I am very honoured to be here today to officiate at the opening ceremony of the Tuen Mun Caritas Li Ka-shing Care and Attention Home. I would like to welcome you all and thank you for taking time out from your busy schedules to attend this ceremony.

The Hong Kong population is gradually greying, and demand for elderly services is on the rise. In recent years, in an effort to ease the demand and to strengthen elderly services, the Government has taken on an active role in increasing funding for elderly facilities, building more rest homes, and calling on charity organisations and the public to contribute towards welfare for the elderly.

Under the guidance of Cardinal Wu, the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese and Caritas have been promoting social welfare services for many years. Caritas provides medical services for needy families, the elderly and the ill, as well as education opportunities for those who wish to advance their studies. They are particularly experienced in elderly services. This devotion to public service is truly admirable. I am delighted to be able to follow their example in serving the community, and play a small part for the elderly as a sign of deference and respect for the aged.

With Caritas coordinating the planning and building of this home, many parties were kind enough to lend their support and cooperation. These include the Government's Social Welfare Department, Architectural Services Department, Lands Department, and the Lotteries Fund; the staff of Hsin Yieh Architects and Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited; and other individuals and organisations involved in this project. That this home was successfully completed and able to begin operating today is due to the concerted efforts of these dedicated parties.

The tradition of respecting the old and assisting the young is a virtue passed on for thousands of years in China, and is deeply rooted in every one of us. We're very pleased to see that Tuen Mun Caritas Care and Attention Home boasts advanced rehabilitation and residential services, providing proper care for the frail and needy elderly so that they may live a more comfortable life. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the Superintendent and all the staff members of the Home for their love and concern, making it possible for more elderly to benefit from improved services. Lastly, I'd like to wish everyone good health and happiness.

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