Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholics of Hong Kong are joyfully preparing for the ordinations of three new priests. According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), three deacons from the Holy Spirit Seminary of the Diocese of Hong Kong - Liao Ya Lun, Tan Han Wei, and Tan Yong Ming – will be ordained priests on November 15 in the Cathedral. The community is already making preparations for the event. On November 12-14, in the parishes of Saint Thomas and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, there will be a prayer vigil held for the three deacons and for vocations in general. The future priests were ordained to the diaconate last January and following their ordination to the priesthood they will continue working in the parishes where they have been performing their pastoral services.
Deacon Liao Ya Lun was born in Hong Kong in 1974, into a Catholic family. After participating in World Youth Day 1997 in Paris, and praying the monthly prayer for vocational discernment, he entered the seminary in 2001. Deacon Tan Han Wei was also born in Hong Kong in 1975, into a Catholic family. He entered the seminary in August 2001. Deacon Tan Yong Ming was born 52 years ago into a Catholic family. He worked in the Hong Kong Administration Offices as a civil engineer and researcher. He entered the seminary in 2000.
According information on the diocesan website (www.catholic.org.hk), the diocese now has 246,000 faithful, 291 priests, 68 religious brothers, 502 religious sisters, 52 parishes, 41 churches and 31 chapels. The Church runs 297 kindergartens and elementary schools, with 24,000 students, 6 hospitals, 13 clinics, 39 social services and family centers, 18 high schools, 13 residencies for elderly, and 20 rehabilitation centers. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 11/10/2008)
