By Father Paul Kam Po-wai
In our diocese, there are four groups under the Pastoral Commission for Persons with Disabilities, including Faith and Light, Hong Kong Catholic Deaf Pastoral Group, Care and Unity Pastoral Group for Persons with Disabilities, and the Diocesan Pastoral Care Centre for the Disabled [the center also includes Lok Yung Yung and Care and Unity Pilgrimage Group].
In 1997, the centre established the Lok Yung Yung (meaning “joyful union”) catechism class for disabled or autistic individuals with special needs. Throughout their journey and experiences, the instructors, students, and parents witnessed that individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism have the ability to comprehend the Good News of Christ. This shows that God’s salvation and grace are for everyone. Since Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” We believe Jesus may even love them more!
These catechism classes are held in various locations across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories, including the Little Chapel of St. Clare’s School in Sai Ying Pun, Ng Wah Catholic Primary School, and the Caritas Rehabilitation Center-Lai Yiu Centre. On July 8, I was privileged to be invited to Mother of Good Counsel Church to preside over the thanksgiving Mass and administer the sacraments for them. Among the participants, six received the sacraments of initiation, and three received the sacrament of confirmation. More than a hundred people attended the thanksgiving Mass, including the families and friends of the students receiving the sacraments, members of Lok Yung Yung and volunteers. The atmosphere was lively, full of gratitude and emotions.
Throughout the entire ceremony, apart from the presiding, organ playing, and leading of the choir, everything else, including serving at the altar, reading the scriptures, and leading the prayers of the faithful, was all done by brothers and sisters with intellectual disabilities.
Although we didn’t have any rehearsals, the entire liturgy was carried out very naturally and energetically. Of course, those in charge of reading the scriptures and leading the prayers of the faithful probably spent quite some time preparing with the volunteers! As for serving at the altar, their performance was truly outstanding, reaching the highest level of altar serving—“acolyte”, which was really impressive.
In fact, the simplicity and loveliness of the students was very infectious. Accompanying them was easy and joyful. During the Mass, I felt the joy of all the participants coming from the bottom of their hearts. I thank the Lord for blessing this group, the intellectually disabled and autistic brothers and sisters, their families who never abandon them, the mentors and volunteers who accompany and teach them.
May these brothers and sisters who have faced many difficulties and obstacles continue to grow in loving, knowing and understanding God. After I saw their joy and harmony, I deeply felt that the name “Joyful Union” is very appropriate and truly suits this group.
Jesus said, “Anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” [Mark 10:15]. I believe that if we are willing to accompany the weak and vulnerable and walk with them, we will be influenced by them and become more like little children, accepting the kingdom of God. We will become people who are in “Joyful Union.”
