ASIA/HONG KONG- The journey toward the Congress on the ministry of the lay faithful has begun: "From the ministry to the testimony - living the light of Christ"

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - The journey for the preparation of the diocese of Hong Kong toward the Congress on the ministry of the lay faithful to be held in Hong Kong from October 27 to November 1, 2012, on the theme "From the ministry to the testimony- living the light of Christ ". According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the first formative meeting was held on May 20, to encourage the lay faithful to live the lay ministry in their daily lives. According to Msgr. Dominic Chan, diocesan Vicar, "the lay ministry is not a job, but a deepening of faith ... The Church has room for all the charisms. The laity can exercise their ministry through different modes of service to the Church." According to information released during the meeting, 55 participants in the territory of Hong Kong will be at the Congress: 32 representatives from 20 parishes, 18 out of 11 associations or Catholic organizations, 5 as independent. The other 65 participants are from abroad (Australia, France), from Macao and Taiwan. Other formation sessions for delegates from Hong Kong will be held on June 24 and October 7, always with the same theme: the lay ministry, the relationship between the diocese and Society in Hong Kong. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 25/5/2012)