HONG KONG (SE): The Sisters of the Precious Blood celebrated its 97th anniversary as well as the platinum, diamond and golden jubilees of nine sisters at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Shek Kip Mei, on June 23, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. John Cardinal Tong Hon, apostolic administrator of the Hong Kong diocese, officiated the liturgy.
 
Sister Mary Ho Sau-chun and Sister Magdalena Lui Chui-lap who celebrated their platinum jubilee; Sister Bernadette Woo Sau-ying, Sister Bernadette Yeung Mei-yung and Sister Teresa Chan Wun-luan who marked their diamond jubilee; Sister Josephine Kam Lai-ching, Sister Agnes Ko Kwun-kwan, Sister Catherina Liu Yuk-ha and Sister Margaret leong Kit-chan who celebrated their golden jubilee, renewed their religious vows.
 
In his homily, Cardinal Tong encouraged those present to receive the body and blood of Christ constantly as Jesus is waiting for us in the sacrament.
 
Referring to the shortage in religious vocations, Cardinal Tong had a simple but profound message: “God will take care!” 
 
He encouraged religious institutes to nurture hope and live according to the principles of their congregations. He urged people to pray for vocations and called on young people to respond to religious vocation with courage.
 
Sister Agnes Ko led the faithful as she prayed for the congregation as well as for more vocations. She, on behalf of the jubilarians, promised to continue to live out the spirit of sacrifice and reconciliation of Jesus Christ and journey with the marginalised people.
 
Sister Bernadette Woo, representing the jubilarians, thanked their families for their generous support for the Church as they entered the convent in their 20s. She acknowledged the support of the family, which was vital in helping them concentrate in serving the Church. She also expressed her gratitude towards everyone who participated in the celebrations. 
 
Sister Magdalena Lui told the Kung Kao Po after the ceremony that she was grateful to God for all the blessings in the past decades. Before her retirement, Sister Lui served in Precious Blood Hospital, Sham Shui Po, and a clinic in Macau. Now in her 90s, she spends her time praying the rosary, attending Mass and praying for God’s help for people suffering from illness or leaving the Church.
 
Sister Bernadette Yeung, who was involved in education for over 30 years, said she could feel the blessing and love of God throughout her education ministry. She thanked her former students and fellow teachers for joining the celebrations.
 
The Sisters of the Precious Blood have been involved in education, medical care, pastoral care and social services in Hong Kong for decades. In addition, a retreat house was set up in the congregation’s complex in Fanling.