HONG KONG (SE): “Even though the programme in Berlin did not centre around the Catholic faith, we all felt peaceful and had fun throughout the trip. I believe that God was watching over us, accompanying and guiding us,” said Sofie Chu, a 20-year-old university student who took part in a youth exchange programme in Berlin, Germany.
A group of 10 young people from Hong Kong, together with Father Tito Martin, the chairperson of the Diocesan Youth Commission, and youth workers from the commission, travelled to Berlin, Germany, for a youth gathering from June 21 to 28. The event titled “Find Your Voice!” was coordinated by the Bund der Deutschen Katholischen Jugend [BDKJ] [German Catholic Youth], the umbrella organisation of Catholic youth organisations in the Diocese of Berlin, in partnership with the Diocesan Youth Commission of Hong Kong.
The journalism initiative in Berlin facilitated an intercultural exchange between young people from Berlin and Hong Kong. The programme provided opportunities for participants to acquire diverse media skills, including writing, video production, and audio editing, and involved them in group conversations on various subjects. On July 23, the attendees visited RBB, a public television production company in Berlin. They had the opportunity to listen to seasoned journalists like Ulritke Biertz, a radio journalist and the head of the religion and society editorial department at RBB.
A group of 10 young people from Hong Kong, together with Father Tito Martin, the chairperson of the Diocesan Youth Commission, and youth workers from the commission, travelled to Berlin, Germany, for a youth gathering from June 21 to 28
The eight-day meeting concluded with participants presenting their thoughts and experiences using various forms of media. Chu said she was attracted to the programme’s focus on exploring journalism in a foreign country. She enjoyed it and found participants welcoming and enthusiastic. She was also impressed by the German participants’ dedication and passion in preparing for the trip.
Chu’s presentation focused on comparing recycling practices in Hong Kong and Germany based on online research and her own observations in the city.
According to Father Tito, the programme grew out of the connection between the Diocese of Hong Kong and its twin diocese, the Diocese of Essen in Germany. The initiative came from a previous member of the Essen Youth Commission who relocated to Berlin. The programme aimed to promote better understanding between young people from both places through shared experiences and dialogue on culture, social issues, education, future aspirations and their thoughts on the history of the two unique cities, with a focus on finding their own voice or views on different issues.
“The main point of the exchange is also to allow them to make new friends overseas, to be able to share their own way of thinking culturally and about faith,” Father Tito said. He mentioned that the term “faith” in the event did not specifically refer to Catholic faith, since the Berlin attendees consisted of a Muslim and several atheists.
“The Diocese of Berlin is very open to the fact that everyone can take part in this kind of exchange, even though the Catholic Church organises it,” the priest said. “It is also important to know the point of view of the Muslim people or the atheists on the social issues in their society. I think it enriches our faith to know the culture of others,” he continued.
The main point of the exchange is also to allow them to make new friends overseas, to be able to share their own way of thinking culturally and about faith
Father Tito Martin
Terry Leung, the commission’s pastoral worker, said the participants showed a positive attitude and enthusiasm during the trip as they were eager to interact with people from different cultures and actively participated in group activities, workshops and visits. She said the Hong Kong participants are also looking forward to the upcoming reciprocal visit of the Berlin participants to Hong Kong in August as they prepare to welcome them with activities such as sightseeing and meals.
The visit by the Berlin participants to Hong Kong is now scheduled for August 18 to 25 and will include visits to various organisations. The Berlin participants will arrive in Hong Kong on 19 August and stay at the Wellspring Retreat House next to Good Hope Primary School in Kowloon. Their itinerary includes visits to different Catholic organisations in Hong Kong, such as Mercy HK, the Missionaries of Charity in Nam Cheong, and the Caritas Community Centre in Tsuen Wan. During these visits, they will focus on observing charitable initiatives and addressing social concerns in the region, like homelessness and drug addiction.
On August 20, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., is scheduled to convene with the attendees from Berlin and Hong Kong at the parish hall of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Caine Road. The Cardinal will also celebrate Mass at the cathedral for the young participants.
