ASIA/HONG KONG - “No matter how busy we are with our work, we can always grow closer to the Lord through books.” Numerous requests for spiritual works at the Book Fair.

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – Various editions of the Bible, practical and simple spiritual guides, prayer books, saint books, etc. were once more among the most requested books in the Catholic section of the Hong Kong Book Fair, which took place July 23-29. Making an evaluation of the event, Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin) highlighted the fact that this year there were 11 Catholic publishing houses represented at the Fair, from the Diocese of Hong Kong. The cultural event was visited by 830,000 people. Bishop John Tong, Coadjutor Bishop of Hong Kong, blessed the Catholic booths at the Fair’s opening. Many visitors requested books that could serve as “spiritual guides,” saying: “We are so busy with work, but through the books we can grow closer to the Lord and relax from the stress of the daily routine.” Those working in the Catholic section also identified some of the main challenges they are facing: lack of translated copies of texts written by foreign authors, very little variety of themes in works of priests and religious, lack of texts on themes related to local Catholic life, as well as the “threat” that paper-publishing receives from the Internet and digital technology. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 5/9/2008)