Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – To reinforce the formation of permanent deacons, the Diocese of Hong Kong will make participation in new courses in biblical and liturgical ministry a part of the journey of formation for candidates for this ministry: This announcement was made by diocesan Vicar Dominic Chan, President of the Diocesan Commission for permanent deacons. According to reports from Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), Msgr. Chan said that in the future, “the choice of permanent deacons will be even more careful, and candidates will undergo a personality psychological examination, in relation also to their personal lives, their participation in retreats and at prayer meetings.” The diocese will provide “a spiritual director and a permanent deacon who closely and continually follow their progress. The courses will be run by the diocesan Vicar, in charge of Liturgy at the diocesan level, involving also the parish priest, to gives the candidates to diaconate the opportunity to practice their pastoral care work in parishes.” Until now, the monthly formation for permanent deacons mainly included visits to religious institutions, to learn about community life. Permanent deacons were also obliged to perform 25 hours of charitable service over two years, at prisons, schools, hospitals, or among workers. Today the Diocese of Hong Kong has 11 permanent deacons. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 07/04/2011)
