Two African missionaries ordained in Hong Kong

Two Catholic missionaries from the Congo have been ordained deacons in Hong Kong in the presence of many African immigrants. Rev Francis Mfesao Bakongo and Rev Jean-Sylvere Mbuela Pfuti, are members of the Congregation of the Immaculate Mary (CICM). Fides reports: "According to Hong Kong diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao the ordination was held on 10 September in the parish of St Jerome, where the student missionaries help with pastoral work. The Mass presided by Bishop Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, with 15 other priests concelebrants was attended by over 500 people including many immigrant African Catholics." Rev Bakongo and Rev Pfuti joined the CICM in 1995, and were sent to Hong Kong in 2003, the same year that Hong Kong diocese sent one of its priests to help in a diocese in Tanzania. "This sort of exchange is a visible sign of the communion which exists in the universal Church," CICM Superior said. The Catholics of Hong Kong gave the new deacon co-workers from Africa a warmly welcome. The new missionary deacons expressed their happiness and gratitude in English and in the Chinese language, which they study at Hong Kong university. Source: FIDES/CISA