Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - Praying for change and for the mutual transformation of Christians so that they can walk together towards unity and communion: this is the reason that led the celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Hong Kong, in communion with the Christian communities of the world, reflecting on the theme "All shall be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ " (cf. 1 Cor 15, 51-58). The various Christian denominations in Hong Kong then joined together in prayer on January 14 (in the Methodist Church), on January 18 (in the Anglican church) and on January 22 (in one’s own church) to invoke the Lord for the gift of unity. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), His Exc. Mgr. John Tong, the Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong who will be appointed Cardinal in the next Consistory, with the religious leaders of different Christian communities, led the prayers of more than 300 faithful Christians. During the ritual exchange of peace, the participants exchanged two pairs of Chinese chopsticks on which were engraved the words "Comunion" and "Unity", symbolizing the desire of Christians in Hong Kong to cope with the difficulties towards the banquet of full communion. They also prayed for world peace and for the profound transformation of the human heart, stressing "mutual respect, acceptance, embrace and appreciation". (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 24/01/2012)
