Hong Kong (AsiaNews) Young Indians arrived today in Hong Kong for the opening of the 4th Asian Youth Day (AYD). Altogether the 54-memrber group includes 2 bishops and 11 priests. All of them will be staying with Chinese host families.
From the former British colony, Fr Alwyn D'Souza, national secretary of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement, described to AsiaNews the atmosphere his charges found and their expectations.
"After our orientation programme in Calcutta, from Monday to Friday, the kids were all in a state of expectation. They are eager to meet their fellow youth from other countries and share their own family experiences," he said. The theme of this year's AYD is in fact 'Youth: Hope for Asian Families'.
"In India the family is sacred," Father D'Souza said. "Despite globalisation and consumerism, our young people still have so-called 'traditional values'. Our delegation is very motivated and keen to know the challenges Catholic communities face in other countries."
Sr. Maria, the National Lady-Youth Animator, said she is "very keen to meet her colleagues from around Asia and talk to them about the problems youth have in other countries".
Finally, Father D'Souza noted that young Indians "are conscious that this millennium is that of evangelisation in Asia. In catechism we said repeatedly: Indian Catholic youth must stir society, the workplace and education."
