Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – A Trappist monk, a PIME missionary, a Sister of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, a member of the Marist Brothers, as well as a diocesan priest, all offered their testimony on the consecrated life to a group of fifty young people of the Diocese of Hong Kong. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the initiative took place in the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle, organized by the Diocesan Commission for Vocations and deaneries, with the theme of "Translating Life Into Love.” The testimonies were given within the framework of a skit, to make it more accessible to the young people and present a glimpse of the consecrated life as it is lived on a daily basis. Fr. Giles Chong, OCSO, stressed that "the contemplative life does not prevent a person from being aware of the signs of the times. In the monastery we also use the new technologies to promote the monastic life." Fr. Luigi Cantoni, PIME said "even though the diocese suffers from a shortage of clergy, it always has the duty to send missionaries abroad, Sr. Lucia Mak, FMM, explained how consecrated life is lived according to the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Br. John Chong, FMS, also pointed out that remaining a brother, without priestly ordination, is also obedience to God's will. Father Joseph Liu Ah Lun, a diocesan priest in Hong Kong, presented the history of the celibate life. Finally, they shared the experience of the pilgrimage in France, in the Year for Priests, encouraging the young people present to answer the call of the Lord with courage. The meeting concluded with prayer and adoration. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 10/01/2010)
