ASIA/HONG KONG - First monthly prayer encounter for the Year of Saint Paul, organized by the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres, on “The turning point in life.”

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – Promoting and encouraging the pilgrimage of the faithful is the goal of the initiative prepared by the Parish of Christ the King for the Year of St. Paul, by the Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres (SPC). According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the parish was chosen by the Diocese of Hong Kong as one of the pilgrimage sites for the Year of St. Paul. In response to this pastoral demand, the Sisters have organized a monthly prayer encounter to be held every third Friday of the month, from September 19, 2008 to June 19, 2009, for faithful of Hong Kong to join in celebrating the 2000th anniversary of the birth of the Apostle to the Gentiles and meditate on his message. In addition to the prayer, the Mass, and the opportunity to go to confession, the Sisters have also prepared an Encounter on themes in the life of Saint Paul, one for each month. The first theme for the first encounter was “The turning point in life,” focusing on Saul’s encounter with the Risen Christ on the way to Damascus. The encounter has shown that Christ is at the center of the life and service of Paul. The Sisters were happy with the outcome of the initiative: “we have already heard many positive responses and we already have ten groups signed up from now until next May.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 26/09/2008)