Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha urged the Hong Kong delegation to approach their mission with humility and faith during the 17th Choice Asia Conference.
Hong Kong sent a 12-member delegation to the conference, which runs from Oct. 9 to 13. Father Stephen Ip accompanied the group, which represents Hong Kong at the triennial youth development gathering, according to a Sunday Examiner report.
The Choice Asia Conference, delayed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to strengthen interpersonal communication and family relationships among young people through the Choice Weekend program.
Originally established in the United States in the 1960s, the program was introduced to Hong Kong in 1999 by the late Sister Teresa Yuen, FMM, a former editor of the Kung Kao Po.
The delegation’s journey began with a sending ceremony at the chapel of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Aberdeen, where Bishop Ha presided over the October 1 service.
Drawing inspiration from St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries, he encouraged the delegates to serve with a spirit of humility and steadfast belief in God.
The bishop also expressed his hope that the delegates would actively share and exchange experiences with peers from other regions and dioceses throughout the conference.
He underscored that such interactions would not only enrich their understanding but also lay a stronger foundation for their continued dedication to youth service upon returning to Hong Kong.
Approximately 200 representatives from eight regions—Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Fiji, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and mainland China—are taking part in the conference.
The event provides an opportunity to address the challenges young people face in a post-pandemic world while seeking ways to ensure the continued growth of the Choice Weekend program.
With the gathering marking the first in-person conference since the pandemic, participants will explore strategies to rejuvenate the program’s reach and impact, focusing on fostering resilience and spiritual growth among youth across Asia.
