By CIN SocCom
Hong Kong, China, 27 April 2025 -- The Salesian Youth Day 2025 (SYD2025) of China Province, Hong Kong Region, was successfully held on 26 April at Tang King Po School. Over 500 young people from the Salesian Family in Hong Kong and Macau, representing 7 primary schools and 12 secondary schools, attended. The event was divided into two sessions: the morning session for primary school students and the afternoon session for secondary school students.
In response to the pastoral theme of the year, SYD2025 was centred on the "Caring for God's Creation." Through a musical play, the event reminded the young of their mission to continue the dream of St. John Bosco — to gather and inspire youth and transform other young people, working together to build a harmonious and inclusive world. The event emphasized caring for nature and the healing of broken relationships, encouraging a transformation from selfish, destructive "wolves" to environment-protecting "lambs," achieving a true ecological conversion.
This year, more than 40 youth leaders from various schools in Hong Kong formed four functional teams to prepare for SYD2025 under the guidance of the senior animator of Salesian Youth Movement. Each team creatively utilized or recycled used materials to fulfil their tasks in line with the theme. The team of general affairs collected aluminium cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles to design various decorations and exhibits, explaining the environmental impact of such waste. The Recreation Team recycled used candles from different communities and re-melted them into new containers to design candle souvenirs for the participants as well as the guests. Meanwhile, the Liturgical and Musical Team and the Drama Team collaborated on a musical, telling the story of a young person who, through encounters in a virtual world, experienced a conversion of attitude regarding environmental protection.
Primary School Youth Day: Becoming Doctors of the Earth
During the Primary School session, Fr. Antonio Leung, Vice Provincial and the Youth Ministry Delegate of the China Province, encouraged the young to care for the wounded world. He invited them to reflect by asking, “Who among you wishes to become a doctor in the future?” He then pointed out that even if they do not pursue a medical career, each of them could start today by becoming a "Doctor of the Earth."
Fr. Antonio reminded the children that the Earth is suffering from severe damage and illness, and it needs everyone's love and responsibility to heal it. He proposed three concrete actions to become a Doctor of the Earth:
- Reduce waste by taking only what is needed and avoiding the single-use of products.
- Maintain good hygiene by choosing washable and reusable items, fostering a spirit of conservation.
- Promote resource recycling, such as reusing old books and stationery.
He encouraged the young participants to act with a merciful spirit, emphasizing that the Earth, created by God, needs not only protection but also active restoration and healing — a sacred mission entrusted to every young person.
Secondary School Youth Day: Shining the Light of Hope in the World
In the afternoon, during the Secondary session, Fr. Domingos Leong, Provincial of the China Province, began his address by referencing Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si’, issued ten years ago. He called on the youth to live out their environmental responsibility with a faithful spirit, becoming bearers of hope for the world.
Fr. Domingos emphasized that environmental stewardship is not merely a social trend but a responsibility of every faithful because God has entrusted the whole creation to humanity. He encouraged the youth to begin with themselves, taking steps within their families, schools, and circles of friends to gradually promote care for the Earth. He noted, "Although one person’s effort may seem small, the power of each little action together can bring about tremendous change."
Fr. Domingos also reminded the young that 2025 is also the Year of Hope declared by Pope Francis. He urged the youth to walk forward with hope alongside with their families and friends: “Take one more step so that the world may become a better place because of us.” He warned that if we fail to act today, both ourselves and future generations will suffer the consequences.
At the conclusion, Fr. Domingos shared a simple but powerful suggestion: each morning, when looking into the mirror, smile at ourselves and thank God for the new day, then begin the day with joy and hope, becoming a small yet real light shining in the darkness of the world. He encouraged every Salesian youth to be a beacon of light and hope amid today’s polluted and chaotic world, meanwhile, bringing the message of caring for creation into their homes, schools, and communities.
May God bless every Salesian youth so that they may be witnesses of hope to the world and the faithful stewards of His creation.
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