On 15 April 2022, Good Friday, Father [Dom] Clement Kong, OCSO finished his earthly journey to rejoice with the Heavenly Father. The news reminded me of the Easter message from Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, sj: celebrating life in the midst of death. With a humble and grateful heart, I relate some of my memories of Father Kong’s spiritual guidance since 2009.
Father Kong was an excellent spiritual director, among his many unique qualities. He was very humble and generous to accompany me on my way to God when I had been searching for a suitable spiritual director for many years. I went on a retreat in Trappist Monastery; his commitment and serious preparation for the spiritual direction in the first meeting motivated me to commit myself to the retreat. His teachings became the foundation of my spiritual life: He firmly said, “I am not your spiritual director; the real spiritual director is the Holy Trinity. I am only speaking to you on His behalf for the time being.” Father Kong gifted me a plaque with the words: “REJOICE ALWAYS” [1 Thessalonians 5:16].
Father Kong taught by his examples more than his words. I lived a busy life and was always in a hurry, but he never hurried to teach me anything! The only thing that he hastened to grab and never let go of were the things that would damage my soul. He rejoiced in justice and truth. He loved the Pope and the Church with obedience. From the first day I met him until he became ill, I remember him always smiling. I never heard him talking bad about someone, nor did I ever hear him complain. Each time after hearing my confession, he would kneel before Jesus in the tabernacle; that scene reminded me of Gethsemane.
When I failed my exams and might not be able to graduate, he understood the pain and led me like a loving father to God. He once missed an appointment because he was sick, but when he recovered, he apologised to me, and I learnt to apologise to others for being late or missing an appointment. He never talked about himself, and I could see he lived the law of love [1 Corinthians 13:4-13] that led his flock to God.
Father Kong had a valuable self-description. I heard him telling his story during the Mass for his 40th anniversary of priesthood on 3 November 2013. He depicted himself as Zacchaeus, who met Jesus under the sycamore tree [Luke 19:1-10]. Since then, Zacchaeus went to water the sycamore tree every morning because that tree was so important to him. From the top of that tree, he saw Jesus and Jesus called him. Under the tree, Jesus talked to him and showed him the special love of God. He started his journey home with Jesus, rediscovering his life as the son of Abraham.
Like Zacchaeus, Father Kong said he also experienced the extraordinary love of God: “People advised me not to consider the monastery in Lantau Island because I would not survive the hard life there owing to my poor health. At that time, I did not know what was difficult or easy. Only God attracted me. I loved him, and I would go where he wanted me to go. He called me to Lantau Island, and I thought there would be no difficulty because God had pointed out that you would live and not die if you came here! I have spent 40 years here. Thanks to the superior, the brothers and the priests of the community, they help me, a sinner, despite my weak health and my spiritual sickness. But God called me. […] There isn’t any sycamore tree here, but I see the monastery. The monastery to me is like the sycamore tree to Zacchaeus, the symbol of grace and love. I am standing here today overwhelmed and deeply astonished. God has called me, and all the brothers have not forsaken me; they have spent 40 years with me in this House of God. 40 years of priesthood. It is a privilege to celebrate with you all in this Eucharist.”
Dear Father Kong, I would like to say, thank you for your tolerance and love and your teachings on spirituality, faith, and life. I will never forget your teaching and love for the Holy Trinity.
– a spiritual daughter
