ASIA/HONG KONG - New Bishop's priority: Year of Priestly Vocations in Hong Kong to coincide with the Year of the Priest declared by the Pope

Thursday, 14 May 2009

AFGHANISTAN

2024-02-07
Manipur, torn by conflict, tries to reconnect the threads of dialogue

2023-12-04
The Franciscan Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Jinan celebrates the 60th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, to continue walking on the paths opened by the Second Vatican Council

2023-10-16
Prayer for the reconciliation of the peoples of Israel and Palestine

2022-02-24
Integrating refugees into society: the commitment of the Pro Bambini Association of Kabul

2021-12-18
The Barnabites, with their hearts in Kabul: "Pray for Afghanistan"

2021-12-17
Serious food crisis: 23 million people in need

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – From July 2009 to December 2010, the Diocese of Hong Kong will celebration the Year of Priestly Vocations, uniting itself to the intentions of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, who has declared the Year of the Priest. This was the announcement made by Hong Kong's new Bishop John Jong Tong, in his Installation Mass on April 30 at the Cathedral. According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao, the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin, over 1,500 faithful participated in the liturgy, which was concelebrated by 160 diocesan priests and religious in the diocese, and was attended by members of other Christian communities, as well as the administrator of the territory and his wife.
In his homily, Bishop Tong recalled his priority commitment to priestly vocations and thanked the Holy Father Benedict XVI and Cardinal Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, for their confidence in him. He said: “The diocese will soon announce the celebration of the Year of Priestly Vocations, from July 1 of this year to the end of next year. I ask all my brother priests to continue following the Pope's indications, taking an active role in the permanent formation of priests. In response to the shortage of vocations, I ask all the parishes to form a group for spiritual support, in search of new vocations.” He also encouraged everyone to follow “in the footsteps of Saint John, taking the Virgin Mary into their homes, so that She may lead the diocese to Jesus.”
Bishop Tong is aware of the urgent need to promote vocations, as he himself confirmed, “because in Hong Kong as well, priestly vocations are threatened by consumerism.” There are currently only 4 local seminarians in the Holy Spirit Diocesan Seminary. According to the Secretary of the Diocesan Vocations' Office, the Diocese had already planned to hold a Year for Vocations immediately following the Year of St. Paul. When the Holy Father announced the Year of the Priest, the Diocese decided to make the year coincide and make it a Year of Priestly Vocations. The same Commission has already distributed suggestions and guidelines for parish initiatives. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 14/5/2009)