Hong Kong (AsiaNews / SE) - A "local" World Youth Day is taking place in Hong Kong in conjunction with the International event which opens tomorrow in in Rio de Janeiro with a mass celebrated by Pope Francis. Over 300 young Chinese people have registered for the event, which includes a series of encounters and moments of shared reflection on faith and mission in different parts of the island and the New Territories.
The main point of the calendar is the 3 day retreat, from July 26 to 28 at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Cheung Chau, a field in which, in addition to prayers and Eucharistic celebrations concerts and celebrations with a Catholic faith theme will take place.
The group that has stayed at home joined the delegation traveling to Rio Territory, of 29 young people, for Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on July 7. The celebration, officiated by Card. John Tong, ended a long period of six months preparation that has involved young Catholics in the diocese.
During his homily, Card. Tong said: "Never think that your faith is not deep and mature enough. Never shy away from sharing it. Helping others is a primary way of helping yourself. It is a way of preaching and benefits self more than those who receive the message. In this sense, the giver receives more than what he has. Remember the story of the man born blind, who asks Jesus to heal him and the Lord replied that his faith has healed him. "
Lai Chi-ho, who travelled as part of the diocesan
delegation to Rio de Janeiro on July 13, said that he can feel the effect of the formation
period, saying that he believes that he has grown spiritually and now feels confident that he can share his values and experiences of life with the
people he encounters in Brazil.