ASIA/HONG KONG - Two missionaries from Congo ordained deacons in Hong Kong in the presence of many African immigrants

Monday, 26 September 2005

Hong Kong (Fides Service) - Francis Mfesao Bakongo and Jean-Sylvere Mbuela Pfuti from Congo, members of the Congregation of the Immaculate Mary (CICM), were recently ordained Deacons in Hong Kong.
According to Hong Kong diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao the ordination was held on 10th September in the parish of St. Jerome where the student missionaries help with pastoral work. The Mass presided by Bishop Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, with 15 other priests concelebrants was attended by over 500 people including many immigrant African Catholics.
In his homily Bishop Zen illustrated the service of a deacon encouraging the two young men to “draw from the Holy Spirit the strength for the mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving neighbour in charity. Your task is to help the bishop, the clergy and the community”. The new missionary deacons expressed their happiness and gratitude in English and in the Chinese language which they study at Hong Kong university. Bakongo said: “Our only regret is that our parents could not be present, but we are certain they are with us in prayer”.
Francis Mfesao Bakongo and Jean-Sylvere Mbuela Pfuti joined CICM in 1995. They were sent to Hong Kong in 2003, the same year that Hong Kong diocese sent one of its priests to help in a diocese in Tanzania. CICM Superior said: “This sort of exchange is a visible sign of the communion which exists in the universal Church”. The Catholics of Hong Kong gave the new deacon co-workers from Africa a warmly welcome as true brothers.
(Agenzia Fides 26/09/2005 Righe: 24 Parole: 241)


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