Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., emphasized the crucial role of evangelization through active service and interpersonal actions at the closing ceremony of World Children’s Day in Hong Kong.
The event, held at Wa Yan College in Kowloon early this month, marked a significant celebration of young people’s engagement in the Church’s mission and their community, according to a report by the Sunday Examiner, the weekly magazine of the office of the Bishop of Hong Kong.
During his address to over 200 children and their families from various schools and parishes, Cardinal Chow reflected on the recent pilgrimage to Rome, which he described as a “special blessing” that prepared the children for future service to God.
“Evangelization goes beyond simply reading the gospel to people; it involves sharing God’s love through action and service,” Cardinal Chow said.
The ceremony, which included participants from Hong Kong who attended the World Children’s Day event in Rome from May 25 to 26, celebrated the successful conclusion of several months of activities and set the stage for the next gathering in 2026.
Cardinal Chow expressed his full support for the ongoing participation of the youth, noting, “They represent the future of the Church.”
In his message, the Cardinal stressed the importance of developing empathy and understanding from an early age.
He encouraged the young attendees to maintain a positive outlook despite potential disappointments from family or even within the Church itself.
“The Church needs our younger brothers and sisters to have a greater awareness and understanding of others, something that is lacking in this world,” he said.
Janae Dai, a Child Blessing Ambassador and participant in the 2024 World Children’s Day in Rome, said her role as ambassador “allowed me to truly live out my faith and share love with everyone around me.”
Lucas Lam, another participant, said the pilgrimage to Rome “opened my eyes to the deep meaning of our faith and how we can practice it every day.”
Father Paul Kam Po-wai, vicar general, expressed gratitude for the community’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for the children.
The event concluded with children and Cardinal Chow passing through a doorway adorned with balloons, symbolizing the spread of hope and the anticipation of the Jubilee Year of 2025.
