HONG KONG (SE): The Catholic community of Hong Kong gathered on April 24 at Christ the King Chapel, Causeway Bay, for the funeral Mass of Father Francis Lau Tak-kwong and to pray for his eternal repose. Father Lau passed away on April 10 at 75-years-old following five decades of dedicated service to parishes and diocesan organisations across the territory.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing presided at the Mass which was concelebrated by John Cardinal Tong Hon; vicars general Father Peter Choy Wai-man, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, and Father Paul Kam Po-wai; together with more than 60 priests of the diocese.
Close to a thousand mourners from across the diocese and members of various Church groups came to pay their final respects. Around a thousand also attended the requiem Mass held the evening before.
In a moving eulogy, Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming honoured Father Lau as a devoted priest who served for over 50 years with unwavering faith and a deep Marian devotion. Recalling fond memories from the 1980s, he spoke of their collaboration with Father David Lau Foo-kun in organising joint parish initiatives that embodied the spirit of synodality.
Father Lau served in eight parishes during his ministry. He held leadership roles in numerous diocesan bodies, including the Liturgy Commission, the Youth Commission, and the Committee for the Formation of the Laity. He was also a long-time spiritual director of the Legion of Mary.
“Father Lau was known for his enthusiasm for parish ministry, his commitment to evangelisation, and helping the faithful in deepening their faith through community building,” Father Chan said. He always put the needs of the diocese before his own and readily embraced new responsibilities wherever he was assigned.
Father Lau actively contributed to the diocesan movement inspired by Cardinal Wu’s 1989 pastoral letter, March into the Bright Decade, particularly in formation and engaging the laity.
Father Chan recalled his words during his golden jubilee of priesthood: “Without God, there is nothing.” and that Father Lau always displayed strength, faith, and joy despite his many trials.
Following the funeral Mass, the burial took place at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Happy Valley, with Bishop Ha presiding over the final rites.
