poon

On 14 November, our School organised a visit to Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Yuen Long. It was my first time carefully observing a Catholic church, and my heart was filled with curiosity and anticipation. As soon as we stepped in, a solemn and sacred atmosphere immediately enveloped us. It was completely different from the noisy streets outside—almost as if we had entered another world. What captivated me the most was the huge stained-glass window above the altar. The sunlight came pouring in, throwing colourful shapes everywhere. The whole place felt so warm and welcoming. The window depicted stories from the Bible, and the intricate artwork fascinated me. Walking along the side aisles, I saw many statues of saints. Our teacher gently explained each saint’s story to us. Their willingness to sacrifice their lives for their faith moved and inspired me. Each statue had such a serene expression, with eyes full of compassion, as if silently watching over this place. The pews were neatly arranged, and each had a kneeler in front. The teacher explained that worshippers use these for prayer. I tried kneeling on one to experience it. Although it felt unfamiliar, this devout posture really helped quiet my mind. The dome of the church was very high. Looking up, I could see exquisite carvings and chandeliers. On the walls hung paintings of the Stations of the Cross, depicting Jesus’s suffering. Even though I am not a member of this faith, standing before these images, I could still feel a profoundly moving power. You could smell a hint of sandalwood in the air, and every now and then, you would hear a car go by outside, which somehow made everything inside feel even calmer. This visit gave me a completely new understanding of what a church is. It is not only a place of worship, but also a space where one can settle their heart and reflect. In this fast-paced city, having such a peaceful corner is truly precious.