Responding to the call of Pope Francis, the diocese held a World Children’s Day kickoff ceremony on April 20 with a “Vocation Trail” activity and a Mass. Many children participated in the booth games, meticulously designed to help them gain a deeper understanding of the Church and faith in a lively and accessible manner. Cheers and laughter were heard all day.
The event was also the first large-scale event held by the diocese for children’s vocation, allowing them to sense God’s calling. Those who participated played the games and learned the meanings of Christian names and the characteristics that symbolise the journey of finding their vocation. These children are also to become “Blessing Ambassadors” to to people around them, especially the poor and weak.
The activities are part of a series, including a Children’s Taizé Prayer on April 28, the Children’s Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on May 5—already at full up due to the enthusiastic response—the Children’s Council meeting on May 18.
In addition, eight young ones will travel to Rome from May 25 to 26 to attend the World Children’s Day event hosted by Pope Francis. Details of various local activities will be announced later.
The nurturing of vocations begins with the family. Parents are the primary catechists of their children, leading them into a relationship with God and understanding the faith. Parents have a responsibility to nurture the faith life of their children and should set a good example, planting seeds of faith.
God’s call is not limited to religious vocation, but also includes married life and celibacy. He has a plan for everyone’s life. We should not be worried or afraid. Instead, we should listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and act. We can seek help and discernment from a spiritual teacher.
The faithful have an even more important mission: proclaiming the Good News of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. To make it known to those who do not know God or are aware of his Truth. Evangelisation is not only for priests or religious; laypeople also have a part to play.
Over the years, lay missionaries from the Hong Kong Catholic Lay Missionary Association have been dispatched to Africa and Asia. The first few served in Cambodia for more than seven years and are currently on holiday in Hong Kong, sharing their overseas experiences through seminars. Currently, the association still has lay missionaries serving in South Sudan and Cambodia.
At the Passover Vigil every year, we happily welcome new believers into our family, singing “I am a member of the Church, with great honour. After I am baptised, I will be a soldier of Jesus…” May we all be good members of the Church, fulfill our duties and courageously carry out the mission of spreading the gospel. SE
