Hong Kong (AsiaNews/SE) - Hong Kong Catholics will mark the end of the Year of Faith by celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King on 24 November together with the universal Church. The closing ceremony bringing to a close the event launched by Benedict XVI will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium, and will consist of personal stories, reflections and finally a solemn mass. At the end, the theme of the next diocesan year will be announced.
"The first part of the event will see a number of testimonials from those who lived the events of 2013," said Fr Dominic Chan Chi-ming, vicar general of the diocese and chairman of the ad hoc committee for the Year of Faith as he described activities on the 24 November. "Young people who participated in the World Day of Rio de Janeiro and deaf people from the College Notre Dame will talk. Volunteers and benefactors of the diocese will do the same."
According to the clergyman, "faith and love cannot be separated. The Catholic faith is at its best when it becomes service to the needy. It should be noted that this year, for the first time, the government of Hong Kong has presented data on local poverty." This shows that "we live along with about 1.3 million people who do not have the means to lead a dignified life. The Church has an obligation to do something for these people."
With this in mind, the diocese will offer, along with the Society of St Vincent de Paul, a service of regular meals for the homeless. "Right now, only Caritas and a couple of parishes are providing this service. However, we must transform it into a long-term commitment because it is one of the best ways to demonstrate that faith is also action. The end of the Year of faith is a good time to engage in new activities for our Church."