Hong Kong Diocese Prepares for 2,500 Easter Baptisms
Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, has officially begun the three-week "Rite of Scrutiny," preparing a new wave of faithful for their entry into the Catholic Church this Easter.
Key Baptism Statistics
The diocese expects numbers consistent with its 2025 growth, totaling approximately 2,500 new members:
1,600 Adults
900 Infants
A Call to "Living Water"
During the rites at Christ the King Church, Cardinal Chow urged catechumens to look beyond their classroom notes. He emphasized that Baptism is not a graduation, but a beginning.
Beyond Catechism: The Cardinal noted that faith requires a personal encounter with the Lord and deep integration into the Church community.
The Mission: He challenged the future baptized to become "bearers of hope," guided by the Holy Spirit rather than just academic study.
The Symbolism: Through the ritual anointing, candidates signaled their conversion and purification, readying themselves for the "living water" of Christ.
Seeds of Faith: Personal Testimonies
The recent surge in young catechumens is largely attributed to "living testimonies" found within Catholic schools and university outreach programs.
Student Inspiration: Lo Hoi-nok (St. Anthony’s School) and Chen Qiutong (St. Francis University) both credited school-led pilgrimages and pastoral initiatives as the catalysts for their conversion.
Continuing the Cycle: Tam Shun-yiu, who was baptized just last year, now serves as a leader in youth ministry, illustrating the rapid transition from student to mentor within the Hong Kong community.
Source: Fides.org
Image: Catholic Way
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