By CIN SocCom

Hong Kong, China, 3 October 2024 -- Father Lau Tsing Hung, Joseph S.D.B., passed away peacefully in the Lord on 18 September 2024, at 11:35 p.m. at Wong Chuk Hang Hospital in Hong Kong, at the age of 95. On Friday, 27 September 2024, at 8:00 p.m., a vigil Mass for Father Joseph was held at St. Anthony's Church, presided over by Cardinal Joseph Zen, the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Hong Kong.

In the homily, Fr Joseph Ng referred to a phrase in the reading 'He was faithful to his duties, zealously preached the Gospel, and shepherded Your people for the sake of Your holy name.' This perfectly describes Father Joseph. He said that he was very honored that Father Joseph was the rector during his early formation years. Fr Joseph was a gentle person, and they never saw him losing his temper. However, he firmly upheld goodness and constantly reminded others in various situations to correct any improper behaviors and actions, ensuring the words and deeds aligned with the spirit of the congregation.

Father Joseph further pointed out that Fr Joseph Lau spent most of his life serving in schools, taking on roles such as teacher, dean, rector, and principal at several Salesian institutions in Hong Kong and Macau. He was very successful in his youth and educational work, and at one point, he even served as a board member for eight schools simultaneously. He quietly accompanied young students in their schoolwork. As a board member of Aberdeen Technical School, even in his 70s, he could still be seen running on the sports field, playing ball games with the students.

The funeral Mass was held on Saturday, 28 September 2024, at 9:30 a.m., presided over by Fr Domngos Leong, the Provincial of the China Province.

Fr Leong shared with the faithful that filled St. Anthony’s Church, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race!" Fr Joseph's race was not a sprint but a marathon that lasted 95 years, making him the longest-serving priest in the Salesian China Province. Over these 95 years, he held numerous positions, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to education and evangelization in schools and parishes, embodying the spirit of a true Salesian. He continued sharing that when he first arrived in Hong Kong from Macau to study, Fr Joseph was the principal of the Salesian school he attended. The first time he saw Fr Joseph in his white cassock, he looked very stern, and Fr Leong was quite scared. But over time, he realized Fr Joseph was a kind elderly. However, he had high expectations of the students, which, for those of them engaged in education, was necessary. Anyone who knew Fr Joseph would agree that he was a gentleman. Even when something or someone upset him, he would quietly keep it to himself and pray for everyone in silence.

Fr Joseph Lau was faithful in his duties, proclaimed the Gospel, and shepherded God's people, especially the youth. Many alumni who attended the funeral knew him and received his education. Fr Provincial urged everyone not only to remember this education for themselves but also to pass on this good example.

After the funeral Mass, the casket was immediately taken for burial at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Happy Valley. Please pray for the soul of Fr Joseph Lau.

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