With diaconate ordinations booming in this of the world, it’s useful (and sobering) to see what’s happening in Asia. (H/T to Deacon Chick)

Take a look-see:

Three permanent deacons have been ordained here as the diocese prays for more priestly and religious vocations during the Year for Priests.

Francis Cheung Ka-wai, Francis Fung Sze-chung and Peter Leung Shing-kwok, all married men above the age of 55, were part of a group of five ordained as deacons on July 11.

With their ordinations, the number of permanent deacons in Hong Kong now stands at 11.

Deacon Fung, a retired school principal, told UCA News that he was “inspired” by the examples of three other permanent deacons in Hong Kong to pursue the seven-year diaconate formation program.

As a member of the Diocesan Commission of Interreligious Dialogue for some years, Fung said he “sees God’s love in various religions, whose believers are brothers and sisters in a global village.” He has represented the diocese at interreligious seminars and his eldest daughter is a Canossian nun.

Deacon Leung not only serves as the deputy editor of diocesan Chinese weekly “Kung Kao Po,” but also heads the 300-member Hong Kong Central Council of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, an international Catholic charity.

He admitted that he found theological studies hard. “With prayers and faith, I gradually deepened my understanding,” he said.

Leung added that he would now become the SSVP’s spiritual director, and do pastoral work in his parish and at hospitals.

Deacon Cheung served in the government’s Department of Justice until 1989 and is now a solicitor in a law firm. He is a member of the Dominican Laity and is the first Dominican deacon in Hong Kong.

He said he would like to help lead the lay organization, the formation of seminarians and his congregation’s development in mainland China.

Hong Kong, where priestly vocations have been few in recent decades, has been the only Chinese diocese since 1997 to ordain permanent deacons.

And yes, you read that correctly. Formation lasts seven years.

You can find more details at the link. Congratulations, brothers! Ad multos annos!

PHOTO: Bishop John Tong Hon of Hong Kong and concelebrants at the ordination Mass pose for a photo. First row (from left) : Deacon Francis Cheung Ka-wai, Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Bishop Tong, Deacons Francis Fung Sze-chung and Peter Leung Shing-kwok.