December 7, 2024, will remain a memorable date for the 28 scout leaders gathered for a unique interreligious dialogue experience in Hong Kong. Organized by the Catholic Girl Guides and Scout Guild, this immersive day allowed both Catholic and non-Catholic youth to discover, understand, and experience the spiritual practices of Catholicism, Buddhism, and Islam.
Thanks to the generous support of the ICS-Sevin Foundation, participants traveled not only through the city but also through religious traditions, prayer gestures, sacred architecture, and shared silence. An invitation to listening, peace, and encounter with others.
The morning began at Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wanchai. Imam Uthman Yang warmly welcomed the group and introduced the foundations of the Muslim faith. The youth learned about the deep meaning of Salat, the daily ritual prayer, as well as the rituals of the pilgrimage to Mecca. The discovery continued over a halal meal, shared in a spirit of respect and fellowship.
After a break, the group headed to Kam Tin, in the New Territories, for an immersion into the Buddhist tradition at Yuantong Temple. Venerable Dao-yuan shared the history and soul of the place before guiding a Zen meditation session outdoors. Under the trees, with the rhythm of their breath, each participant embraced inner silence, listening to themselves and to nature. A powerful experience that left a lasting impression of peace.
The day concluded in Kowloon, at Mary Help of Christians Church. Deacon Faustus Lam presented the spiritual and architectural aspects of Catholic places of worship. Then Father Denis Kong invited participants to discover healing prayer and to join in a moment of Eucharistic adoration—a solemn time marked by symbolic gestures and blessings.
Between each visit, small-group discussions allowed the youth to share impressions, ask questions, and reflect on how these discoveries could enrich their scouting and guiding activities. The day ended with the presentation of participation certificates, in a spirit of fraternity and inspiration.
This interreligious encounter opened hearts, awakened minds, and built connections. It allowed youth from different faiths to better understand, listen to, and respect one another. A beautiful lesson in fraternity, offering hope for a more united and peaceful society.
To relive the day in images:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t73ucvkfHEwHegpF3i2rtUinUnOiZQD0