Holy Week and Easter Celebrations...

It is at the Chrism Mass, which this year was celebrated on the morning of Holy Thursday, March 24, at Immaculate Conception Cathedral that the priestly identity of Christ in the local Church as a diocesan community made up of bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons and lay people, is explicitly acknowledged.

Priests serving in the diocese of Hong Kong, together with the
Cardinals and Bishops before the Chrism mass on the Holy Thursday 

The bishop of Hong Kong, John Cardinal Tong Hon, stressed that this identity is magnified this year, as it is being celebrated in the Year of the Jubilee of Mercy, which is a specific call to recognise the character and significance of the gathering of the whole diocesan community as the priestly people of God.

Fr. Alberto Rossa during the Washing of the Feet on the Holy Thursday,  
in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, Peng Chau 

He also spoke of the importance of young people in our community and called on everyone to look after them and cherish their presence. He then looked to the four-pronged pastoral plan of the diocese, asking people to be conscious of the need for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Bishop Emeritus Jose Lai baptising an infant during the Easter Liturgy
in St. Lawrence Church, Macau 

He also pointed to the large expatriate presence in the diocese, singling out the largest of them, the Filipino community, and thanking the Filipino people for the great interest they show in the life of the diocese, despite the limitations on their freedom and time that most of them are subjected to.

Fr. Jojo administering adult baptism during the Easter Vigil mass in St. Lawrence Church, Macau 

Cardinal Tong made a strong call for prayer for the Church in China, asking that there may be true reconciliation among all the Catholics in the country. He also referred to reports of violations of human rights in the mainland and asked people to pray for justice.

The Cardinal made a call for sincere prayer for all victims of the most recent terrorist atrocity, as well as those who suffer from absurd violence.

Easter Preparations in Mui Wo! 

Easter Eggs are getting ready ....

And the Empty tomb too...  

Altar Servers were in-charge of preparing the Easter Eggs! 

And they were quite serious ...  

They were supposed to colour the eggs...!