Annie Lam

In a talk show, Card Zen talks about his childhood in China and his priestly education. Asked about the paedophile priest scandal, he insisted that a religious vocation calls for a long period of training and constant commitment. “One must be prudent and disciplined in deepening one’s spirituality,” he explained.

More than 52,000 people march in the streets of the former British territory to demand universal suffrage and a hike in the minimum wage. The Democratic Party is criticised for allowing the government reform package to pass without the abolition of functional constituencies. Christians pray “for democracy and those who fight for it”.

The Beijing-sponsored reform fails to abolish functional constituencies or implement universal suffrage. The Democratic Party switches at the last moment and backs the government. Pro-democracy movement feels dejected.

For Hong Kong’s bishop emeritus, the government’s decision to adopt a revised package of constitutional reforms without a public debate “changes everything”. It proves the government does not respect the people.

The 20 priests come from China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and tomorrow will participate along with other 9 thousand priests at the solemn mass for the closure of the Year for Priests presided over by Benedict XVI. The Chinese areas "delegation" is currently on a pilgrimage tour which will finish on June 16. Fr. John Lin, a priest from Taiwan, says: "Participation in the meeting in Rome is proof of support for the Holy Father and the whole Church."

More than 700 young Catholics took part in the prayer that preceded the candlelight vigil in Victoria Park. For them, remembrance and faith are important values. Faith helps understand the importance of life and human dignity.

The march, ahead of the vigil at Victoria Park, attended by thousands of people. The police seized two statues of the goddess of democracy because the organizers did not have a permit to exhibit them. Card. Zen celebrates a Mass for the persecuted in St. Andrew.

Hong Kong’s bishop emeritus leads a prayer vigil for religious freedom and the Church in China. He reveals bits of conversation he had with Benedict XVI during the pilgrimage to Fatima.

The elections have given the people the opportunity to express a hope for true democracy. The secretary of the Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace, tells AsiaNews that the turnout was "disappointing", but the votes have clearly indicated support for a "referendum on democracy."

Many (including Cardinal Zen) view the May 16 by-election as a de facto referendum on universal suffrage. The region’s government has proposed a new package of political reforms (backed by Beijing), which are seen as inadequate by pro-democracy parties and Catholics.

Demands for a minimum wage of 3.2 Euros per hour. Catholics and Protestants in the forefront in defending the dignity of work. More than 160 000 Hong Kong households live on less than 400 Euros per month. In Macao, demonstration degenerates with clashes between police and workers.

The new archbishop was ordained by Cardinal. Bertone, while in China many communities (official and otherwise) had special Masses celebrated for the success of his mission. Card. Zen: "It was not always understood, but eventually the faithful will see what he has given China and the Vatican." While in the Vatican the Commission for the Chinese Church meets.