As we step into the first quarter of 2026, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead. This new year offers us fresh opportunities to strengthen our bonds of faith, deepen our commitment to service, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Catholic Scouting across the Asia-Pacific Region. In this article, you will find inspiring stories of fellowship, acts of kindness, and moments of growth that remind us of our shared mission: to walk together in faith while building bridges of understanding and friendship.
Hong Kong & Taiwan – 33 Taiwan Catholic scouts and leaders from the Kaohsiung Diocese and St. Peter Senior High School visited Hong Kong to exchange views on the importance of religious and spiritual development in youth pastoral work with members of the Hong Kong Catholic Girl Guides and Scout Guild.
Auxiliary Bishop of Hong Kong, Joseph Ha Chi-Shing, OFM, and Father James Boey celebrated the opening and closing masses, with Father Francis Choi Chor-fung concelebrating and Permanent Deacon Peter Leung assisting. In the homilies, Bishop Ha reminded us that Jesus sent the disciples out two by two, and gave them authority over impure spirits (Mark 6:7), This spirit of mission encourages us to do more good deeds, to serve others, and to fulfill our duties to God, so that God’s love may spread to every corner of society.
The four-day trip included visits to the Hong Kong Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Cheung Chau, St. Francis University, and the Jockey Club Cheung Chau Don Bosco Youth Centre, helping the visitors to understand 185 years of evangelization, education, and charitable service in the Hong Kong Diocese.
Wang Tung-Chin, Deputy Secretary-General of the General Association of the Scouts of China (Taiwan), who presented the International Friendship Medal to Oscar Lai, the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Catholic Girl Guides and Scout Guild, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to promoting exchanges between Kaohsiung and Hong Kong Catholic Scouting. We wish the youth members of the two Catholic scout organizations could join in prayers to God, and continue to deepen cooperation in religious and spiritual development.
Korea – The 27th Saint Andrew Kim Dae-geon Pilgrimage, held from January 8 to 11, 2026, brought together 16 scouts and 24 staff members for a meaningful journey. This program followed the historic route of the reinternment of Father Kim Dae-geon’s remains, carried out as an approximately 84-kilometer walking pilgrimage. It was designed as a spiritual and communal experience, allowing participants to retrace the steps of the revered saint while deepening their faith and sense of fellowship. 
