Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – The Diocese of Hong Kong is intensely living the diocesan celebration of the Year for Priestly Vocations, which was opened by Bishop John Tong of Hong Kong this past July 1, in harmony with the Year for Priests. According to a report from the Kong Ko Bao (the diocesan bulletin in Chinese), during the Mass for vocations, 5 diocesan priests who have celebrated their 30th anniversary of ordination shared their vocational testimonies. In addition, Bishop Tong exhorted the 5 “late vocations” to be always “worthy of their own priesthood” and to “tell their own experience to the youth of today, so that they may respond to the Lord's call,” as they did. Bishop Tong also encouraged the altarboys to take advantage of their ministry on the altar to think about a vocation. Fr. Lawrence Yiu Shun Kit, former spiritual father of the 5 priests encouraged his former alumni to always remember to “preach the Word of God; administer the Sacraments; shepherd the people of God,” that they may live their priestly identity imitating Christ at the service of the Church all their lives. Fr. John B. Kwan Kit Tong, one of the 5 priests, affirmed: “I will continue imitating Saint John the Baptist with a spirit of 'prepare the way of the Lord,' bringing brothers and sisters to the Lord's house through service.”
The youth who assisted in the celebration were visibly moved by the eloquent testimony of these priests, made in a familiar atmosphere. One of them said: “I used to always let myself get caught up in a thousand thoughts that I thought I could never leave behind. But today, I understand that in life there are much more important things. I think this experience will lead me to change my life.” Another young man from the Vocations Office of the Diocese said: “I have not yet seen that I have a vocation to the priesthood, but I will continue praying for my vocation.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 14/7/2009)
