With a solemn Mass celebrated by Card Tong, a two-year training course for catechists comes to an end. In his address, the prelate challenged the new educators to "follow the example of the early Church and put a lot of effort into reading the bible, prayer and gathering together in a spirit of charity and love." The importance of constant mentoring of the newly baptised is also emphasised.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - With a solemn Mass celebrated by Card John Tong, the Diocese of Hong Kong marked the end of a training course for 86 new catechists. The latter will henceforth assist priests in various Catholic parishes, schools and universities. During his homily, the bishop challenged the new educators to "follow the example of the early Church and put a lot of effort into reading the bible, prayer and gathering together in a spirit of charity and love."

Each year, the diocese counts thousands of newly baptised, mostly adults. Catechetical training is thus in great demand, and catechists play a crucial role since catechumens must be followed even after they join the community. Indeed, in his Easter message this year, Card Tong himself stressed the importance of the constant mentoring of the newly baptised who otherwise "might lose their way."

In view of this, the Diocesan Catechetical Centre has been running two-year courses for the past 50 years in order to drill new catechists. The latest session attracted 24 men and 62 women.

Centre director Amelia Lau Tong-huen explained that, this year, graduates included people who have been assisting in the catechetical programmes "in 22 parishes, in addition to 15 teachers from 11 secondary schools, as well as 18 teachers and two principals from 13 primary schools."

The Mass service was celebrated in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Card Tong was joined by Frs Philip Chan Tak-hun, Dino Doimo and Joannes Christopher Chong.

In his address, the bishop emphasised that the end of the course "represents a beginning, not an end", adding that "working as a catechist in today's world demands great flexibility."

At the same time, he also "encouraged the new catechists to look continually for ways to improve their work," wishing them well "in guiding people in their experience of the faith and sharing their understanding of living a life of faith, so as to help those who are searching to understand and encounter Jesus Christ".

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