Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - The challenges that the church of today places in the pastoral, political, economic and social field, emphasizing the social responsibility of Christians towards the weakest, was the theme of the Seminar for diocesan priests and religious of the diocese of Hong Kong, which was also attended by permanent deacons, held from January 3 to 5. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), His Exc. Mgr. John Tong Bishop of Hong Kong, appointed Cardinal by the Pope on January 6, participated in the three days of study and in-depth examination. According to the moderator of the Seminar, "the pastoral commitment of the Church must respond to social challenges on the basis of the Holy Scripture and the Social Doctrine of the Church. Today there are in particular four urgent issues: the responsibility of Christian parents in relation to social change; the commitment of Catholic schools to enhance the transmission of faith; the responsibility towards the weakest and the ageing of society, and the collaboration of Catholic schools, social service agencies, with the authorities. "For the Church, "charity work is not enough, but also discernment concerning social issues is also necessary". According to Msgr. Michael Yeung Ming Cheung, diocesan vicar, "the theme for this year is a continuation of last year’s and also the Year of the Laity. In the face of social change, the faithful have to be well prepared, but especially the priests need to understand and improve their social situation to develop an adequately pastoral plan". (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 10/01/2012)
