ASIA/HONG KONG - Hong Kong’s men and women religious thank the Lord for the gift received

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - “Religious life is a light of the Church” was how the Church in Hong Kong wanted to celebrate an event in honour of all those who have dedicated their live to the Lord. According to Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the men and women religious of Hong Kong are proud to have responded to their vocation to the consecrated life. In the recent celebration of the Day for Consecrated Life in Hong Kong, over 500 men and women members of religious orders came together to give thanks to the Lord for the gift they have received and reflected on their vocation, in an effort, as well, to encourage young people today to be courageous in responding to the Lord’s call. According to the latest edition of the Hong Kong Catholic Church Directory 2008, with statistics from August 31, 2007, in Hong Kong there are: 18 male religious institutes and 27 female, with a total of 223 religious priests and brothers (57 Chinese y 166 foreigners) and 502 religious sisters (347 Chinese y 155 foreigners), 68 deacons (33 Chinese y 35 foreigners), y 12 seminarians. In addition, there are 68 diocesan priests, 248,939 faithful from the area and 104,000 Catholic immigrants, mostly Filipino workers, who offer their services in 53 parishes and chapels. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 20/2/2008; righe 16, parole 221)