Hong KONG (SE): A 12-member Hong Kong delegation, led by Father Stephen Ip, is participating in the 17th Choice Asia Conference taking place from October 9 to 13 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Held once every three years, the Choice Weekend, is an international youth development programme aimed at helping young people affirm their identity and improve interpersonal communication and family relationships. Established in the United States in the 1960s, it was introduced to Hong Kong in 1999 by the late Sister Teresa Yuen FMM, former editor of the Kung Kao Po.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 17th Choice Asia Conference was postponed for two years
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha, who attended the conference in 2001, celebrated a sending ceremony for this year’s delegation at the chapel of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Aberdeen on October 1.
Bishop Ha encouraged the delgates to emulate St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries, by approaching their mission with a humble heart and complete faith in our infinitely great Father in Heaven. He emphasised that through persistent efforts, the possibilities of what they can achieve are limitless.
The bishop also expressed hope that they would wholeheartedly share and exchange experiences with the delegations from different regions and dioceses during the conference, laying a stronger foundation for their continued commitment to youth service upon their return to Hong Kong.
Around 200 representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Fiji, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and mainland China are slated to participate at the conference and explore how to face challenges in a post-pandemic world, and ensuring the sustained growth and flourishing of the Choice Weekend programme.
