Hong Kong, 16 August 2018 –- It is an annual gathering of the Salesian Family in the China Province on the birthday of Don Bosco to give praise to our Lord, through the intercession of Mary, for the gift of our dearest founder. At the same time, the assembly are joined together with 24 Salesian priests and brothers, FMA sisters and Sisters Announcers of the Lord for the celebration of the 70th, 60th, 50th, and 25th anniversary of their priestly ordination and religious profession.
Like previous years, the gathering was held in the Mary Help of Christians Parish, Tang King Po School, Kowloon, Hong Kong, where the casket of Don Bosco’s relique rests. But this year, the day began with a friendly encounter with the newly installed Provincial, Fr. Joseph NG Chi Yuen. He shared about his experience of receiving the call of Rector Major and his initial hesitation to accept the appointment. Moreover, he made a little sketch on the situation of Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan and offered his opinion on the opportunity.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Cardinal Zen, Salesian and bishop emeritus of Hong Kong. The occasion was delighted by the presence of Fr. Klement Valcav, Regional Councilor of EAO region. In the homily, he proposed three challenges to the members of Salesian Family:
- Listen – The Fr. Angel Artime, Rector Major has invited the Salesiam Family in his 2018 strenna to listen and to accompany the young. It is truly our conversion to put young people in the centre of our attention, listen to them and keep them in our heart 24 hours a day.
- Whispering the Gospel – It is not a shout, but a whisper. First with our life witness, then through humble and silent services, we spread the Good News to the young.
- Holiness for you too – There are over one hundred of saints, blessed and venerable in the Salesian Family. They came from all walks of life: salesian priests, brothers, religious sisters and lay faithful. Hopefully, we would one day join them, standing alongside with them. If we try to walk on the path of listening to the young and to whisper the Gospel, we are actually on the path of holiness.
In the supper gathering, 8 students received the most honorable scholarship in the Province, St. John Bosco Prize, for their outstanding moral and academic achievement. Also, 5 students were awarded St. Versiglia Prize. Both scholarship were sponsored by the Louis Leung Education Fund. The Salesian youth, cooperators and young Salesians from the Salesian House of Studies performed interesting and creative items. There is no doubt to say that family spirit was very much experienced!
