2718 CIN vocational story
austraLasia #2718
 

Telling the story: a little reminder from HK

Hong Kong: 21 September 2010 -- From Hong Kong comes a reminder, especially prominent in evangelisation in Asia, but equally valid in the light of the 2010 and now the 2011 Strenna, of the importance of sharing our stories. On this occasion a sharing session on priestly and religious vocations organised for Salesian youth and students. Four members of the Salesian Family were invited on stage at Tang King Po School to share how they had responded to their vocation from God. God has used different incidents to attract them to become his servants. They told us about their work among young people and how they served in Don Bosco’s ministry.
    Sister Chan Lai Ching never thought of following Christ as she was only interested in arts and enjoying life. When she felt the call of God in her heart, she refused to become a religious sister at first. But God changed her gradually and eventually she became a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sister).
    Brother Dominic Wong encouraged his audience never to abandon their dreams. When he was still a little boy, he came to Hong Kong as a refugee with his younger brother and sister. Fortunately they met a Jesuit priest who took care of them and sent them to study in the Salesian School, Shaukeiwan. He was then attracted to Salesian life and joined the aspirantate. Afterwards, he became a Salesian Brother and worked in Salesian schools for a number of years. Later he was sent to study in the USA and subsequently obtained very good results. After his return from the States, he served as the Principal of Aberdeen Technical School, and later of Salesian Technical School in Taiwan.
    Fr Francis Hung shared with us the story of a boy in Escola D. Luis Versiglia. He was expelled by other schools, but accepted in this Salesian School. On the first day of school, the boy disappeared. They finally found him hiding under a table and refused to come out. As it was activity time, Fr Hung asked him if he would like to go to swim with the others. The boy willingly came out. He gradually became so fond of the school that he preferred to stay in school while the other boarders returned home during holidays. Fr. Hung re-iterated the saying of Don Bosco, “Like the things that young people like.”
    Finally, Fr Andrew Fung, our Vice-Provincial, reminded us that working with youth enables us to see God's footprint. In responding to God's call, an ability to listen to God’s words was essential. There were too many temptations in the world which could overwhelm the hearts of our young people. Fr Fung encouraged them to pray fervently, so that they would not miss the chance of following their vocation. He also urged the young people present in the session to open their hearts to God and be ready for God’s invitation.
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