Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – "The Church is my home" was the theme of the “Welcoming Day” for reception of the newly baptized, organized by the Catholic Laity of the Diocese of Hong Kong, which is preparing for the Year for the Laity in 2011, raising awareness on the responsibility of the laity in the life and mission of the Church. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), more than 500 faithful and newly baptized attended the encounter held in the main hall of St. Paul College on Sunday, April 18, in the presence of Bishop John Tong, Bishop of Hong Kong and the three diocesan vicars, the Chancellor, and the Administrator of the Diocese of Hong Kong.
During the meeting, participants were given a presentation of the diocesan structure and diocesan Bishop Tong gave thanks to God for the gift of faith that the newly baptized have received. "The Church needs to build the community spirit of communion,” said the Bishop. “Thus, the witness and service of us all is important in living the identity of the Christian community in our life." The three vicars presented their pastoral work to those present. The Catechists of the catechumens shared their experience, calling for a further involvement and assistance to the Church in ministering to the newly baptized, so that they "may not feel a lack of solidarity from among the faithful. Newly baptized are asked to make a commitment to participate actively in the life of the Church, through retreats and spiritual experiences, to strengthen and deepen in their faith." Today, the Diocese of Hong Kong has 356,000 faithful, equivalent to 5% of the island population. This year, there were over 3,000 people baptized. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 24/04/2010)
