HONG KONG (SE): De La Salle brothers, staff and students, Old Boys and special guests filled the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on July 6 to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving and hope as part of the 90th anniversary celebrations of La Salle College, with the motto: Hearts Aflame with Faith and Zeal. Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, SJ, presided at the liturgy, concelebrated by Old Boys, Father Edward Khong, Father Marciano Baptista, Father Peter Leung, Father Dominic Lui as well as Deacon John Lam; and past teachers, Father Xavier Wong and Deacon Alex Kwok, along with the past school chaplain, Father Bruno Lepeu and friend of La Salle College, Father Tommy Murphy.
Fong Man Kit, a current student, led the entrance procession which to start the Mass. The entrance song rang through the cathedral, led by the marvellous Mass Choir, setting the tone for such a reverent occasion. Everyone there could feel the presence and blessings of St. John Baptist de La Salle as his statue watched over the proceedings
Bishop Chow’s homily was thought-provoking and inspiring. Taking one of our sports mottos, ‘Never Say Die’, he reflected on why we should never give up and whom this spirit benefits.
He also commented on the anniversary motto, saying it is attractive to young people looking for passion and is rooted deeply in La Salle’s core values, and speaks to generations of the La Salle community.
He warned about how individualism is pervading our society at all levels and said we should remember our motto and be committed to serving society. He reminded students to remember who their teachers were and the wisdom of their Catholic faith, which will equip them for good work in the future.
Tong Wun Sing, the principal of the college, expressed gratitude for Brother Aimar, who founded the college, and all the brothers and teachers who came and served at the school, inspiring students who went on to work for society and said that the Lasallian spirit will live on from generation to generation.
Brother Thomas, supervisor of the college, paid tribute to the 85 brothers who have served at La Salle College along with hundreds of lay teachers, and thanked the Lord for them, and called on people to remember all who have served and have passed on. He went on to encourage students to have the courage and daring to truly be something more.
Bishop Chow ended the service with a call to students to contribute to their alma mater by considering becoming a De La Salle Brother because local brothers are needed to continue the tradition.
Otto Ko, a current student, shared that it was a great experience for all students, especially for Catholics, while Derek Tam felt thankful for the opportunity to help in the Mass and serve the school life out his faith and serve God.
