On 24 May, the day of the Memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, there was a celebration at Mary Help of Christians Parish on Tin Kwong Road, with Cardinal Zen Ze-Kiun as the celebrant. Eucharistic adoration started at three in the afternoon, followed by Mass at half past four, then a Eucharistic procession at six. These celebrations were held as a response to Pope Benedict XVI’s call to dedicate China to Our Lady. Cardinal Zen originally planned to organize a pilgrimage to Sheshan in Shanghai, but, as the Chinese government did not give the green light, the celebrations were held in Hong Kong instead. Before the celebration on 24 May, novenas were held in all parishes named after Our Lady.

I had a special warm feeling during the Eucharistic procession. More than 50 years ago, the seed of my vocation was planted during similar celebrations at Tang King Po School. During this year’s procession we walked past Perth Street, where La Salle College (where I had studied for four years) used to stand. Things have completely changed now, but, still, I could not help but thank God from within my heart.