By SYM Office

Hong Kong, China, 21 May 2025 -- The Salesian Vocation Office of the China Province held "Vocations Day" this weekend in Hong Kong, Macau, and Tainan respectively.

In Hong Kong and Macau, the event took place at Salesian Missionary House, with over 70 youth from different Salesian schools participating, creating a lively atmosphere. Coinciding with the celebration of the jubilee year, this Vocation Day aimed for participants to become genuine disciples and followers of Christ, experiencing the challenges of the pilgrimage journey. They were reminded that following Jesus is not always smooth sailing and that one must bear their own crosses with perseverance in response to God's calling.

The youth participants gathered at the Salesian Missionary House on 3rd May in the afternoon, where the host welcomed attendees and introduced the theme of this year's Vocation Day. They then embarked on a mini pilgrimage to the Holy Cross Church, where a guide provided a tour of the church's history and architecture. The host also encouraged everyone to visit the designated churches for pilgrimage, treasuring the graces granted by the jubilee year.

This year, the vocation office has invited Fr. Thomas Hsueh from the Tainan community to share his own story of responding to God's call and reflect on his growth over the years. Afterward, Fr. Hsueh celebrated Holy Mass, anticipating the feast of St. Dominic Savio, the patron saint of youth. Fr. Domingos Leong, the Provincial of China Province, in his homily, quoted Savio's words to Don Bosco: "You can be the tailor, make me into a beautiful garment for our God." He likened Don Bosco to Savio's "compass," guiding his direction in his life. He stressed that everyone needs a compass, whether in searching for a vocation or during a time of feeling lost. He encouraged young people to "look for a trustworthy companion or teacher to share their thoughts", more importantly, to pray, asking God, "Lord, what do you want from me?" He urged them to seek courage and faith to respond to God's calling and hoped that everyone could be a compass for others, leading them closer to God.

After Mass, the Salesian Missionary House prepared a rich tea gathering for participants, followed by the eagerly anticipated annual "Savio Cup." After several matches, the three-time champion Kowloon Tang King Po School won the tournament, securing the Savio Cup. In Tainan, the Vocation Day was held on 4th May at the Tainan St. Joseph's Community, inviting youth from Salesian Technical School and Mary Help of Christians Parish, including students, lay mission partners, and Confreres. The event was filled with joy and laughter. Fr. John Nguyen Quoc Tuyen led the youth in discussions on the theme, "How to Know Thyself and Overcome Temptations, like Saint Dominic Savio?" After the sharing, everyone attended the Holy Mass followed by refreshments, fostering meaningful exchanges that strengthened their hope and faith on their pilgrimage journey.

---

---