Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - "Our celebration of 150 years of mission is a time of commemoration and missionary celebration, confirming the mission of evangelization. The province of Hong Kong continues to be the basis of the missionary formation of the Congregation for the Far East": these are the words by Fr. Javier Gonzalez Izquierdo, provincial superior of the Dominicans of the Chinese province "of the Rosary", during the celebration on the occasion of 150 years of Dominican mission in Hong Kong, on October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), His Exc. Mgr. John Tong, Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong, presided the solemn Eucharist, thanking the Dominican missionaries for their 150 years of service and inviting them to continue to give their contribution to the diocese, especially in the formation of preachers.
Fr. Izquierdo also thanked for their support and love shown towards the Dominicans from society and from the diocese of Hong Kong over the years: "History has proved us right, because we have chosen Hong Kong as a base that supports the mission of evangelization in the region. The formation and pastoral care of the province of Hong Kong have collected abundant fruit". In the future, "the congregation will continue to dedicate themselves to the formation of the new preachers".
The Order of Monk Preachers (O.P.), known by all as the Dominicans, began its mission in China in January 1631. In 1650 the Chinese Luo Wen Zao entered the Dominican convent in Manila. Subsequently he was consecrated Apostolic Vicar of Nanking (now Nan Jing) and was the first Bishop of Chinese origin. The Dominicans of the Chinese province "of the Rosary," as they call the province of the Far East, are also the only missionary province of the Order. The Dominicans arrived in Taiwan in 1859, and are considered the first evangelists of the island, and in Hong Kong in 1861. Until now, Hong Kong has always been considered the base of the province. The community of Hong Kong has 12 religious men and a deacon, and are very active in education and mission. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 19/10/2011)
