Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - "A competent force of the diocesan evangelization": this is the appreciation and consideration shown by Mgr. John Tong, Bishop of Hong Kong, to the 1,500 members of the Legion of Mary who came together to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Association, in conjunction with the communities around the world, on September 18. According to reports from the Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), Mgr. Tong presided over a solemn Mass in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, concelebrated by Father Ferdinand Lok, spiritual director of the Hong Kong Comitium, and by many other priests present in Hong Kong. In his homily the Bishop above all thanked for the commitment and contribution to the mission given by the Legion, "the formula of the Legion of Mary, which relies on small base communities, corresponds perfectly to the aim of the Year of the Laity sponsored by the diocese". Thus encouraged "to further strengthen evangelization and to promote vocations, especially vocations to priesthood". Finally, Mgr.Tong also talked about his experience with the Legion of Mary and his personal encounter with the founder, Frank Duff, which occurred in Ireland after his ordination. During the prayer of the faithful, the present prayed for the Church in China, for world peace, for the members of the Legion of Mary around the world and for vocations.
Founded in Dublin, Ireland, by the Servant of God, Frank Duff on 7 September 1921, the Legion of Mary is an association of lay faithful who are committed " to carry, like a flag, the name of Mary", and "is one of those movements that personally feel committed to expand the Kingdom of Christ ", according to the words of Blessed Pope John Paul II, under the powerful guide of Mary Immaculate. The first community in Hong Kong was established in 1949, now has more than 2,000 members and 3,000 effective members, 14 regional offices of Chinese, English and Korean language, with more than 170 branches. Each week members meet to carry out their service, according to the priority of the association: sanctification and participation in the mission of evangelization through direct apostolate (catechism, visits to the sick and prisoners, support for needy families, youth formation, promotion of spiritual meetings ...). To celebrate 90 years of its foundation, the community of Hong Kong organized a visit to the mother house in Dublin and the participation in World Youth Day in Madrid, they promote the participation of the faithful to the Legion to "sanctify themselves and others, transforming the world" . (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 23/09/2011)
