HONG KONG (SE): “We all have faith, but it may not be enough. So on our way to respond to vocation, we do not know how to discern,” said Father Paul Kam Po-wai, vicar general, as he outlined the relationship between faith and vocation in his homily during a Mass, concelebrated by Jesuit Father Clement Tsui and others, at Christ the King Chapel in Causeway Bay, on May 10, the day before Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations
This year, to encourage vocations, the Diocesan Vocation Commission organised three Masses as well as a carnival at St. Paul’s Convent School, Causeway Bay. Two other Masses were celebrated by Salesian Father Anthony Leung at St. Joseph’s Church, Kowloon Bay, on May 4 and by Father Kam at St. Jerome’s Church, Tin Shui Wai, on May 25, with the celebrants sharing about their respective vocations.
In his homily Father Kam quoted the message written by the late Pope Francis for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations dated March 19 this year titled “Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life”. He recalled that the late pope extended a joyful and encouraging invitation to everyone to become pilgrims of hope by generously offering their lives as a gift, and that vocation is both a gift and a calling that requires individuals to move beyond self-centeredness to truly listen for God’s guidance.
He acknowledged that different vocations—such as marriage, missionary work, and religious life—require discernment amid uncertainty and frustration, referencing Pope Francis on the importance of hope, discernment, and companionship.
We all have faith, but it may not be enough. So on our way to respond to vocation, we do not know how to discern,
Father Paul Kam
Father Kam underscored that faith is the key for discernment and a lack of faith can hinder one’s response to God’s call or ability to hear his voice, urging attendees to reflect on their faith levels. He encouraged those present to take time daily to listen to God through meditation and prayer, and reassured them that priests, deacons and religious sisters are all happy to support young people on their path.
Children who had been commissioned as “ambassadors of hope” in a ceremony earlier in March then led prayers for Pope Leo XIV, for the wisdom to uphold love and justice, the marginalised in society, people with heavy burdens and vocations for young people chosen as salt and light of the world. Afterwards, the ambassadors of hope exchanged signs of peace with Mass celebrants, the consecrated people and the congregation. They also served as lectors on the day.
Before the Mass, musical performances and life testimonies were given at the school compound. An introduction was given by children in yellow raincoats depicting Luce, the character of the Jubilee Year. Korean Sister Veronica Park of the Daughters of St. Paul, lay missionary Stephania Ling and diocesan seminarians then shared about their vocations, how they overcame difficulties and urged people to respond to God’s calling by taking a first small step.
In addition, over 20 games were set up various religious orders and the diocesan commissions at St. Paul’s Convent School to help visitors learn about different virtues, the missionary work of different congregations and the life of saints.
