The passing on of Father Francesco Conte PIME on October 3 has brought sadness to many of his friends. Some of the overseas workers who have returned to the Philippines were taken aback when this news broke out .
Father Conte was close to the hearts of those who have known him and specially for those who have worked with him in the Church. One of them is Cecilia Golez who assisted him for a long time and followed him no matter which parish the priest would be transferred to.
Golez first met Father Conte in year 2000 when the latter was assigned as parish priest in St. Francis Church in Ma On Shan. In year 2009, she continued helping the priest at St Benedict’s Church in Shatin. Then when Father Conte was assigned to St. Joseph’s Church, Fanling, she joined him and served that parish from 2011 to 2021. In year 2022 up to his demise, Father Conte served as chaplain of the St. Joseph Home for the Aged, Clear Water Bay Road. Their communication did not cease. There were times that Father Conte would ask her to do some errands for him.
Father Conte was a holy man who loved his work and people regardless of nationalities. He was also loved by many. His motto was ‘Love is the greatest…God is love’
She shared that Father Conte appointed her to be the coordinator of the English group in Ma On Shan. She did not only assist in the formation of the English community, but, being gifted with a talent in sewing, she also sewed the priest’s vestments, altar linens with embroidery, the group’s uniforms, costumes when they have a presentation, and shirts’ logo embroidery or screen print.
She remembered that when Father Conte organised the parish council in 2001, he asked her to make powerpoint presentations during Masses which she did not knew how. “But the command is loud and clear, to project the liturgy for those who cannot hear well,” she said. And she also needed to help to organise catechism lessons and liturgical formations for the English-speaking community. Today, the tools Father Conte promoted are still important to unite Church people.
“Father Conte was a holy man who loved his work and people regardless of nationalities. He was also loved by many. His motto was ‘Love is the greatest…God is love.’” she said.
During the few months prior to his death, Golez shared that she noticed while talking with Father Conte that the priest had expected that he would soon return to God.
“The death of a man who was like a second father to me, a good mentor and friend was painful and I grieved. But I know he is now in a much better place,” she said. “I consider myself so blessed for the opportunity to meet Father Conte and to assist him in many years,” Golez continued.
She said Father Conte’s memories will always remain in her heart. “He is gone but will never be forgotten,” she said. SE
