HONG KONG (SE): A joyful spirit of faith, hope, and encounter filled the Caritas Ming Fai Camp from June 20 to 22, as more than 120 participants gathered for a Children’s Faith Life Camp, organised by the Diocesan Committee for the Development of Children Ministry. The three-day camp, held in celebration of the Jubilee 2025 initiative, Ambassadors of Hope, welcomed over 70 children from 19 parishes, alongside catechists, parents, volunteers, and clergy.
The event culminated in a thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cheung Chau, with vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, concelebrating. Parishioners warmly hosted a communal lunch following the liturgy, sharing in the spirit of joy and unity.
Each day of the camp invited children into deeper spiritual reflection and discovery. Inspired by Jesus’ words—“I am the light of the world” [John 8:12] and “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)—camp activities were woven around light, faith, and mission. Children prayed, celebrated Mass, reflected on scripture, and explored nature through their senses in a pilgrimage experience to Our Lady of Fatima Church.
A unique cultural and spiritual highlight was the hands-on making of known as Ping On Bao or “peace buns”—a traditional symbol of Cheung Chau’s famed bun festival. Stamped with red Chinese characters for “peace” and “safety,” they are eaten and shared as a gesture of goodwill and protection. Children were guided to reflect on the deeper peace offered by Christ, beyond worldly assurances.
On the final day, participants wrote cards for prisoners and produced video blessings for the elderly, to be shared on the upcoming World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
Father Kam noted how a child, during a candlelight ceremony, recognised that “even when the light is extinguished, it can be rekindled,” capturing the heart of Christian mission.
“This camp revealed the spiritual richness of our children,” Father Kam said. “Their insights and openness show that faith, when nurtured early, becomes not just something they do—but who they are.”
The Children’s Faith Life Camp has affirmed the mission of the diocesan children’s ministry: to root faith in the family and to form “people of prayer” who live not merely with faith, but through it.
