Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Fides Service) - “The Church in Hong Kong needs the witness of consecrated life which helps people to reflect on the real meaning of life” said Bishop Joseph Zen Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong during a special Mass last Sunday in Hong Kong Cathedral for the Day of Consecrated Life.
According to Hong Kong diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao during the Mass over 900 men and women Catholic religious in Hong Kong renewed their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the presence of the Bishop. Several offered testimonials of their life of consecration to God and to serving others, sharing their experience of the “enlightening and comforting” presence of God’s Spirit, particularly in times of difficulty. For their part lay Catholics said they saw men and women religious with their life of renunciation and service as a point of reference for growth in the faith. Bishop Zen said he hoped “non Christian would also be impressed and influenced by this special consecrated way of life. This modern society of materialism needs witnesses and signs of the Resurrection, so people may reflect on the real meaning of life”.
Catholic religious provide important services in Hong Kong including education, healthcare and care for young people. According to the Hong Kong Catholic Directory in the diocese there are representatives of 18 male Orders including Jesuits, Franciscans, Divine Word Missionaries, Paris Foreign Missions, PIME Salesians and 27 female congregations, Canossian Sisters, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Salesian Sisters (Daughters of Mary Auxiliatrix). (Agenzia Fides 10/02/2006 Righe: 27 Parole: 279)
