Thousands of catechumens prepare to become Catholic in Hong Kong

Rome, Italy, Mar 25, 2009 / 18:27 pm

A reported 2,778 adult catechumens from the Diocese of Hong Kong have been undergoing preparations to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion this Easter.

The diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao reported that on March 15 there were three Scrutinies, carried out by the diocesan bishop and his coadjutor bishop in two parishes.

The homily for the event discussed how “Christ is the living water” and explained to the catechumens that the Sacraments are “like living water for our interior life. They lead us to the Lord, leading us to the practice of Jesus’ teachings.”

The catechists presented the catechumens and declared their desire to convert to Christ.

The catechumens include an entire family with four children, a handicapped person and a husband who was at the point of seeking a divorce but reconciled with his family after embracing the Christian faith, according to Fides news agency.

Last Sunday another four Scrutinies took place.

Scrutinies, part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, are intended to help catechumens’ self-examination and repentance.