Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – “Evangelization is the primary importance of our mission,” said Bishop John Tong, Bishop of Hong Kong, thus confirming and reaffirming the priority of evangelization in the presence of 27,000 faithful of the Diocese of Hong Kong gathered in the city's stadium for the diocesan celebration of World Mission Day, which was held on a diocesan level last Sunday, October 17, and on Sunday, October 24th will be celebrated in parishes and communities. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), more than 180 diocesan and religious priests concelebrated at the Mass, which had the theme "The vocation of priests, the evangelization of the faithful," in continuity with the Year for Priests that recently ended and in keeping with the Diocesan Year for Priestly Vocations.
During the celebration, all the priests renewed their vows, so that in imitation of Christ they may have the strength necessary to administer the sacraments to the people of God and that, together with the faithful, they will promote the mission of evangelization. According to Bishop Tong, "today the diocese of Hong Kong is the most populous Chinese diocese in the world, with over 350,000 Chinese Catholics and more than 120,000 foreign Catholics. We have 51 parishes, 274 Catholic schools, 1,600 catechists, and 1,200 extraordinary ministers." Finally, the Bishop asked that this extraordinary missionary force put out into the deep in preparation for the Year of the Laity, organized by the diocese for 2011. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 20/10/2010)
