Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - “From the Book of Jonah to the Mystery of Evangelization” was thhe theme addressed by Fr. Giovanni Giampietro, PIME, in the formation course for evangelization held during the Hong Kong Catholic Lay Missionary Association Congress, which took place in November. According to Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the 20th Congress of the Lay Missionary Association also celebrated its 20th anniversary of foundation. The course was the last in a series of courses that have been going on during 2008. Lay missionary Wendy Lui, who just returned from Cambodia, shared her experience. The participants also viewed photos of missionaries in Kenya, which encouraged them to take an even more active role. Monsignor Dominic Chang, Diocesan Vicar, presided the Mass, which was attended by a group of 50 people.
According to the Association's website, this lay missionary group began in 1988, with the motto “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). They are the first lay association to send lay missionaries to foreign countries. There are 11 lay persons who have responded generously to Christ's call, dedicating themselves to the service of the Gospel in Africa (Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Kenya) and in Asia (Cambodia). The objectives of the association are: to respond to Christ's call as laity of Hong Kong, placing every effort in the mission of evangelization; accompany the poor, helping them to know their own dignity and the capacities that the Lord has given them; help in missionary areas, so that through evangelization, the local Church may grow and mature. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
