Rome, Italy, Apr 5, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Hong Kong’s Catholic communities are preparing to welcome 2,400 new members who will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion during the Easter Vigil Mass on April 15, Easter Saturday.
The Fides news agency has reported that the Archbishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Joseph Zen, Auxiliary Bishop John Tong and a commission of priests carried out the ritual scrutinies of the catechumens to ascertain their spiritual disposition, free will and familiarity with the faith and the local church community life. “The Ten Commandments are a gift of God’s grace and love for us, the Cardinal told them, we strive to follow them because they help us to live in the love of God”, Cardinal Zen told the catechumens.
The Cardinal encouraged the catechumens and said, “Being a catechumen is like a period of engagement with the Church. The sacrament of Baptism which you will receive at Easter makes you fully members of Christ, Confirmation strengthens you in your faith and in the Eucharist you receive the Body and Blood of Christ as members of the Body of Christ, the universal Church.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, some catechumens shared their testimonies saying, “Faith in Christ gives new strength to face daily life and it gives peace of heart”.