ASIA/HONG KONG - The Bishop of Hong Kong encourages vocations, in the footsteps of the pioneers who have dedicated their lives for the diocese

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - "Invoking the protection of Our Lady, commemorating all the Pastors and pioneer priests who have dedicated their lives for the diocese of Hong Kong, today's faithful are to promote and pray for vocations and for the formation of vocations": are the words of His Exc. Mgr. John Tong, Bishop of the diocese of Hong Kong, on the occasion of the patronal feast of the diocese and Cathedral dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the diocese wanted to celebrate on this occasion the anniversary of priesthood or religious life of 41 between diocesan priests and men and women religious who have given their services in the territory. In his homily, Mgr. Tong said that "the theme of vocations is related to survival and development of the dioceses". Finally some of the guests of honor shared the story of their vocation with the present, especially speaking in particular to young people.
According to the Hong Kong Catholic Church Directory 2011, on April 22, 1841 the Apostolic Prefecture of Hong Kong was established, erected on November 17, 1874 to an Apostolic Vicariate, and finally to Diocese on 11 April 1946, year of the establishment of the Chinese hierarchy. The Cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception was built in 1883, consecrated and opened for worship on December 7, 1888. On August 31, 2010 in the diocese of Hong Kong there were 357,000 faithful, 42 parishes, 1,472 volunteer catechists, 41 full-time catechists paid by the diocese. The catechumens of the year were 4,367 children, 1,428 male adults and 2,554 female adults. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 16/12/2011)