HONG KONG (SE): Francesco Li Ho-long of the Order of Friars Minor [OFM] was ordained deacon during a ceremony officiated by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., at St Bonaventure Church, Tsz Wan Shan, on March 28.
The ceremony was attended by Friar Bonaventura Lin, provincial minister of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of China Province, as well as over 30 priests and brothers, including his formators, foundation president, Brother William Ng; Father Henry Woo; and Father Carlo Queruli from Taiwan.
During the ceremony, Brother Li was recommended to the cardinal by Friar Lin. In front of the cardinal, Li vowed to commit himself for life to the Franciscan way of poverty, chastity, and obedience, serving God and the community.
After the ordination, Deacon Li acknowledged that the call to ministry goes beyond personal accomplishment, referencing Psalm 127, which emphasises that without God’s guidance, all efforts are in vain. He said that the ordination marks the beginning of a shared journey focused on mission and expressed gratitude to the cardinal, his formators, family, and other supporters who have been part of this journey.
Deacon Li made it clear that he sees himself as a servant rather than a figure of authority or leadership, inviting everyone to continue offering constructive feedback and correction. He emphasised the importance of accountability and expressed a desire to avoid complacency, in order to ensure that his future service remains aligned with the needs of both God and the community.
The ceremony concluded with a blessing and commissioning from Cardinal Stephen who highlighted that the mission of the new deacon is to serve the less fortunate, bear witness to the gospel, and act as a peacemaker in society.
Born into a Catholic family, Deacon Li was baptised as a child and grew up in St. Benedict’s Parish, Sha Tin, where he was actively involved in liturgical ministries and sacred music. While studying at Immaculate Heart of Mary College, he joined the Franciscan Youth, where he felt increasingly drawn to the gospel-centred life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Following a period of discernment, he entered the Order of Friars Minor and made his first profession in 2021. He then pursued theological studies at Holy Spirit Seminary and has served in parish ministry and outreach initiatives in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Deacon Li professed his perpetual vows as a member of the OFM at St. Bonaventure Church on 18 July 2024.
