TAIZÉ“Now I have one more piece of news to announce. There are among us young people from several countries in Asia. In a year and a half, it will be their turn to welcome a stage of our Pilgrimage of Trust. It will be from 8 to 12 August 2018 in the city of Hong Kong.”
Mid-December, Brother Alois received a letter from the leaders of the local Churches in Hong Kong. This is what they wrote:
“We see in this initiative a sign of faith, hope and love, so necessary today for our world and for Hong Kong in particular in promoting justice, reconciliation and peace. Indeed, we have to educate our young people in this respect, so that they too can contribute to transforming human society. It is our understanding that the coming event would not be an end in itself, but rather a means for Christians, together with all people of good will, to open up new paths of faith, hope and love.
We would appreciate it if the meeting could be prepared in an in-depth manner with the assistance of our local communities and institutions. This gathering will be a great opportunity for our different Churches, and especially for young people, to work together to welcome young people from different parts of the world. Summer 2018 would be the right time for such a gathering.
We cordially welcome you and your Community to Hong Kong, and with all our hearts we assure you of our blessing.
Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwong Archbishop and Primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, Anglican/Episcopal Church
His Eminence Cardinal John Tong Hon, Bishop of Hong Kong, Catholic Church
Rev. So Shing Yit Eric Chairperson of the Hong Kong Christian Council
A group of young people from Hong Kong was present for the meeting in Riga.
One of them, Peggy, said:
“While Br Alois was announcing the news during the evening prayer of New Year’s Eve, with the minute of applause from around the hall, my heart was drumming, and I simply couldn’t hide my happiness and joy. Thousands of young people are expecting to come to Hong Kong in August 2018; I guess accommodation will be one of the major practical issue for the meeting, as Hong Kong has very limited space with millions of people. However this is truly a pilgrimage of trust; I am looking forward to meeting everyone in the Taizé meeting in Hong Kong 2018 with open arms!”
In January, the news was published by church media in Hong Kong. Irene wrote to Taizé:
“I am surprised Taizé will have its next Asian meeting in Hong Kong. Everything here is fast pace. We live in a hectic way. We might be just too busy to think what we can share with the Christians from the rest of the world right away. Maybe you all can walk with us and bring us back to the way with a simple heart, remind us with your participation and smile that we Christians in Hong Kong can connect with and bring together our brothers and sisters in Asia.”