Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – “You, I and Him … to kindle Love”: is the title of a Vocations Exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Vocations Commission and inaugurated on 10 July at Holy Family parish church. Missionary congregations and institutes who have operated for years in Hong Kong are presenting their history and missionary activity today with the presence of men and women religious who welcome the visitors.
The initiative is one of several launched by Hong Kong diocese to encourage vocations and to introduce young people to the consecrated life and help them discern their own calling. At the opening ceremony Bishop John Tong of Hong Kong stressed the urgent necessity of vocations for the diocese. According to Kong Ko Bao the diocesan bulletin, Bishop Tong said “the harvest is great but the workers are few. Today our diocese has only 15 seminarians, but I hope one day soon to see the number grow to 50. This is my mission, and this is why I take part in initiatives of vocation promotion. Furthermore persons living the consecrated life are the best means of encouraging young people to respond ”.
The Year of the Laity, called by Hong Kong diocese for 2011, is also a response to the need for vocations. Mgr Benedict Lam Cho Ming, rector of the diocesan Seminary and president of the diocesan Vocations Commission said, “the present social situation does not help vocations. The birth rate is decreasing, young people are attracted to a worldly life. However I am sure the Lord will call some of them and for this we must pray. The maturity of the faith helps the discernment of a vocation, the Year of the Laity intends to help the faithful mature in the faith”.
A young member of the parish of St Francis, said, after visiting the exhibition: “a vocation might appear to be a great sacrifice, but thanks to this exhibition, I understand now that it is a great grace!”. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 23/07/2010 - righe 31; parole 351)
