ASIA/HONG KONG - Young Catholics from Hong Kong return from unforgettable experience of an encounter with Pope Benedict XVI and communion with the universal Church during the 20th World Youth Day in Germany

Hong Kong (Fides Service) - The 200 young Catholics from Hong Kong who earlier this month took part in the 20th World Youth Day in Cologne Germany have unforgettable memories of their meeting with the Pope and young believers from all over the world according to the Hong Kong diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao. The bulletin mentions in particular the experience of 21 year old Tu Si Hua among the lucky few who had a chance to actually speak to Pope Benedict XVI and spend some time close to him : “I was in the group of 21 young people from all different countries chosen to sit around the Pope as we sailed on a ferry boat up the River Rhine to Cologne Cathedral. We each had a chance to speak to him personally, something we never expected, it was a great surprise! Like many others I spoke to the Pope in English. When my turn came I knelt at his knee and said “Your Holiness” and the Pope said ‘are you from China’, and I said ‘Yes Holy Father I come from Hong Kong’. He blessed me and blessed all China. I was so moved I did not even feel the Pope’s hand on my head but luckily I did remember to kiss his ring”. She said “the Holy Father showed he cares for the Church in China and most important of all he gave us his blessing”.
For the 200 delegates from Hong Kong the pilgrimage to take part in the World Youth Day was a memorable experience of communion with the universal Church. They visited Roermond and Aachen as well as Cologne. They also performed a display of Chinese culture and customs to their brothers and sisters from all over the world and many different cultures. (Agenzia Fides 29/8/2005 Righe: 23 Parole: 242)