On Education Day, September 26, nine school representatives and more than 80 people came together for a Mass, celebrated by Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road.
Among the schools represented were Raimondi College Kindergarten Section, Caritas St. Francis Kindergarten, Sacred Heart of Canossian Kindergarten, Sacred Heart of Canossian School, Sacred Heart of Canossian Kindergarten, Catholic Mission School, Central and Western District Saint Anthony’s School, Raimondi College Primary Section and Raimondi College.
Father Chan explained that the day’s readings, particularly the passage from the Old Testament [Numbers 11:25-29] where the spirit of God empowered the 70 elders, is reminder that grace is not exclusive to a select few and is to be shared. People should take on tasks and serve together. He said we need to conform our ways and thinking to the Holy Spirit in serving others and so give glory to God.
Over the past two years, Hong Kong’s education sector has been presented with new administrative guidelines and new challenges to the teaching environment due to political climate and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Holy Spirit generously gives us new strength in accordance with his will, to let us follow the Good Shepherd and core values of Catholic education. May the students receive the Good News of salvation with open hearts.
Finally, we must follow the life attitude as exemplified by Jesus Christ. His teachings and promises are the beacon in the darkness and the most appropriate prayer for us in hardship.
During the Mass, we especially prayed for teachers, parents and school policy-makers in ushering in the new school year. Finally, the school representatives jointly made the Education Day pledge to ignite the enthusiasm of all stakeholders.
Christina Lin
