Hong Kong (AsiaNews/SE) – More than 2,400 catechumens of the diocese of Hong Kong will be baptized during the upcoming Easter vigil. The two performances of scrutiny that precede baptism, took place on 19 March in the church of St Frances of Assisi.

The ceremonies were celebrated by the neo-cardinal, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, and by the auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong, Mgr John Tong Hon, together with another six priests. The candidates were consecrated after the examination of faith and disposition, together with their godparents and pastoral workers from their respective parishes who were there as witnesses.

In his homily, the neo-cardinal recalled that "the Ten Commandments are a grace of God; and we should always remember that. They were given to help us understand how much he loves us." The bishop of Hong Kong then likened the Church to a big family, saying that once candidates are baptized, they will share in the joys and sorrows of the faithful.

He said: "Being a catechumen is somewhat like going through a period of courtship. With baptism at Easter, it is like getting married to the Church after which, through their parishes, those who have been baptized become members of the Hong Kong diocese and members of the universal Church; the Body of Christ."

After the ceremony, Lam Hin-chun and his wife Cheung Yui – both catechumens from St Teresa's Church – said: "God taught us to be positive in dealing with life's problems. Our faith gives us moral strength."