HONG KONG (SE): To mark the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a carnival and a Mass to pray for vocations were held at Wah Yan College, Kowloon, on April 25. Guided by the theme “Messengers of Hope”, the event served as both a celebration of the diocese’s 80th anniversary and a call to the younger generation to consider a life of religious service amidst an increasingly secular and utilitarian world.
The crisis of calling
In his homily at St Ignatius Chapel, Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. reflected on the ongoing need for religious vocations and the Church’s responsibility to provide spiritual guidance, much like Pope Leo XIV’s recent advocacy for moral values in today’s challenging world. “The world needs voices capable of speaking on spirituality, morality, and values with authentic authority—an authority that comes from lived experience after formation,” he said.
Addressing young people’s reluctance to pursue vocations, the cardinal acknowledged concerns about financial security, the rigours of religious life, and fear of failure. He warned against the dangers of extreme individualism and utilitarianism, where personal success is prioritised over the well-being of society and the environment. “I hope everyone, especially the young people, won’t just look out for themselves, or have no other pursuits besides studying, landing a good job, and having a good family,” he said. Without spiritual commitment from the younger generation, he cautioned, the world risks becoming bleak and selfish.
He drew a parallel to Jesus Christ, who experienced fear and agony before his passion yet accepted the “bitter cup”, recognising the redemptive value of his suffering for humanity’s salvation.
On the other hand, he called on the Church to honestly evaluate its priestly formation programmes to ensure that they truly support and encourage young people.
The cardinal encouraged young people not to fear failure, stressing that success often comes to those willing to stumble. He urged them to enter into discernment—listening for God’s call with guidance from spiritual mentors—and called on parents and elders to support these aspirations.
Planting seeds of vocation
Before Mass, vicar general, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, officiated the opening ceremony, which included 22 diocesan organisations and religious congregations. Each group hosted interactive booths to make spiritual concepts more accessible through engaging activities.
The Divine Word Missionaries used a “steady-hand” wire game to symbolise life’s challenges, teaching that focusing on the Word of God helps avoid spiritual despair. Meanwhile, the Sisters of the Precious Blood led a craft activity where children made mosaic crosses in red—representing the Precious Blood—as reminders for prayer and as a way to foster connection with the wider Church community.
The event concluded with a spirited rendition of the theme song, led by the Salesian Youth Movement. Father Kam noted that the combination of the song and historical footage of the diocese’s 80-year journey evoked a deep sense of mission. He encouraged the children and young people to find joy in the festivities while remaining open to their unique divine callings.
Gabriel Ng, a primary three student from Yaumati Catholic Primary School, was among the few who raised his hand when Father Kam asked if anyone wished to become a priest. Inspired by his family friend, Father Bruno Lepeu of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris, he expressed a sincere belief that the priesthood is a meaningful path. His mother, Julie Leung, viewed the carnival as a vital opportunity for Gabriel to explore various religious orders beyond the Paris Foreign Missions Society, supporting his early interest in a vocational life.
World Children’s Day delegates also attended the carnival. Valarie Chiu shared that while she had considered a religious vocation during her 2024 visit to Rome and meeting with Pope Francis, on this occasion she simply wanted to enjoy the event with fellow delegates.
Young people seeking support for vocational discernment were able to approach Sister Carmela Pamei and Father Clement Tsui in a designated area.
On Vocation Sunday, April 26, Masses were also celebrated in different parishes in Hong Kong by members of the Diocesan Vocation Commission.
