Hong Kong Bishop declares 2018 ‘Year of Youth’

(By C Coutinho)

Bishop of Hong Kong has declared 2018 as the ‘Year of Youth’ for his diocese. 

In his message for advent 2017 Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung said that the Year of the Youth commences on the First Sunday of Advent 2017 and will close on the feast of the Solemnity of Christ the King 2018. 

His decision came as a result of his many meetings and consultations with young people since he was installed as the bishop of Hong Kong in August this year. The Bishop’s decision also comes to complement the 2018 Synod on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment, the Diocese had decided.

Praising their frank views he said  the young people have given him much to listen to and food for thought.

Personally agreeing with their suggestions, the Bishop promises to make every effort to achieve what they have suggested with God’s help and theirs,  in consultation and with the cooperation of the clergy, the laity and others concerned.

He recalled Pope Francis’ exhortation during World Youth Day Prayer Vigil on 31 July 2016, to leave their mark on history and not to be couch potatoes that confuse true happiness with comfortable sofas (sofa happiness).

Thanking them for their initiative and their enthusiastic, courageous and creative response to the call of the Church in different ways he invites them to walk the talk and through solidarity, prayer and action, help build a better world together with God and for His greater glory. (HK bishop’s advent letter)