HONG KONG (SE): Education Sunday was celebrated on September 24 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road, with a Mass celebrated by Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, with the theme, “Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last” [Matthew 20:16].
Guests in included Chan Chi-man, assistant to the Episcopal Delegate for Education; Lo Wing-kum, project consultant; Fung Shuk-kai, former chairperson of the Joint-school Conference; Poon Wing Chi, president of the Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council, and vice presidents Chan Wai-yip and Chan Chun-man.
In addition, school supervisors, principals, teachers, students, and parents from eight Catholic schools, namely Sacred Heart Canossian Kindergarten, Sacred Heart Canossian School, Sacred Heart Canossian School Private Section, Raimondi College Kindergarten Section, Raimondi College Primary Section, Raimondi College, Catholic Mission School, and C & W District St. Anthony’s School, were also in attendance.
Father Chan emphasised the principle of “education without distinction,” explaining that it goes beyond showing compassion for the weak. It involves seeing every person from God’s perspective, recognising that everyone has unique and noble worth because we are created by God.
Secondly, he mentioned that God is merciful, and he provides assistance according to each person’s needs. When we need God’s grace, He generously grants it. We need to understand that we are called to work in God’s vineyard, whether in schools or serving our brothers and sisters in the parish. This is not for gaining better rewards in the kingdom of Heaven but to realise that God’s love is unconditional.
We need to understand that we are called to work in God’s vineyard, whether in schools or serving our brothers and sisters in the parish. This is not for gaining better rewards in the kingdom of Heaven but to realise that God’s love is unconditional.
Thirdly, Father Chan emphasized that we always have to have a grateful heart and respect everyone’s opportunities for growth. Personal growth is not about comparing ourselves to others because each person has their own timeline and rightful place in God’s plan. We should approach the growth of others with respect and inclusivity and cherish our own position in God’s love.
It was a reminder to approach others with a mindset of compassion and gratitude, acknowledging the worth and individuality of each person. It encourages us to cultivate our own growth and serve others while being grounded in the love of God.
Before the Mass ended, all supervisors, principals and teachers pledged that they would follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, preserve the core ethos of Catholic education, and construct genuine Catholic schools. All parents pledged that they would model after the Shepherd in raising their children, cultivating the spirit of “building up ourselves while building up others; esteeming God while loving others”.
All students admitted that God is the only way to salvation and consummation, and pledged that they would put in their best efforts in being a person with ethic, intelligence, fine physique, social skills, aesthetic and spirit.
The congregation pledged to establish a closer relationship with God, make great steps forward in their faith journey, and firm in making the parish a harmonious place for young people to grow.
