HONG KONG (SE): “It is with joy that we thank our Father for giving us the gift of an honourable, excellent and holy shepherd. From the example of the priest’s life, especially in his times of suffering, we witnessed how he humbled himself and obeyed the will of the Father, and today we celebrate his eternal life together,” said Joyce, a ‘spiritual daughter’, or one of the orphans cared for by Father Francis Elsinger, during his funeral Mass at St. Margret Mary’s Church, Happy Valley, on July 26.
Father Elsinger passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital on July 20 at the age of 89. He was buried at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley, after the funeral Mass.
The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal-elect Stephen Chow Sau Yan, sj; and concelebrated by John Cardinal Tong Hon, the former bishop of Hong Kong; Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing; vicar general, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu; and around 10 other priests. Over 300 people attended.
At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Chow thanked God for the service of the honourable missionary and good shepherd, and led prayers for his reward in heaven as a faithful servant.
In his homily, Father Chan thanked Father Elsinger for coming to Hong Kong and showing people the way to devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It is with joy that we thank our Father for giving us the gift of an honourable, excellent and holy shepherd. From the example of the priest’s life, especially in his times of suffering, we witnessed how he humbled himself and obeyed the will of the Father, and today we celebrate his eternal life together
Joyce
Father Elsinger was born in the United States on 13 May 1934. He was ordained a Maryknoll priest in June 1961. He was assigned to Hong Kong and arrived here in September 1961.
He taught English in one of the Maryknoll high schools after studying Cantonese for a year and helped with parish work during weekends. In 1960s, as Hong Kong became a manufacturing centre for clothing and electronic goods, Father Elsinger found it necessary to get involved in the lives of the workers.
He spent several years working side by side with factory workers and was well-remembered for fighting for their dignity and for reasonable wages. He was also a chaplain for several Christian youth worker groups.
On 8 December 1989, Father Elsinger was accepted into the diocesan clergy from the Maryknoll Fathers. He dedicated to service in Hong Kong and was once assigned to teach in mainland China. In 1990 he was assigned parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish on Lamma Island.
From the 1980s to early 1990s, Father Elsinger realised that Christians needed to develop and deepen their spiritual life. So he moved to a farm on Lamma Island where he grew vegetables and prayed many hours a day. Soon people joined him in prayer and working on the farm. This was the beginning of a 40-day St. Ignatius-style retreat which he led for the clergy and laypeople.
He spent several years working side by side with factory workers and was well-remembered for fighting for their dignity and for reasonable wages. He was also a chaplain for several Christian youth worker groups
Together with the Poor Clare Sisters, Father Elsinger led many laypeople on Lamma Island in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, teaching them to love Jesus and trust his presence in the Holy Eucharist.
From the 1990s to 2000s, Father Elsinger promoted the total consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and led Cenacle Prayer services. A centre was opened for perpetual adoratioan of the Blessed Sacrament on Lamma Island.
While celebrating his 50th anniversary of priesthood, he wrote a book titled, Chronicle of a Missioner, recording the journey of his missionary life. He wrote that the most memorable moment is “the present,” reminding people of the importance of living in the moment.
In recent years, Father Elsinger came to the final part of his journey in which he quietly embraced his chronic illnesses. He was full of hope for the love of the Blessed Mother and his faith impressed those who took care of him, including his doctor.
May he rest in peace.
With contributions from the Ad Jesum per Mariam Adoration Prayer Group
