85th Birthday Celebration of Br. John Baptist Chu Sek Yan

By Our Own Correspondent

Hong Kong, 24 June 2018 -- On the eve of Solemnity of St. John the Baptist, June 23rd, the grateful Alumni of Don Bosco from Tang King Po School, Oratories and other apostolic experience of Br. Chu gathered again for a major celebration of 85th years of their mentor, assistant and life-long companion - Salesian Brother John Baptist Chu.

Hong Kong style celebration is always marked by the number of tables. The opening 'prayer' with rather long (25 minutes!) narrative catechesis of Br. Chu was a good testimony to his Don Bosco like commitment within the TKPS in Hong Kong, where Brother John spent most of his 60 years of religious life.

Born in 1933, baptized in 1948, make his first profession in 1958 and most of his life spent this Salesian schools that produced many Don Bosco loving people, SDB vocations as well vocation of Salesian Cooperators (like Mr. Philip Yu, the EAO Regional Councilor 2014-2020).

"Thanks to God, thanks to all Salesians who worked together, grateful to all who contributed to this large festivity (including the key holders with a Sacred Heart of Jesus from Tibidabo - Barcelona distributed in this event) as well a vibrant invitation for starting the catechumen class, listening to the call of God and taking part in the life of the Church." - Simple, but heart touching longer good night talk of Br. Chu at the opening of the meal, peppered with the Gospel story of the judge and the widow and never ending photo sessions of different groups of Alumni (school, oratory, parish).

Indeed as commented by one present former provincial of China - "This rather unique experience, does witness the impact of faithful effective and daily assistance in one Salesian school, practiced by Brother John Baptist. Many former students would not remember the names of their rectors or principals, but all of them treasure the memory of Br. Chu who was always mixing with them in the playground, chapel and in many other occasions and was a faithful companion on their life journey!"

Happy 85th Birthday!

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