Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - The diocesan Year of the Family in Hong Kong, solemnly opened on Sunday 22 October, World Mission Sunday, is putting family and marriage pastoral at the centre of local Church life. According to the diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao the Feast of the Holy Family, which coincided with the last day of the year 31 December 2006, was celebrated with particular care in every parish in Hong Kong with various initiatives. In St. Mary Magdalene parish 50 married couples renewed their marriage promises. “Our parish is like a family and our families are very important” said Sr Zheng, in charge of family and marriage pastoral care. “The family is the basis of society, and married couples need support and help in order to grow in their married life. Priests receive formation for 7 or 10 years and we religious have 3 years of formation, but married couple also need formation and ‘refresher courses’” the nun said adding that in the diocesan Year of the Family “this is especially important and that Catholics and the Church have always given importance to the family and matrimony”.
Following indications from the diocese Parish Family Groups were formed to specialise is assistance to families with family visits, Bible reading for couples, catechism for couples family prayers, Bible passages on the family, family stories of the saints of the Church. Saint Teresa parish, which celebrates 75th year of foundation this year, is fully involved in this activity with material and human resources promoting initiatives in the field of evangelisation, religious formation, liturgy, service and charity. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 11/01/2007 Righe: 33 Parole: 356)
