HONG KONG (SE): A benediction of the Blessed Sacrament for those newly-baptised this year was held at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Caine Road, on November 21, the eve of the Solemnity of Christ the King. The ceremony was officiated John Cardinal Tong Hon, the apostolic administrator of Hong Kong.
Around 2,500 people were baptised before the Solemnity of Christ of King this year, but only representatives from different parishes joined the ceremony to avoid a large gathering at this time of Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony was livestreamed.
The Sacraments of Initiation, supposed to be held at Easter, were first postponed to Pentecost Sunday due to the pandemic. They were later further deferred to any Sunday before the Solemnity of Christ the King to allow more time for preparations, which was also impeded by the pandemic. (Chancery Notice, May 8)
In his homily, Cardinal Tong encouraged people to serve God while bearing their cross. Using the example of St. Teresa of Calcutta, the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, who spent most of her life taking care of the sick and the poor, he said serving the needy is out of the love for Jesus as we can see his face in the poor.
During the ceremony, Cardinal Tong handed over crucifixes to parish representatives, which served as a reminder for the newly baptised to bear the cross and feel the joy of following Christ.
Chik Kin-wah, from St. John the Baptist parish, Kwun Tong, told the Kung Kao Po that she was excited to join the ceremony as she did not have a chance to join spiritual and formation activities, which were cancelled during the pandemic. She said she continues to attend classes to deepen her faith. It was the first time for her to be at the cathedral and she was eager to join to experience the spirit of community.
Chan Wai-lin, from the cathedral parish, recounted that every day after work she would go to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Wai Chai, to pack the facemasks to be given to the needy. She said serving others helps her understand the love of God. She said while the pandemic brought about inconveniences, it has given her a chance to look for formation and prayer information on her own.
