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RELIGION
immediate purpose of providing a recreation and information centre for the liberation forces and old residents returning to the Colony.
On 11th April 1946, the Vicariate of Hong Kong was raised to the status of a Diocese by Pope Pius XII. Bishop Henry Valtorta, PIME, 4th Vicar Apostolic, became the first Diocesan Bishop of Hong Kong. This energetic man is still gratefully re- membered by many in Hong Kong who, in the days of Japanese occupation, came to know his charity and pastoral devotion.
In 1951, he was succeeded by Bishop Lawrence Bianchi, PIME. Bishop Bianchi was then a prisoner in China and he did not take up his duties until a year-later, after his expulsion from the mainland.
In the 10 years under Bishop Bianchi's administration, the Catholic population has risen from 43,000 to 174,000 Chinese and non-Chinese active in educational, cultural, and welfare work in Hong Kong today, include 362 Priests, 108 Religious Brothers and 634 Religious Sisters. Thirty seven Orders and Congregations are represented.
One of the major contributions of the Catholic Church to the common good of Hong Kong has been the extension of its school system, especially in densely populated areas. During the past year, 12 schools have been added, making a total of 98 Catholic primary and secondary schools opened since 1951. With careful planning and the co-operation of Government, the Roman Catholic Church has helped to protect and foster the right to an education. There are now 96,695 children attending 168 Catholic schools.
The Roman Catholic Church, taking its place among voluntary groups, has made a notable contribution to the solution of the Colony's social and health problems, through feeding programmes and clinics and other activities organized under the Catholic Social Welfare Bureau (Caritas-Hong Hong), which was set up in 1958 to meet the need for a central directing and planning body.
International assistance, as well as help from the Hong Kong Government, has augmented the large sums expended by the Roman Catholic Church here for the well-being of the poor with- out regard to faith. A special commission has been formed by