ASIA/HONG KONG-Commitment of the diocese to support the training of the lay abroad

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - The Fund for the Formation of the Laity of the Diocese of Hong Kong has allocated HK $ 600 000 for the training abroad of six lay people in 2011. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), this year the funds are intended for two lay people who are studying Biblical theology and fundamental theology in Italy, Rome, , for two lay people who are in the United States to deepen their philosophy and religious studies, and another lay in Australia who will study issues related to Marriage and Family, while the last will be in Taiwan for his doctorate in philosophy. Mgr. Dominic Chang, General Vicar of the Diocese of Hong Kong, has encouraged the six lay people to deepen both science and faith.
According to information from the diocesan General Vicar`s Office, the Fund for the Formation of the Laity of the Diocese of Hong Kong was created by the then Bishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal G.B. Wu, in 1992, and intended for local Catholics for their studies – in Hong Kong or abroad - in religious studies, theology, moral theology, Catholic social teaching, pastoral care, liturgy, and other disciplines related to the Catholic faith. In recent years he has already supported the training of over 640 lay people and the realization of 735 projects for training in Hong Kong and abroad, for a total sum of HK $ 7,900,000 (equivalent to about 800,000 €). United States, Canada, Italy (especially Rome), France, Malta, Philippines and Australia are the main destinations for study. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 05/21/2011)