Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - The diocese of Hong Kong has published the Pastoral guidelines for Lent, making them available to all, in order to better transmit the faith, especially among the younger generations. According to Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the diocese has published a series of concrete points for proper pastoral formation, “so that the pastoral workers may accompany the youth, as a friend and teacher, with prayer.” There are 6 points:
0 - 7 years old: this is the time for forming personal relationships (with parents, siblings, relatives, classmates, with nature, and with God.)
7 - 10 years old: this is the time during which the conscience is developed and formed, so it is important to teach the 10 Commandments, teaching tolerance and compassion
10 - 15 years old: this is the time when the sexual instincts are more strongly present; thus, the youth are in even more need of correct guidance
15 - 20 years old: this is the age of adolescence in which youth should be given guidance to help them face their life and studies
20 - 25 years old: interior and spiritual progress should be stabilised so that the youth can face life’s choices, their vocation, work, the future
25 - 30 years old: the youth begin to face the questions of family, economy, the future, and thus, we should help relieve their stress and find joy in life.
The diocese is ready and willing to help young people to complete their Lenten journey with personal and community prayer, in light of the teachings of the Church and, above all, the Pope’s Message for Lent. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2008 righe 22, parole 271)
