Restoration Works of Yim Tin Tsai St. Joesph’s Chapel
Challenges and Objectives
Yim Tin Tsai, located in Sai Kung, Hong Kong, was once home to villagers who relied on the salt industry and fishing for their livelihood. Over the years, the villagers have scattered all over the world, leaving the village in a state of abandonment. However, the Yim Tin Tsai St. Joseph’s Chapel holds great historical and cultural significance. Father Joseph, who came to Hong Kong and preached in Yim Tin Tsai in the late 19th century, was canonized as a saint by Pope St. John Paul II on October 5, 2003. This makes him the first saint to have served in Hong Kong. In memory of Father Joseph, the restoration of Yim Tin Tsai St. Joesph’s Chapel started in 2003.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
The restoration involved collaboration among various stakeholders, including the villagers, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, and scholars. The villagers shared traditional knowledge, and the village head coordinated with villagers and external scholars. The Catholic Diocese provided funding for the restoration, whereas scholars contributed academic techniques and experiments. A priest, who was also living in Yim Tin Tsai before, served as the project leader coordinating between external associations and user groups.
Revitalisation Activities
The main objective was to restore the abandoned chapel to its original appearance while maintaining its historical architecture and unique style. The restoration deliberately reduced human intervention and avoided complicated decorations on the premise of meeting basic needs. The repair was successful in just a few months. The restored sanctuary was inaugurated during the annual Feast. The villagers who returned to the village saw the results of the repair of the chapel.
Revitalisation Outcome
After the restoration of St. Joseph’s Chapel, the villagers who returned to the village for the religious activities of the annual Feast in May had a place to participate together. This enhanced the villagers' sense of belonging to their home village. Following the church restoration project, Yim Tin Tsai embarked on other projects one after another, and more villagers began to participate in them. Many villagers started paying attention to the development of Yim Tin Tsai and even became volunteers. With villagers at the core, local social organisations have been established to manage and operate different projects in Yim Tin Tsai more effectively. The revitalisation of Yim Tin Tsai has attracted tourists, leading to the gradual development of industries related to transportation, catering, and tourism.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Xing Wenwei Olivia. For further information, please email The University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Civil Society and Governance at ruralsd@hku.hk.