Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - “If there is love in a family, the Risen Lord is in their midst.” These were the words of Bishop John Tong, the new Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong, in encouraging 38 families who renewed their marriage vows in his presence during a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the foundation of the Hong Kong Family Movement. According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the Diocesan bulletin), the ceremony took place on April 15 in Holy Spirit Diocesan Seminary, the same day that Bishop John Tong was installed as Bishop of the Diocese. Fr. G. Giampietro of the PIME, founder of the movement, mentioned that “the growth in the number of members in the families is our greatest success in these past 15 years.” He also thanked th Diocese and Caritas of Hong Kong for their collaboration and help. Among the 38 families in the movement who renewed their marriage vows were several from the mainland. Today, they continue passing on the faith to their children, making them a “new lifeblood” of the great Christian family.
The Hong Kong Family Movement began 15 years ago – in the International Year of the Family – to help Catholic couples live their vocation and educate their children in the faith, with the support of the Catholic community. The Diocesan Office for the Formation of the Laity and Caritas Hong Kong are part of the leadership council of the Movement, founded by missionary Fr. Giovanni Giampietro. Today, there are 29 groups (with some 169 families) in parishes in Hong Kong. They organize formation courses, annual camps, and the Day for Family Unity. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 8/5/2009)
