Sun
The club held its annual Bishop's luncheon at the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. His Eminence, Cardinal Tong was the guest of honor. Today is also the Golden Jubilee ordination of the Cardinal. In honor thereof, the club has made a video of the Cardinal on the consecrate life. Parts of the video depict the Holy Spirit Seminary and St Joseph's Seminary of Macau and they were telecast at the luncheon gathering.
President Joyce Chang gave a detailed annual report of the club's activities during 2015. We are happy to have two new members Francisca Lo and Elizabeth Cheng.
A video titled "The Joy of Being Called" was made to promote priestly vocations.
Joint efforts with Diocese Vocation Council during the month of May for Mass for vocations were separately being held and celebrated by Cardinal Tong, Bishops Yeung and Lee. March for vocations was held with faithful marching from various churches and locations to the Holy Spirit Seminary. Over 800 faithful from 40 parishes, missionaries, schools and groups took part in it.
Our annual Mother's Day celebrations lunch party with religious mothers and sisters at Craigengower Cricket Club was held with the presence of Cardinal Tong.
Visits were made to the Holy Spirit Seminary, Aberdeen Technical School and a Francisan Missionary Sisters of our Lady of Sorrow during the year.
Our patron Junipero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis in a Mass in September, 2015. A thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the canonization was held on 26th September at the Cathedral.
Tue
In chapter one of the Gospel according to St. Luke, angel Gabriel gave a message to Elizabeth about her pregnancy and the birth of John later. Mary was also told that she would be pregnant and that Jesus would be born. Both Elizabeth and Mary had deep faith in what was arranged and they were thankful to God. We should have faith in God like them. Mary had a genuine concern for her cousin Elizabeth and took pains to travel a long way to visit, congratulate, help and support her. At the wedding at Cana, Mary showed consideration to others by asking Jesus to turn water to wine to help the host of the wedding. Christmas is coming and we should learn from Mary and be helpful, compassionate and nice to others.
Tue
Sister Maria Choi Kam Man presented at the 11th General meeting on ”Relationship between Body, Mind and spirit”
Sr Maria belongs to the Congregation Notre Dame order. She works as a counsellor in Sheung Wan. Her talk was based on a combination of spirituality and self awareness. She used the basic theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung. It is their belief that to understand human behavior it is necessary to delve into the unconscious, popularizing other notions such as defense mechanisms and dream symbolism thus bring to consciousness and finally acknowledgement of those repressed thoughts and feelings. Sr Maria went on to briefly differentiate between the ego, id and super ego before she ended the presentation.
Gregory Chan and John Wong cut a birthday cake to celebrate their birthMon
Serrans and spouses gathered at the Holy Spirit Seminary and joined the seminarians in their evening prayers. Cardinal Tong, Bishop Ha, Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary and Rev William Ip Hing Wah, seminarians, Serrans and families had an enjoyable dinner together. After dinner, Serran Denis Chang led on " Same Sex Marriage, Adam and Steve? not Adam and Eve" and Serran John Wong on "How Catholics can help promote evangelicalism". Questions were asked and other inputs were made by Rev Ip, Bishop Ha and Cardinal Tong. The joyous gathering was concluded with blessings from both the Cardinal and the Bishop.
Tue
At the 10th general meeting, Rev Steven Ochieng, accompanied by seminarian Anthony Odhiambo, from The Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) gave a very interesting talk on “Christian Education as a Transformative Force in Peace Building in Africa - Todonyany as a Study Case" with a short video and handout booklets. Fr Steven worked at Our Lady Queen of Peace Mission in Todonyang, Kenya since 2006. The population of Kenya is 44 million, with approximately 40% Roman Catholic, 40% Protestant 20% Muslim and 5% Animist.
Among many projects they run in Todonyang, namely health, fishing, agricultural and animal husbandry, Fr Steven highlighted their educational program at length, how under challenging conditions they aspired to educate the young and to spread the word of The Lord.
Mon
Eleven Serrans and spouses visited the Salesian Aberdeen Technical School. It reactivated the boarding school section four years ago in response to the needs of Hong Kong society. All of these students come from relatively poorer families and some have learing disabilities - hyperactive children. The boarding students are told that they are there for three reasons, namely, to learn to study hard and regularly, to learn to live an upright life and to learn to seek ever-lasting life in heaven. the boarders have a very strict regimented life style which will benefit them immensely. Rev. Simon Lam the Rector is assisted by Rev Carlos Cheung together with three Salesian brothers and five Salesian apostalants. The priests and teachers of the schooll have put in much effort and hard work, at great personal sacrifice, to promote these boarding students with a normal and healthy life. The Serrans and Serran spouses spent a night to remember there and are determined to assist them in this most worthwhile undertaking and hopefully to promote more priestly vocations.Tue
Joyce Chang, president of Serra Club HK was the presenter. Joyce gave an account of her trip to Washington DC to attend our patron saint Junipero Serra 's cannonization. It was one that was far from being smooth from the outset. Joyce placed her faith in Our Lady and ultimately the obstacles vanished and she arrived safely and was able to attend the Mass as planned.
The canonization rite at the evening Mass included a biography of Fr Serra and the chanting of the Litany of the Saints.
Serran Michael Tang celebrated his birthday!Tue
At the 8th General Meeting, Mr Anthony Poon the President of St Thomas Club, gave a talk on the Club. It was named after St Thomas Aquinas in 1980. The objectives of the Society are to improve spiritual formation, promote fellowship among members, assist in parish work and imitate St. Thomas Aquinas in spiritual growth, serving the church and community. Mr Poon gave examples of activities and work in China.
Tue
At the 7th General Meeting, a talk was given by Mr. Chan Sui Jeung on the subject “East River Column Hong Kong Guerrillas in the 2nd World War and After". Mr. Chan, during his time as District Commissioner of the New Territories Administration Department, came to know many people who either knew or were actually guerrillas in Hong Kong during the 2nd World War. He had spent 20 years in studying the subject and published a book on the subject by the Hong Kong University Press in 2009.
Serrans Leslie Hung and Maggie Wu were seen celebrating their birthday.Sat
A Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the canonization of St Junipero Serra was held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 15:00 hrs at The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Hong Kong, three days after the actual canonization by Pope Francis in Washington DC, USA.
The wet weather didn't dampen the spirit of those who wished to attend this special Mass in honor of our Patron Saint. Despite several Catholic events going on in the city, some 400 faithfuls turned up including Church goers, priests and nuns from various orders as well as friars from The Franciscan order were present.
His Eminence Cardinal John Tong Hon, Bishop of Hong Kong concelebrated this Mass, with a group of bishops and priests including Cardinal Joseph Zen, Auxiliary Bishops Michael Yeung and Stephen Lee.
Our Serra Club spiritual director Father John Tsang delivered his homily on the life and work of St Junipero Serra. Bro William Ng OFM and President Joyce Chang placed candles by the portrait of St. Serra while Sn John Wong did the first reading and Sn Cecelia Aw and Sn Vincent Jim said the invocations while offerings by Sn Leslie Hung and Sn. Peter Tam. At the end of the Mass Sn Peter Lee delivered a vote of thanks.
After Mass, all were invited to join a tea reception at the Caritas Community Hall. Group photos were taken inside the Church as well as at the reception.
View web album.
Tue
At the 6th General Meeting Dr Anna Chan Kai Yung continued her presentation on Liturgy in which focused on Liturgy Reform. She explained the Council's fundamental goal is to affirm the extension of the mission of our Lord through liturgical means within the Church. However, misperception has equivocally given rise to some rituals and practices which may not be upholding the same original intent.
She steered our attention to the recent letter written by Cardinal Sarah dated on June 12th, 2015 in which the importance and clarity of Holy Liturgy were elaborated and that Liturgy and doctrine are very much intertwined.
The rite of Communion was discussed at length with the clarification that many current practices do not fully replicate The Eucharist as Our Lord showed us. Some even display a lack of understanding of this liturgy or even a tinge of disrespect to the sacred meaning of The Eucharist.
Furthermore, Dr Chan pointed out that moving the alter forward to accommodate the celebrant facing the worshippers during Mass was unsubstantiated and misinterpreted. There was no trace of such indication in the reform.
To conclude, the presentation was very thought provoking. It revealed a dire need for all to learn more about Liturgy, its significance and representation.
Wilfred Lee our 2nd Vice President is seen with his birthday cake
Sat
Over 20 Serrans, spouses and friends had a guided tour of the exhibition of "The Rise of the Celestial Empire" held at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Showcased in this exhibition are about 162 sets of invaluable Han artefacts from about 40 cultural institutions in over ten provinces and cities in China. The exhibition enables Serrans and visitors to explore the historical advances during the Han dynasty. The development of the Lingnan region during the two Han periods was also highlighted. Serrans enjoyed the tour very much.
Tue
Dr. Anna Chan Kai Yung Anna spoke on Liturgy of The Holy Eucharist, Part 1 She began the talk by asking the group what liturgy meant to Catholics. She praised Fr Tsang's homily as a reminder that our destiny is not on this earth and that we should always be prepared spiritually as our lives on earth could be shortened unexpectedly.
She discussed the derivative of liturgy and history of its evolvement. Liturgy came from Leitourgia (Greek). For 250 years liturgy has not changed.The fundamental outline of the rite of the Holy Eucharist was given by the account of the last supper. What our Lord had done then, as He told His followers to do in memory of Him. It would not have been an Eucharist at all if the celebrant had not at least done as our Lord did the night before He died. So from the very beginning this uniform nucleus of a Liturgy: bread and wine are brought to the celebrant who replicates what our Lord had done at the last supper by taking them in his hands and giving thanks, breaks the Bread and gives the consecrated Bread and Wine to the congregation in communion.
In summary, Dr Chan explained Liturgy is:-
1/The seven sacraments (Holy Eucharist)
2/Liturgy of the hours (prayers)
3/Liturgical year (Lent ,Christmas)
That concluded part 1 of her talk. She will continue part 2 in the meeting on the 15th September. Dr. Chan has a doctorate degree in Sacred Liturgy. She has published 3 books and over 30 articles on liturgy.
Tue
Serrans and spouses celebrate Chaplain's Day for Rev John B. Tsang on his birthday. Father thanked God for all the grace and guidance he has received all these years. He treasured relationship with Serrans both as Chaplain and friends.
Sat
Priestly Ordination of Clement Tsui Lap Yan S.J. (徐立人執事) by His Eminence John Cardinal Tong was held in St. Ignatius Chapel of Wah Yan College Kowloon at 3.30 pm.
Tue
Rev Carlos Cheung, as guest speaker at the 4th General Meeting, shared with us his call to priesthood.
With the influence of his family, he became an alter server at St Margaret's Church at a young age.
It was then that he was attracted to priesthood and was subsequently accepted to study at the Salesian seminary after completing middle school.
Father's talk centred on vocation culture. He pointed out Vocare is God's calling from "nothing to something". He explained there are 3 levels of calling:-
1/ the basic calling to be a person - a good responsible person
2/special calling to be a Christian - to set good examples to others
3/ His divine calling to be a priest (or to be a married person etc).
Each calling is special and filled with God's graces.
Fr. Carlos follows The Bosco Way. St John Bosco worked with impoverished kids. He wanted to share our faith with the common people. He believed being saints was not exclusive to adults, children could be saints too.
Fr. Carlos also highlighted the important role of a deacon who devotes his time to nurture the young and to provide support and guidance.
Before the talk ended we watched a video on vocation promotion and The Salesian movement - a concept to train young people to become leaders so they can influence and guide their peers more effectively.
Sat
A Mass celebrating the Golden Jubilee Anniversary for Sr. Mary Cheung (張松愛修女) and Silver Jubilee Anniversary for Sr. Elizabeth Lee (李霞芳修女) to the Order of Chinese Sisters of the Immaculate Conception was held at St. Antonius Primary School. Cardinal John Tong was the chief celebrant with over 300 priests, sisters and well wishers including Serrans Peter Tam, Leslie Hung, Peter So and Elizabeth Cheng.
Tue
At the 3rd General Meeting, our guest speaker was Rev James Heyd. Serran Thomas Wong made an introduction of Fr. Heyd. He was born and raised in Chicago and was ordained a priest in 1989. He is currently Associate Pastor at St. Lambert Parish, Illinois and serves on the Pro-Life Council of the Archdiocese of Chicago. He stopped by HK after attending the Serra International Conference in Melbourne. Given his long-term study of Blessed Serra, we are blessed to have him here to enlighten us on the life and work of the soon-to-be-saint.
We saw a short film "Ever Forward Never Backward" on Blessed Serra's mission and it mapped out where he began his journey of evangelization to the natives along the Californian coastline dated back to 1749 when he was 36 years old. Despite experiencing many hardships, his determination to convert the native americans to Christianity was unshaken.
Fr James emphasized on "the Light" which plays a crucial role in Christianity. Christ is that Light - Light of the world; "Light from light, true God from true God" as written in The Creed. The Light overcomes darkness and Blessed Serra's goal was to bring that Light to the natives on the frontier.
Fr James also explained the importance of interfaith dialogue. Getting the word of Serra out there is vital. The next World Youth Day is to be held in Poland. Outreach work will no doubt be in the forefront.
Our Chaplain and Serran Francisca Lo are seen cutting a birthday cake
Tue
At the 2nd General Meeting, the newly ordained priest Rev.Cyril Cheung Lok Ting shared his experience and calling. Vocation is seen as a three-part process: First and foremost is the calling which comes from God. Despite his preoccupation at an early age wanting to be a priest, he was tested through time on his determination. Prayer is absolutely essestial to this discernment process and he was ultimately admitted to the seminary at age 21 to begin his 8-year long training. Second is outreach to the young: In his experience, young people respond well to direct approach. Social activities don't necessarily strengthen their faith nor steer them to priesthood. Lastly, promoting vocations: this is the responsibility of every Catholic to inspire young people by setting good examples and leading a life of a good Christian.
Tue
Sat
Rev. Cheung Lok Tin (張樂天神父) was ordained a priest at the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception officiated by John Cardinal Tong concelebrated by Joseph Cardinal Zen, Auxiliary Bishops Michael Yeung, Stephen Lee and Francis Ha together with 60 priests from the diocese.
The ordination Mass was attended by over a thousand people. In his homily, Cardinal Tong said that priests are chosen to serve the people God, and that they should show constant joy and genuine love. The newly-ordained Father Cheung shared that he accepted the duty not for himself, but for others, the universal Church and the whole world. He encouraged people to try their best to live a sanctified life and pray for the universal Church and the world in the face of the challenging circumstances.
Sat
Rev Carlos Cheung Sam-Yui of the Salesians of Don Bosco was ordained a priest by John Cardinal Tong at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. Joseph Cardinal Zen, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Yeung , Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Li together with over 80 priests including many Salesian confreres from the Philippines and Hong Kong concelebrated the ordination Mass, which was attended by the family and a large number of friends of the newly ordained.
Tue
At the 23rd General Meeting, Mr. Justice Godfrey Lam, a Judge of Court of First Instance and President of the Competition Tribunal, spoke on the Competition Law in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Consumer Council started to study various aspects of Competition Law in 1993. After years of study and work by professionals and legal experts of relevant sectors, Competition Law became law of Hong Kong in June 2012. Most parts of the Law are now effective with the remaining parts effective by the end of this year.
Mr Justice Lam further explained three rules of the Competition Law, namely, forbidding of anti-competition agreements and forbidding the use of market power to increase competitiveness. He also explained the functions of the Competition Commission and the Competition Tribunal which Mr Justice Lam serves as the President.
Tue
At the 22nd General Meeting, Dr. John Tan, Principal of Pun Yu Wah Yan Primary School, spoke on "Church-government relations in Hong Kong's Catholic Education." He explained the historic major educational issues related to Church-State, the four basic models of the Church-State relations, namely, theocratic control, Dominant state (secular) control, separation between Church and State. He went on to explain accommodation between Church and State. The situation of relations between Church and Government in Hong Kong in the periods 1950s to 1970s and various years of significance in 1981, 1984, 1986, 1992, 1994-95, 1996 and the excerpt of the judgement of the Court of Final Appeal of the HKSAR were brought to our attention with Dr. Tan's personal points of views. Mon
Over 800 faithfuls from 40 parishes, missionaries, schools and groups took part in the March for Vocations. They started their walking from different locations for at least one hour and reciting rosaries while walking finally arriving at the Holy Spirit Seminary. After adoration of the Holy Sacrament, Mass was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop, Francis Ha, Chairman of the Diocesan Vocations Commission with 18 concelebrating priests. Bishop Ha in his homily gave thanks to God for the good weather of the day and urged young people to be friends of God, love God and return God's love.
Tue
At the 21st General Meeting, Rev. Francis Tam Kam Wing, parish priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Church and dean of the Hong Kong South West and Island deanery, spoke and shared with us his spiritual formation, parish current activities specially assistance to the poor and the needy and his work with the youths. He told us how he encouraged young people to come, live for a day or two and join the life of a priest including regular morning and night prayer, his work and services. In this way, young men learn about the life of a priest and build up a relationship with God. Fr. Tam believes that priestly vocations are best nurtured at parish level. It should be promoted by prayer and good example of priests. Sun
Mass for Vocations was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Rev. Stephen Lee at St. Jude's Church, North Point, which was attended by over 200 faithfuls. Youth groups from the Hong Kong Island East Deanery prepared cards in the shape of a sheep for faithfuls to write down their intention or prayer for priestly vocations. Such cards were presented to Bishop Lee at the offering. At the end of the Mass, such cards were given to faithfuls to bring home to continue their prayer for priestly vocations. The video "Joy of being Called" was telecast before the Mass.
Sun
Mass for Vocations was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Rev. Michael Yeung at the St Benedict's Church, Shatin, was attended by over 150 faithfuls.
In his homily, Auxilary Bishop Yeung urged young people to respond to the Lord's call generously. He further said "On the Mother's Day, we are not only seeking the intercession of our Heavenly Mother for more vocations, but also encouraging our earthly mothers to nurture and promote vocations in the faimily. Bishop Yeung observed that the nurturing of vocations is not just a matter of logical thought and that being an expert in religious matters is not a prerequiisite for promoting the call to the consecrated life. What matters most is the degree of eagerness and concern vary depending upon our personal choices."
The video "Joy of Being Called" was telecast before the Mass.
Tue
At the 20th General Meeting, Dr Rebecca Yeung (楊美雲醫生), Head of the Clinical Oncology Department, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, gave a talk on cancer and palliative care, the cancer jouney and curing vs. healing.
Patrick Sham and Peter So are seen with a birthday cake. Fri
Mother's Day Celebration at the Craigengower Cricket Club.
May is the month dedicated to Our Lady. How fitting it is that we celebrate this occasion and Mother's Day with 140 religious mothers and sisters from various orders across Hong Kong with a scrumptious dim sum lunch. It has become a Serran tradition which we like to uphold and one in which Cardinal John Tong has always graced with his presence.
We had fifteen tables in total and each table was minded by one to two Serrans.
As much as the sisters are fulfilled spiritually, it is also vital that they take care of the flesh. Dr Godwin Leung Tat Chi, our guest speaker, gave a talk on staying healthy and how to detect first signs of cardiac problems. He also discussed a healthy diet and what food groups to avoid. The audience was captivated by the topic as evidenced by active participation in Q&A.
On a lighter note, there were lots of goodies for the sisters, amongst them were oyster sauce and soya sauce, compliments of Lee Kum Kee, two laisees for each sister and many fabulous lucky draw cash prices as well as a fridge, an air conditioner and a silver souvenir coin of Pope St. John Paul II as the grand prizes of the day.
The mothers and sisters, young and old, all had a great time. To finish off the afternoon a group photo was taken to keep the memory alive till next time.
Sun
Vocation Mass for Youths was celebrated by Cardinal John Tong in the St. Francis of Assisi Church on Good Shepherd Sunday. Faithfuls gathered at the church for prayer and meditation on vocation with a benediction before the Vocation Mass for Youths.
Tue
Tue
Induction ceremony for Elizabeth Cheng and Francisca Lo as members of the Club was performed at the pre-meeting Mass at the Cathedral. President Peter Lee read a message from Pope
St. John Paul ll to Serrans at a Serra Club International Conference:
"Serrans wish to keep two outstanding characteristics of the Blessed Junipero Serra: love for the priestly and religious vocations, and the constant testimony of Christian faith in the environment in which your activity takes place. On behalf of the Church, I must tell you of my esteem and my encouragement for your numerous initiatives promoting priestly and religious vocations. ……….You are mindful of Jesus' words "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest send out labourers into his harvest."
Elizabeth Cheng shared at the following 19th General Meeting the journey of her faith and Francisca Lo spoke on "Jewish holidays and practices'.
President Peter Lee and Hon. Secretary Richard Tan are seen cutting a birthday cake.
Tue
Serran Michael Lau led us in the completion of the "Consultation Questionnaire in Preparation for the 14th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October, 2015". The subject of the questionnaire was "The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World". Explanations were made by Michael Lau on the Questionnaire followed by discussions.
Sat
Tue
At the 17th General Meeting, Fr. Robert Ng S.J. spoke on "Cross of Lent". Crucifixion was used against non-Roman citizens to suppress rebellion; it was also used against the early Christians. To Christians, the cross came to stand not only for extreme suffering and death, but also for salvation. For these points he cited stories of Abraham and Moses from the Old Testament. He also explained God's plan of salvation from the New Testament by quoting the baptism of Jesus and the transfiguration. The most illuminating and inspiring talk was followed by sharing by Serrans Alert Li, Stella Li and Michael Tang.
Serrans Winnie Yau and Vincent Jim are pictured cutting a birthday cake celebrating their birthday.
Tue
At the 16th General Meeting, guest speaker Mr. Chow Ying Kit, executive director of Ip Chi Shing Charitable Foundation Limited, spoke on the "Seagull Scholarship". The scholarship was founded in 1999 to provide school fees for university students of low income areas. Each year more than 1,200 students benefit from it. Over 100 industrialists have joined the scheme.Mr. Chow paid visits to students' families in villages and remote areas and found that, despite their relative poverty, the students were hard working and good spirited.
Tue
At the 15th General Meeting, guest speaker Dr Allen Ho of the Lee Kum Kee Group, a household brand of soy and oyster sauce founded in 1889, spoke on various aspects of food safety.
Food safety is always a great challenge to the food producers and the consumers. Safety measures laid by TQM (total quality management) and GMP (good manufacturing practice）help monitor quality control and improve food safety. Compared with many places and countries, Hong Kong is doing well in food safety.
Those present at the meeting were each given a gift pack.
Serran Denis Chang is pictured celebrating his birthday.
Thu
Serrans and spouses gathered at the Holy Spirit Seminary and joined the Seminarians in their evening prayer.
Cardinal John Tong and Fr. Benedict Lam, Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Seminarians, Serrans and families had an enjoyable dinner together. After dinner, Serrans Denis Chang spoke on "The rule of law", Howard Soo and Peter Lee spoke on "The education systems before and after the handover", Albert Li, Winnie Yau and John Wong shared their experience in "Doing business in China".
Questions were asked by Seminarians and other inputs were made by Cardinal Tong and Fr. Benedict Lam.
Serrans and their families had a very good and enjoyable evening with the Seminarians.
Tue
At the 14th General Meeting, a talk on "Psychology and Spirituality - water and oil?" was given by Rev Fr. Vicente Sanchez OP who is a licensed analytic psychologist. He spoke on the 4 stages of psychological development of a child from infancy to adolesence and then on Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology: (a) sub-conscious level -- attained during adolescence
(b) self conscious level -- attained by a teenager, when every action is self-centred.
(c) Super-conscious, attained by saints and mystics, usually through much self sacrifice and personal crises.
This Super consciousness or magnificent consciousness provides a more meaningful awareness of spirituality, making a person less self-centre. He touched on spiritual practice which is a process towards super-consciousness. Thus needs three components:-(i) a part (ii) a tradition and (iii) enlightenment.
In old times where there was material shortage, man has to expand much time and effort to get his material needs.
In present day society, there is no material shortage and man should devote more time to reach Super Consciousness. In other words, heaven starts here on earth.
When a person prays, he uses his soul, mind, heart and body. Clever animals may reach the level of mind (thinking), but only man can reach the level of the soul.
He sumed up: psychology teaches us to reach Super Consciousness, i.e. psychology teaches us spirituality and a way to reach God. ;
Tue
At the 13th General Meeting, Professor Gladys Tang Wai Lan, Founder and director of the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies, with the topic "Call of Deafness" shared with Serrans the problems students having impaired hearing abilities were facing. She talked about how as a professor of English, she turned into looking after those with impaired hearing abilities and how to put them learning together with students of normal hearing abilities. Difficult work but worthwhile endeavours.
2nd Vice President Peter Tam is pictured cutting a birthday cake.
Sun
The Serra Club of Hong Kong held its annual Bishop's Luncheon. His Eminence Cardinal John Tong was the guest of honour. The Most Rev. Bishop Michael Yeung and Rev Fathers Lawrence Lee and John B. Tsang were also present.
President Peter Lee gave a detailed annual report of the club's activities during 2014, especially its work in promoting priestly and religious vocations in kindergarten, primary school and secondary school students.
The Serrans also participated in the annual diocesan celebration for silver and golden jubilarians on December 8, 2014 and the opening ceremony for the start of the Year of the Consecrated Life on November 30th, 2014.
During the year, the Serra Club also held its annual "Mothers' Day for Nuns" on May 1st, 2014 and visited priests and nuns.
It also sponsored the annual convention of the Hong Kong Altar Servers" Association as well as its Basket Ball competition.
The Serrans kept up contact with the seminarians of the Holy Spirit Seminary via the Serran/Seminarian mentor-mentee programme as well as its annual dinner meeting with the seminarians at the Holy Spirit Seminary.
Through its "Club 31", designated Serrans attended Holy Mass each day of the month to pray for vocations. A special Mass for this purpose was also held before the first general meeting each month. His Eminence Cardinal John Tong shared with the Serrans the work of the diocese in the promotion of diocesan priestly vocations and the recruitment of new priests from abroad to serve in the diocese of Hong Kong.
The Bishop's purse was presented to Cardinal John Tong at the end of the luncheon which was attended by 36 Hong Kong Serrans and Serran Spouses and 4 Serrans from Macau.
Sat
President Peter Lee and three Serrans paid a visit to the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrow (聖母痛苦方濟傳教女修會) located at Man Lai Road, Shatin, Hong Kong. Objective of the visit was to familiarize with the work of the Mission and to show the Club's appreciation and recognition for their work. The group was warmly received by Sr.M.Lucy Chung and six other sisters who were at the premises.
The Missionary was founded in Hunan,China in 1939. Its headquarters is now in the U.S.A. and has branches in Taiwan,beside HK. It came to HK in 1958 and has been engaged in parish work and education ever since. Right now it operates one kindergarten, one primary school and one secondary school, all in Shatin.
Beside a thorough briefing by Sr. Lucy Chung on the history, work and development of the Mission, the Serrans were given a tour of the school compound on that bright, warm morning.