Hong Kong (AsiaNews / SE) - The
17th Forum of the liturgy in Asia opened yesterday in Hong Kong, with a Mass
presided over by Cardinal John Tong Hon. The
annual meeting brings together representatives of the Asian churches to reflect
together and study the life and the meaning of the liturgy in the Asian
cultural context . It
is also an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of
the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council and the
start of preparation for the liturgy in the Cantonese language .
The
director of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission , Fr . Thomas
Law Kwok -fai , said: " It is a very important event for the Diocese of
the Territory , as the Church that hosts the meeting, we received many comments
on our particular situation. It is also the largest meeting ever organized : we
have 80
participants from 16 Asian countries including Sri Lanka , Macao and Myanmar .
These are people who could not participate in the Forum earlier due to
restrictions on visas or particular political situations in the countries of
origin. "
According to Fr . Law
the meeting has a "more pastoral than theological aim. Want to really
reflect on our liturgies in the context of pastoral role it plays both in faith
and in the daily life of our communities. For this reason we are focusing on
the liturgical formation of the people , especially the ministers
of the Church , and the aspect of the sacramental liturgy from the point of
view of the participation of the faithful . "