As Easter approaches, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong prepares to celebrate 2,470 adult baptisms through the catechumenate and RCIA [Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults] programmes. This is not just a number, it is a living testimony to the Church’s mission to share the message of the gospel and invite individuals into a deeper relationship with Christ. The sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—serve as the gateway to a new life in the Church, and each year, as the faithful celebrate these rites, they become more than mere rituals. They embody the very heart of the Easter message.
Easter transcends history. It is an ever-present reality in the lives of the faithful. As Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini, the papal household’s preacher, highlighted in his recent reflection talks, the Resurrection isn’t simply a show of power; it represents a profound act of love. Jesus’ resurrection invites the Church to approach the world not with authority but with humility and a spirit of selfless love.
In Hong Kong, the Church’s commitment to this message is not theoretical. It is evident in the everyday actions of parishes, schools, hospitals, and social outreach programmes. Through its charity, the Church demonstrates its belief that the gospel is about love in action—serving the poor, the marginalised, and the suffering. The Church’s social outreach provides tangible evidence of this love, meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of the most vulnerable in society. These acts of service offer new converts, like those preparing for baptism this Easter, a real and living witness to the faith they are about to enter.
The RCIA programme plays a pivotal role in helping catechumens discover the joy of the gospel. It is a journey of spiritual discovery, where individuals learn not only about the teachings of the Church but also about its living mission in the world. The 2,470 catechumens preparing for baptism are entering a community deeply committed to charity and justice. They will be accompanied through immersion programs, Bible study, retreats, and prayer groups, ensuring that their integration into the Church is not just an event but a lifelong journey of faith.
This Easter, as the new members of the Church are baptised, they are not merely receiving the sacraments. They are being invited into a community where the Resurrection is lived out daily—not in displays of power, but in acts of love, forgiveness, and service. The Church’s mission, as Father Pasolini emphasised, is not about seeking recognition or power but about embodying Christ’s love through humility and selflessness. This is the true message of Easter for humanity: that through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are called to rise with him—not in triumph, but in humble, steadfast love.
The Easter baptisms are not only about personal salvation but about being part of a community that seeks to transform the world through love, humility, and service. Holy Week is a reminder that the true power of the Resurrection lies not in triumph over enemies but in genuine love that leads us to serve one another. jose, CMF
