International Day of Happiness is the global event arranged by the United Nations on March 20 annually since 2013. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of happiness in life, to recognise happiness as a universal goal and desire of humanity. The day also acknowledges that more inclusive, fair, and balanced public policies of economic growth are needed to achieve this goal. In 2015, the United Nations launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed at eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and protecting the planet, with the hope of bringing happiness and well being to all humanity.
On the International Day of Happiness, the United Nations releases the World Happiness Report that includes the happiness index, calculated based on the people’s evaluations, their positive emotions [such as laughter and joy], and negative emotions [such as worry, sadness, and anger]. The higher a country ranks, the happier its people are. Hong Kong ranked 81st out of 146 countries or regions last year, a drop from the 66th in 2021.
Happiness is an emotion and feeling that is closely linked to the people and things around us. The Covid-19 pandemic has lasted over three years, leading to severe economic impact and drastic changes in our society and interpersonal relationships. The loss of loved ones are painful and the wounds would take time to heal and recover. However, we have also witnessed bright moments when people come together in solidarity to help one another in the difficult times of the pandemic.
For example during the peak of the pandemic, there was a shortage of infection prevention supplies. Many kind people donated masks and hand sanitisers to church groups, which were then coordinated by various organisations such as the social groups in parishes, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers and Caritas to deliver the materials to the vulnerable communities.
When faced with the uncertainties of the pandemic, these selfless acts brought warmth to those in need. Moreover many families were doing these charity works together. The adults set a good example for their children, teaching them the correct values and also strengthening their faith and understanding of one another.
When we feel happy, let us also take some time to ask the people around us, “Are you happy?”
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Lent and the Rite of Scrutiny and anointing for the catechumens has been held. Those of us who are baptised, bear the responsibility of making the catechumens feel accepted, cared for, loved, and supported, so that these soon-to-be members of the Church can feel happy. They will then develop a sense of belonging, and the friendship among us and our relationship with Jesus Christ will grow closer day by day. SE
