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“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt 22: 39)

My dear young friends,

I hope this message finds you well and filled with joy. Today, upon a friend’s suggestion, I want to share some thoughts on a topic that is increasingly significant in our world: volunteer work. In a time when many feel disconnected and overwhelmed, engaging in volunteer service offers a powerful way to serve others and live out one's faith.

At its core, volunteer work is about love and service. It is a tangible expression of our faith, rooted in the teachings of Christ. As Pope St John Paul II beautifully articulated, "for Christians, the root cause of this involvement is to be found in Christ" (Pope John Paul II, Speech to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum", February 7, 2002, No. 2). When we volunteer, we follow Jesus' example of selfless love, serving others without expecting anything in return. In Scouting, we call it “Good Turn”. I recall here the words of our Chaplain who used to remind us that this act of charity is not merely a good deed; it is a profound way to embody our faith and share the Gospel message with the world.

Engaging in volunteer work allows us to live out the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mt 22: 39). This is not just a call to action; it is a way to fulfill our Christian vocation. As stated in the teachings of the Church, "charity towards one's neighbor (...) represents the most immediate, ordinary and habitual ways that lead to the Christian animation of the temporal order" (Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles Laici, 1988, No. 41). By contributing our time and talents to help those in need, we make a specific contribution to the vast humanitarian efforts that are essential in today's society.

In our contemporary world, where individualism often prevails, volunteer work serves as a counterbalance, promoting a culture of solidarity and community. It offers society a witness to the value of unselfish giving, reminding us that we are all interconnected. My experience in youth ministry has led me to affirm that volunteer work is a significant educating and edifying factor, helping to restore the dignity of every person, especially those who are marginalized or suffering. When the Church is at the service of love, it facilitates the growth of a culture of solidarity that benefits everyone (See Ecclesia in Europa, No. 85).

My dear young friends, volunteering is not only about helping others; it is also a journey of personal growth and fulfillment. It can deepen one's understanding of faith and purpose, transforming the volunteer's heart in the process. Through acts of charity, we engage in a profound work of evangelization, allowing our actions to speak volumes. This experience can lead to a greater sense of joy and fulfillment as we discover the true meaning of love and service. Though you may describe your service as “nothing special”, one can imagine the impact it has made in someone’s life.

I encourage you to consider getting involved in volunteer work. There are countless opportunities available, whether through local charities, community organizations, or parish groups that focus on helping or caring for the needy. With your energy, you can devote your time to share your skills and witness the love of Christ to those in need. Remember, volunteer work contributes to giving a “ray of hope” to those we serve, making us all more brothers and sisters of the same human family. If you do not know where to contribute with your service, please look up: you might be standing in front of a Caritas¹ unit’s main entrance. Just “knock and the door will be opened” (Mt 7: 7-8), to apply the Word of God into this context.

In closing, I hope this message inspires you, my dear young friends, to reflect on the importance of volunteer work in living out your faith and serving others. It is a beautiful way to connect with the world around us and to embody the love of Christ in our daily lives. May you find joy and purpose in your endeavors to serve, and may your heart be filled with the love that comes from giving.

And may our Lord Jesus’ light illuminate our steps as we strive to be the ambassadors of his Love in this present age.

Special prayer request: For all those affected by the recent earthquakes. We pray that they find support and comfort in Jesus, the Lord. And for all those involved in helping them, especially the young volunteers: may God strengthen their efforts to do good and to bring hope to the needy. O Lord, hear us!

With warm regards,

Your friend,

Dominique Mukonda, CICM

¹ Caritas-Hong Kong is the official social work agency of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong.