ASIA/HONG KONG - Diocese thanks families of priests and religious for supporting vocations

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – The Diocesan Vocations Commission, with a solemn Mass presided by Bishop John Tong of the Diocese of Hong Kong, thanked the families of priests, men and women religious, and seminarians for the support given to the vocation of their relatives. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), over 500 parents, brothers and sisters, and many other family members took part in the liturgy, along with many faithful. Stressing the importance of the family in fostering and development of a vocation, Bishop Tong urged that all pray "for the families of those who have responded to a vocation, as they also answered the call of the Lord by offering their children, dedicating them completely the Church." Invoking the special blessing of God upon them, at the end of the Mass Bishop Tong personally presented family members with a plaque that read: "The family with a vocation; give glory to God by doing good to men." (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 30/06/2010)