HONG KONG (SE): Valerie Chiu, one of the child delegates from Hong Kong attending the first World Children’s Day in Rome from May 25 to 26, greeted Pope Francis and presented him with a gift at the Olympic Stadium along with other children from around the world.
“Hello Pope Francis, welcome from all the children of Asia, who don’t want to be exploited,” she said, dressed in traditional Chinese costume.
Her gift to the Holy Father was a compilation of all the drawings by Hong Kong young delegates of what their ideal world and a world of brotherhood should look like. The pope in return gave her a number of fruit candies, which she said she would cherish and would never eat!
“After this trip, in addition to learning more about the Catholic faith, I also reflected on my own faith and how the pope’s advice on World Children’s Day can be put into practice in my life,” Chiu said.
She said the journey to Rome was tough due to the tight schedules. “We prayed throughout the process and it deepened my relationship with God,” she said.
After this trip, in addition to learning more about the Catholic faith, I also reflected on my own faith and how the pope’s advice on World Children’s Day can be put into practice in my life
Valeri Chiu
She thanked vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, who encouraged them all along in different ways, such as by giving them ice-cream!
In addition, she was also happy to be a blessing ambassador in the pre-departure formation programme, which reminded her to bring hope and love to others.
Waving the national flags of China as well as the flags of the World Children’s Day, and holding the diocesan banner, the delegates from Hong Kong marched into the stadium with others in a parade. Around 50,000 people from 101 countries attended the meeting with the pope.
“People from all over the world were very kind and applauded us when they learned that we had travelled from as far away as Hong Kong to participate in World Children’s Day, which strengthened my faith and hope,” said Gabriella Tang, another child delegate.
“Throughout the trip, everyone we met showed such kind of hospitality that I felt the Holy Spirit was watching over us, reminding us of the importance of helping each other and loving those close to us,” she continued.
On May 26, the delegation joined tens of thousands of children at the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square to conclude the first World Children’s Day.
People from all over the world were very kind and applauded us when they learned that we had travelled from as far away as Hong Kong to participate in World Children’s Day, which strengthened my faith and hope
Gabriella Tang
“The most memorable part of the trip was the many times I got to see the pope up close. He seemed so full of energy and kind.” She remembered that Pope Francis not only waved at her and other children, but also pointed at them with a smile, nodded and gave them a thumbs up, which made them feel very warm.
Tang said the pilgrimage could be difficult at times for her due to the heat and busy schedules, but she was impressed by the history behind every church in Rome.
“I experienced trials and fatigue too, but they paled in comparison to the sacrifice of Jesus. When I reached the end of my rope, I prayed that God would continue to give me the strength to help me through this journey,” the 11-year-old girl recalled.
The delegates and their parents began their journey with a prayer at the airport led by Father Kam as they left Hong Kong on the night of May 21. The delegation was also supported by Sister Selina Leung, pastoral sister of the Diocesan Youth Commission, Sister Catherine Fung and Sister Josephine Suen of the Diocesan Vocation Commission as well as Justin Chan of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre.
Before the World Children’s Day, the delegation went in a pilgrimage in the Vatican City and Rome. On May 23, they visited the basilicas in Rome, including the Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Basilica of St. Mary Major, as well as the convent of Francisan Missionaries of Mary.
On the morning of May 24, they also visited the Monastery of the Three Fountains and Father Anastasius Li. Father Joseph Cai, who is now studying in Rome, led the delegation on a tour of the churches of Rome.
