Father Anthony Ho

Christmas Gatherings @ Family Home

2011-12-30T20:33:00.001-08:00

This year, I was very pleased to organize my friends from prayer groups to have 3 gatherings at my family home in Vancouver to celebrate Christmas.

We had potluck dinner, prayer in the presence of holy relics, presentation, and dessert.

These were warm and beautiful gatherings with food, friendship, and fun!

December 19 Gathering:

December 25 Gathering:

December 26 Gathering:

Faith Presentation Recordings (Dec. 19 in English & Dec. 25 in Cantonese):

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/388

Trip to Edmonton (November 25-28)

2011-12-03T14:43:00.001-08:00

Last weekend (November 25-28), I went to Edmonton to hear Confessions and to preach a Day of Recollection for the Chinese people there.

I gave the talks in Cantonese

Talk 1: Growth in Faith with Blessed John Paul II
第一講: 真福若望保祿二世

[下載 Download]

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Talk 2: Manuscript on Purgatory
第二講: 煉靈的哀訴

[下載 Download]

I gave a similar talk in English at a prayer gathering:

http://fll.cc/images/stories/audio/fr-anthony-ho/Holy%20Souls.mp3

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Talk 3: Reveiw past Days of Recollection
第三講: 重温過往的講座

[下載 Download]

You can read about my past visits to Edmonton HERE. HERE, and HERE!!!

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The talks were posted at my site here:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/622

On Monday (November 28), I celebrated Mass in English. It was my first time using the new English translation!

Craft Night @ St. Michael’s Parish (November 29)

This week, I started to use pop-up books for classroom visitations in PREP program and in the elementary school.

Here is a post from three years ago on the first volume of the series of 17 pop-up books:

http://fatheranthonyho.blogspot.com/2008/09/high-school-lesson-on-creation.html

Today (December 3) is the Feast of St, Francis Xavier. Together with St. Therese the Little Flower, he is the patron saint for foreign mission.

Holy relics of St. Francis Xavier (top) and of St. Therese the Little Flower (bottom).

Please check out my latest up-loads @ www.fatheranthonyho.ca

I am still working on the series articles on the Creed for The BC Catholic newspaper. My latest article is on the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit leads us along the true road 聖神引領眾人踏上真道

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Starting tomorrow (December 4), I will be celebrating Chinese Masses twice a month (1st & 3rd Sundays) in Coquitlam @ Our Lady of Fatima’s Parish (315 Walker Street, Coquitlam). 2 PM Confessions. 2:30 PM Cantonese Mass.

Holy Relics & Holy Souls

2011-11-23T14:37:00.001-08:00

I have been relatively quiet these days in the blogosphere. I was away last week for Clergy Study Week, and I have been suffering from minor flu. Also, I have been busy writing articles for The BC Catholic newspaper.

From time to time, I also enjoy spending time with the converts whom I was blessed to baptize in the past few years. And I am currently preparing some Chinese people for Baptism. Please keep these beloved people in your prayers!

I am still working on the series of articles on the Creed. You can view the articles here:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/579

My latest article (for the week of November 21) is on Redemption:

Christ conquers sin and death for us 基督戰勝了罪惡和死亡

I am grateful for the quiet moments to enrich my spiritual life, and I thank God for the holy relics.

Last week, at the Clergy Study Week, I brought with me the holy relics of St. Albert the Great, St. Margaret of Scotland, and St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

I also preached a Day of Recollection to Chinese people last Saturday (November 19) in the presence of these holy relics.

I preached two conferences on the Day of Recollection. The first talk focused on Blessed John Paul II, and the second talk on Holy Souls in Purgatory.

I have been talking quite a bit about the Holy Souls in this month of November. I especially enjoy reading “An Unpublished Manuscript on Purgatory”----private revelations approved by Church’s authority.

I gave a presentation on the book in English at a prayer gathering last Monday (November 21). You may listen and download my talk here:

http://fll.cc/images/stories/audio/fr-anthony-ho/Holy%20Souls.mp3

This week, I brought from home the relics of St. Cecilia, St. Clement, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and couple of Vietnamese Martyrs. Three saints with names start with letter “C”.

Some Personal Highlights

2011-11-01T19:16:00.001-07:00

October 15-16 Fundraising events @ St. Michael’s (Books Sale, Test Drive, & Walkathon)

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October 16 FLL volunteers get-together

Talks (in Cantonese) I gave to the volunteers as part of their spiritual formation:

http://fll.cc/images/stories/audio/fr-anthony-ho/FLLEV1.mp3

http://fll.cc/images/stories/audio/fr-anthony-ho/FLLEV2.mp3

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Weeks of October 16 and of October 23

Classroom visits @ school and PREP---on Blessed John Paul II

Also mentioned the canonization of Louis Guanella

My article on Blessed John Paul II:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/42-fr-anthony-ho-pax-sinica-articles/418-20090914---beloved-john-paul-ii

My articles on Saint Louis Guanella:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/42-fr-anthony-ho-pax-sinica-articles/424-20091019--son-of-providence-and-servant-of-charity

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/570

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October 30 All Saints Party with Chinese friends

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October 31 Holy Hour with members of prayer groups (40 Days for Life)

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All Saints Eve

Prayerful veneration of holy relics @ home

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Today (November 1)

Wish Father Benno Burghard a happy birthday tomorrow!

Today, I decided to become a member of the

Pious Union of St Joseph for the Suffering and Dying

“O St Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus Christ
and true spouse of the Virgin Mary;
Pray for us, and for the suffering and dying of this day/night.
St Joseph, Pray for us.”

I like classical music

2011-10-29T14:48:00.001-07:00

Think about it….

2011-10-21T20:50:00.001-07:00

The world is approaching 7 billion in population. Is the world over populated?
Here are a few videos to help you to think about it….
The first video is about the actual “growth” in population:

The second video on poverty:

The third video is about the distribution of food:

St Teresa of Jesus

2011-10-14T20:22:00.001-07:00

October 15 is the Feast of St. Teresa of Jesus.
I wrote an article about her and St. John of the Cross for the June 27, 2011 issue of The BC Catholic:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/545

I also wrote an article on lukewarmness for the March 8, 2010 issue of The BC Catholic:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/42-fr-anthony-ho-pax-sinica-articles/438-20100308---watch-and-pray-that-you-do-not-become-lukewarm

“St. Teresa of Avila became a nun around the age of 20. After a few years she became lukewarm. Only around the age of 40 did she become fervent again. Later on she identified a number of things which had caused her lukewarmness: first, paying little attention to venial sin; second, failing to avoid the people who caused her to sin; third, relying too much on herself rather than on God; fourth, neglecting the holy inspirations and light given by God.”

"Give me a person who has 15 minutes of mental prayer daily, and I will give you a saint."---St. Teresa of Jesus

Very Blunt Videos….

2011-10-14T13:37:00.001-07:00

The RealCatholicTV.com has 2 blunt videos on topics of religion and politic yesterday and today.

The first video bluntly pointed out why Protestantism is not true religion:

Began 1600 years after Christ
Have their own set of scriptures (incomplete & interpreted by anyone)
Have different set of doctrines (40,000 Protestant sects cannot agree among themselves)

The second video bluntly pointed out that the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage are the main issues of politic and of election. Religion is THE Topic!

Since we are on the topic of “bluntness”, here is another blunt article entitled: “Stop Blaspheming Lucia of Fatima”. The author gave a good history on the development of Fatima.

Blessed John XXIII & the Papacy

2011-10-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

This week, the topic of my classroom visits was on Blessed John XXIII and the Papacy.

I explained to the students that relics of the saints are not only in theca (container), but also in holy pictures.

I showed them a relic of Blessed John XXIII in holy picture.

Blessed John XXIII was a pure and simple man. He resolved to avoid even the smallest sin. He avoided things that would lead him to sin, he exercised moderations in food and drink, he was busy doing good, and he prayed a great deal.

Later on in life, he would pray 15 decades Rosaries daily.

He treated people with sincerity, honesty, and love, that he was greatly loved by the people. They called him “The Good Pope”.

Please read my article on Blessed John XXIII written 2 years ago:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/42-fr-anthony-ho-pax-sinica-articles/423-20091012---beloved-john-xxiii

To give students an idea of the importance of the Pope, I gave students numbers of population regarding parish, diocese, and the Church.

I also gave them the number Bishops and Priests in the whole world.

We should pray daily for the Pope, who is the leader of more than 1.1 Billion Catholics, 5,000 Bishops, and 400,000 Priests.

Finally, I gave them the names of Popes in recent history.

The Feast of Blessed John XIII is on October 11, and the Feast of Blessed John Paul II is on October 22.

Articles & Talks

2011-10-10T17:58:00.001-07:00

I am currently working on a series of articles on the Creed for The B.C. Catholic newspaper.

To read the articles, please go to www.fatheranthonyho.ca

Then go to “Search Articles according to Categories 文章按主題分類”

Then go to “Catechetical Series 認識天主教教理”

Then go to “Understanding the Creed 認識信經 "

Then click an article to read….

The article for this week (October 10) is on the Creation and the Fall of Angels.

Next week will be on the Creation and the Fall of Man. After that, there will be on article on Grace and Sin, followed by an article on Our Lady and Immaculate Conception.

After all these, we will explore the Mystery of the Incarnation.

My Chinese radio talks (Every Saturday: Toronto AM 1430 around 6:45 PM and Vancouver AM 1470 around 8:45 PM) are on the Sunday Gospel reading. They are usually pre-recorded at my home studio in group of 5. Usually my Sunday sermons in English have similar contents.

To listen to my Chinese radio talk, please

go to www.fatheranthonyho.ca

Then go to “「愛的恩泉」---- 『神修話語』(Radio Talks in Cantonese 廣東話電台節目)”

For English sermon, please go to “Sunday Sermons (in English) 英文主日道理”

My latest talk and sermon is on Matthew 22:1-14 on Wedding Feast and Wedding Garment:

We should not be indifferent about religion. Indifferent is very contrary to love. You can both love and hate a person at the same time, but you cannot love and being indifferent toward a person at the same time.
We need to response to the invitation of God by repentance. The chief priests and the Pharisees were proud and did not think they need repentance.
Watch out for incomplete conversion. We need to believe, but also we need to put Faith into practice. We need Faith, but also Grace. Faith without Grace is lifeless, only Faith with Grace is a living Faith. We should open to Grace by good works.

Classroom Visitations

2011-10-10T16:50:00.001-07:00

One of my favourite works at St. Michael’s is to visit the classrooms and to teach young people religion. Usually each visit takes about 10 to 15 minutes and I love to share stories of the saints with young people and to bless them with holy relics.

On September 15, I talked about Holy Cross.

The story of Jesus’ suffering
The story of the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helen
The meanings of “Relic”
Blessing with Relic of the True Cross

On September 21, I talked about Padre Pio.

He loved the Mass. He would elevated the Host for 10 minutes during Mass. Though he rarely preached at Mass, his Mass would last 2 hours. But people stilled flocked to attend his Mass, because of his deep devotion and piety. St. Pio himself said there were more dead people (i.e. souls from Purgatory) coming to his Mass than living people.
He loved the Confessional. St. Pio could read people heart and recite the sins of the penitent, before the penitent made his/her Confession. During WWII, St. Pio was about to tell people the whereabouts of loved ones who were fighting overseas.
He loved to pray. He would like to be known as “the Friar who prays”. St. Pio prayed many Rosaries each day. He received the gifts of bilocation, sweet odour, and stigmata.
We can only admire the extraordinary gifts of Padre Pio, but we can all imitate his love for prayer and Sacraments. Let us strive to pray much and to pray well!

On September 28, I talked about St. Therese the Little Flower. She became holy by doing little things well. She was patient and loving even in difficult moments.

She lost her mother at 4
Was a touchy and sensitive girl
Was seriously ill at 10, and recovered after seeing the statue of Our Lady smiled to her
At 14 she receive the grace of controlling herself. She desired to be a saint and to be a nun
Became a nun at 15
9 years as a nun doing ordinary things like setting up for Mass, cleaning things, teaching younger nuns, and helping older nuns. She became holy by doing all things well and with love.
Died at 24
Performed numerous miracles after her death

On October 5 & 6, I talked St. Francis of Assisi

He loved animals: preached to birds, and asked a wolf not to hurt people
The words “Church” and “Cross” are important for St. Francis
The word “Church” like the word “School” can refer to both building and people. The school community is made up of 2 groups of people: teachers and student. The Church community is also made up of 2 groups of people: clergy (priests) and faithful.
One day, Christ told St. Francis to repair His Church
Francis thought Christ meant the building. So he started fixing church buildings.
But eventually it became clear that Christ meant the Church community---the people
Francis repaired the Church by loving the Christ on the Cross
He followed Christ’s example---poor, forgiving, loving…
Our daily “Cross” is anything that is not easy, but we do it or put up with it for love of Christ
Our crosses include: homework, housework, getting up and going to bed on time, pray when tired, sickness, and suffering

It is wonderful to see the positive response of the students to the stories and relics of the saints. By the grace of God, may these young people continue to grow in Faith and holiness.

Feast of the Holy Rosary

2011-10-07T16:57:00.001-07:00

Today is the Feast of the Holy Rosary. It is Thanksgiving Day for the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa. It is also Feast day in our Archdiocese. Our Cathedral is Holy Rosary Cathedral.

This morning I had the joy to celebrate Mass at the new convent of the Missionaries of Charity in downtown, Vancouver.

I placed the relic of Pope St. Pius V on the altar during Mass. It was Pius V who instituted today’s Feast after the victory on October 7, 1571.

These few days, I had the joy to honor different relics of saints on their feast days---St. Therese the Little Flower (October 1), St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), Blessed Bartolo Longo (October 5), and St. Bruno (October 6).

The Rosary is the favorite prayer of Our Lady because while on earth, meditating on the life of Jesus was the favorite form of prayer for her. Now in heaven, Our Lady wants her children to meditate on and to think about Jesus with her through the Rosary.

The repetition of Hail Mary provides an atmosphere to focus our mind to mediate with Mary.

On September 26, the five of us who were ordained in 2006 got together to celebrate Mass and had dinner. Happy 5th Anniversary to us!!!

I am continuing the series of articles on The B.C. Catholic on the Creed.

You can read the series of articles HERE.

The latest article is on the Creation and the Fall of Angels.

More Photos of CACCLC 2011

2011-09-29T15:20:00.001-07:00

More photos (from facebook) of this year CACCLC in the US from Sept. 2nd to Sept. 5th.

Please visit my site for the recordings of my talks: http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/575

40 Days for Life

2011-09-27T18:17:00.001-07:00

The following message was sent to the Vancouver members of FLL from me regarding 40 Days for Life.

FLL volunteers,

You Can Help Save Lives!

From September 28 - November 6, Vancouver is uniting with hundreds of other cities around the world for the largest and longest coordinated pro-life mobilization in history -- the 40 Days for Life campaign.

Recognizing that “with God all things are possible,” people of faith are praying that this effort will help bring an end to the tragedy of abortion.

We are praying that, with God's help, this groundbreaking effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Vancouver -- and throughout Canada.

40 days for life in Vancouver will be praying in front of Women's Hospital and Health Center 24/7 from Sept 28 to Nov 6. The designated location is Heather between W. 29th and 30th Ave. (pls see map on 40days web site - link below).

To keep thing simple, since it is our first year of participation, I urge you to pray for the intentions of 40daysforlife in your daily prayers at home and at church, in union with the thousand 40day prolifers in the Archdiocese to end abortion.

For further information on the event, please go to:

www.40daysforlife.com/vancouver-bc

If you do decide to pray in front of Women's hospital, please read the following guidelines.

I will abide by the following:

1. I will only pursue peaceful solutions to the violence of abortion when volunteering with the 40 Days for Life campaign

2. I will show compassion and reflect Christ’s love to all abortion facility employees, volunteers, and customers

3. I understand that acting in a violent or harmful manner immediately and completely disassociates me from the 40 Days for Life campaign

4. I am in no way associated with the abortion facility or its affiliates by way of employment, informant, volunteer, client, or otherwise

While standing in the city right of way in front of the abortion facility:

5. I will not obstruct the driveways or sidewalk while standing in the public right of way

6. I will not litter on the public right of way

7. I will closely attend to any children I bring to the prayer vigil

8. I will not threaten, physically contact, or verbally abuse the abortion facility employees, volunteers, or customers

9. I will not vandalize private property

10. I will cooperate with local city authorities

St. Philomena

2011-09-23T19:08:00.001-07:00

A good lady gave me a big picture of St. Philomena as an act of thanksgiving for answered prayers. I am very happy to hang this lovely picture at my prayer room. I am very honored to have a 1st class relic of the saint.

This picture inspired me to pray to St. Philomena for personal needs.

Please click HERE for an article on the Present Ecclesial Status of Devotion to Saint Philomena.

Please visit a site dedicated to her: http://www.philomena.us/

Today, I came across the beautiful signing of a Cantonese thanksgiving hymn on You tube:

Today is the Feast of St. Pio. This week, I used a relic of Padre Pio to bless the students at school and in PREP. I told stories about this wonderful saint to the young people. May we all learn from him to love prayer and to pray well.

It’s wonderful to watch the video of the last Mass of Padre Pio (September 22, 1968)

Please visit www.fatheranthonyho.ca for my latest uploads of articles, sermons, and talks.

My 100th Article for Pax Sinica

2011-09-12T17:50:00.001-07:00

This week BC Catholic (Sept. 12 issue) has my 100th article for the Pax Sinica English-Chinese column.

I am launching a series of Catechetical articles on the Creed.

Please read this week introductory article on-line:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/577

Please visit www.fatheranthonyho.ca for all 100 articles.

You can search all the articles according to categories HERE. I will upload a new article on the Creed each week under the category of “Catechetical Series”.

Baptism on the Birthday of Our Lady

2011-09-09T16:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, September 8, was the Birthday of Our Lady. It was also the 13th anniversary of my entrance to the seminary.

It was a great joy for me to baptize, confirmed, and gave 1st Communion to Grandma Tam (譚婆婆) in Cantonese @ Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

The family & friends of Grandma Tam and some students of my Chinese Catechism class came to this joyous celebration.

Here are the main points of my sermon:

Grandma Tam and I shared the same birthday (March 23)
But from now on, we will have anniversary on the same date (September 8)---her Baptism and my entrance to seminary
We celebrate birthday of Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist during the liturgical year because they were born without original sin
In Baptism, our sins are forgiven. Baptism is our spiritual birthday
Our Lady’s body was

without sin,
the temple of the Holy Spirit, and
the temple for the Body of Jesus

By Baptism & Confirmation, Grandma Tam will become the temple of the Holy Spirit
In Holy Communion, her body will also welcome the Body of Jesus
Entrust one’s spiritual life to Our Lady

CACCLC 2011

2011-09-09T14:26:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, I had the great joy to participate @ California Chinese Catholic Living Camp (CACCLC) with 83 young people.

I arrived @ San Francisco on Thursday, September 1. And I stayed @ Sts. Peter & Paul Parish for one night.

It was a great joy for me to meet Father Mario Rosso, and to pray with other Salesians in the chapel. Fr. Mario’s dedication and devotion were very inspiring!

The Living Camp began in the evening of Friday, September 2 @ Vallombrosa Center with Icebreaking activities.

From Saturday (September 3) to Monday (September 4), we had Masses, Confessions, prayers, talks, group sharing, music, skits, games, morning exercises, food, and fun.

Please visit my web page for the recordings of my talks, workshop and sermons at the camp.

TALK ONE: Overview of spiritual life and Prayer

[下載 Download]

Resources for TALK ONE: Articles on Prayer and Rule of Life (Series of Articles on Means to Holiness)

Download Rosary Meditations 下戴玫瑰經默想:

[English Meditations Download]

[下載中文默想 ]
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TALK TWO: On Confession and Commandments

[下載 Download]

Resources for TALK TWO: My talk for ECCCLC 08 and Story of Gloria Polo

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TALK THREE: On Holy Eucharist and Sunday Mass

[下載 Download]

Resources for TALK THREE: My talk for ECCCLC 08 and articles on the Mass

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TALK FOUR: On Confirmity to the Will of God, Suffering, and Discernment

[下載 Download]

Resources for TALK FOUR: Articles on the Will of God and on Suffering

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TALK FIVE: On my Vocation story, growth in Faith, and Devotion to Our Lady

[下載 Download]

Resources for TALK FIVE: My talk for ECCCLC 08 and article on Devotion to Our Lady

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WORKSHOP: On Bible and Tradition, Infallibility of the Pope, Saints and Relics.

[下載 Download]

Resources for Workshop: Articles on Tradition and Relics

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SERMON ONE: Sunday Sermon on Means to Overcome Sins in Community

[下載 Download]

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SERMON TWO: On St. Joseph and Work

[下載 Download]
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The one thing that gave me great joy was the opportunity to hear Confessions for the young people. I am very grateful for the 7 hours of hearing Confessions (3 1/2 hours on Saturday night and 3 1/2 hours on Sundays night). For us priests, preaching is sowing and hearing Confessions is reaping. Thanks be to God!!!

Please visit www.fatheranthonyho.ca for my other latest uploads, and my personal page for CACCLC 01:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/575

Personal Highlights

2011-08-29T23:01:00.001-07:00

August 22: Legion of Mary Comitium meeting.

Please click HERE to listen and download my talk on the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as our Queen.

August 27: Last time to celebrate Mass @ old convent of Missionaries of Charity with MC co-workers.

August 28: Baptism of the young girl @ St. Michael’s

Please click HERE to listen to my Sunday Sermon on the meanings of Suffering. (Please click HERE for the Chinese radio talk on the same topic)

August 29: English Prayer Group @ my family home.

Please click HERE to listen to my prayer talk on the Virtue of Prudence.

Please click HERE to read my latest article on Blessed Luigi Guanella to be canonized on October 23.

World Youth Day 2011

2011-08-17T13:48:00.001-07:00

Last night, the Opening Mass for World Youth Day 2011 was celebrated in Madrid. In my prayers, I united myself to the ten of thousands of young people gathered in Madrid to express the Catholic Faith.

Please click HERE to listen and download the Chinese World Youth Day theme song by Photon.

Official Theme Song:

For coverage on World Youth Day, please visit EWTN and Salt & Light.

There are groups both from my current parish, St. Michael’s, and my former parish, St. Patrick’s. I pray that the young people will come back with their Faith strengthened and renewed.

The Holy Father is getting ready to go to Madrid….

Video of the Opening Mass.

Making sense of bad news

2011-08-11T14:28:00.001-07:00

In recent days the internet @ St. Michael’s is not working properly. So, I have to reply emails and to update my site & blog from home!

There are a few bad news on the web, and I think we should pray for the people involved. However, there are sensible people who help to shed light in darkness.

Of course, there is the infamous London riots. Fr. Finigan has good blog posts about the social problems behind the riots---moral relativist and the undermining of marriage, the family, and the rights of parents.

There are concerns about Fr. Z, a prominent Catholic blogger, is being attacked. Please read his blog post for more details. There are more coverage about the event HERE and HERE. Let’s keep Fr. Z in our prayers.

We do not like to hear scandals, especially scandals within the Church. But Jennifer Fulwiler has an inspiring article entitled: Why the Scandals Increased My Faith in the Church.

This article reminded me of the traditional distinction between the “teaching Church” (ecclesia docens) and the “learning Church” (ecclesia discens). Even though members of the Church failed to live out what they learn, but the teaching authority of the Church is divinely protected by God to teach sound doctrine and moral.

The darkness of human infidelity helps us to appreciate the brightness of the fidelity of God!

Some Highlights

2011-08-05T12:14:00.001-07:00

July 17: First Chinese Mass @ Our Lady of Fatima, Coquitlam

July 23: Vancouver Evangelization Concert 2012 “Send Off Evening” for volunteers

July 24: My 1st Baptism @ St. Michael’s, Burnaby

July 31: Dinner in honor of Cardinal Zen from Hong Kong, and Fr. John Lam from LA

August 1: English prayer group meeting with special guest----William Chow (Hong Kong Seminarian)

Please check out my latest uploads of sermons, talks, and articles @ www.fatheranthonyho.ca

Recommended Websites

2011-07-20T15:16:00.001-07:00

Have been @ St. Michael’s for almost 2 weeks! It is a more quiet environment. I did quite a bit of hospital visitations and also visited the sick and elderly @ their homes. I am happy to learn that a number of the people whom I visited regularly read my articles @ The BC Catholic.

My latest series of articles are about the Patron Saints of this year World Youth Day.

Very happy to celebrate Chinese Mass last Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima in Coquitlam. Chinese Mass there is every third Sunday @ 2 PM. So the next Chinese Sunday Mass will be on August 21. Also I have started saying “private Masses” in Chinese @ the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary convent (usually on Tuesday & Thursday @ 6:30 AM).

I came across a few websites:

The first one is an article on The BC Catholic about the Dominicans of St. Cecilia coming to our Archdiocese. My cousin, Sister Mary Jacinta will be the local superior of the new community here. Let’s pray for the fruitfulness of their apostolate works.

The second website is the blog, Being Catholic in China.

It is a blog created by Fides News Service to have exchange ideas with the brothers and sisters of the Church in China. Let’s also pray for the Catholic Church in China.

The third website is on the Revised Roman Missal.

Starting November 27, we will use the new English translation of the Roman Missal. I am looking forward to celebrate English Mass with the improved translation.

Personal Highlights (Good-Bye St. Pat’s!!!)

2011-07-05T22:34:00.001-07:00

Baptism of 2 babies on June 26

Baptized and confirmed a Chinese lady in hospital on June 27. Please keep her in prayers!

June 30 was a day with a number of Sacraments. I did Anointing of the Sick at nursing home and hospital. Gave 1st Communion to the Chinese lady baptized on June 27. Heard Confessions. Administered Baptism, Confirmation, and 1st Communion to a mother and her daughter. Also officiated a Sacramental Marriage.

July 3: Baptism of a baby girl at 12:30 PM. My 500th Baptism!!!

Baptism of a baby and 2 young girls at 1:30 PM on July 3.

Please check out www.fatheranthonyho.ca for my latest uploads of article and recordings. Last weekend, I preached at the Masses at St. Patrick’s to say “good-bye”. Please click HERE to listen to my sermon at the 11 AM Mass.

Tomorrow will be my last day at St. Patrick’s. These 3 years are indeed wonderful years!!! Many precious memories, friendships, and love. I thank God for all the blessings of this past 3 years, and I entrust my new ministry at St. Michael’s to God through the intercession of Our Lady.

Here are some photos of my farewell (plus welcome for Mario Fernandes, OCD).

Personal Highlights

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Farewell….

A number of farewell celebrations for me:

Last Wednesday members of the Queen of Angels children group had a farewell party for me. I started the Queen of Angels group soon after I came to St. Patrick’s. It’s wonderful to pray and play with children.

Today, there was a farewell lunch with the staff of the Elementary School.

They especially remembered my stories of the Saints and my devotion to Holy Relics.

Here is a “Tree of Saints” they set up in the staff room.

Baptism for a baby boy yesterday.

Please visit www.fatheranthonyho.ca for my latest uploads of Chinese radio talk and Sunday sermon on the Holy Trinity.

Please also read my latest BC Catholic article on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. This article concludes the series of articles on the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Next week, I will start a new series of 5 articles on the 10 Patron Saints or Blessed for World Youth Day 2011.

Celebrations!!!

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Many beautiful celebrations in the past couple weeks!

On June 3, Pablo Santa Maria Watson was ordained a Deacon.

June 4, I was blessed to consecrated the Host for Adoration. The Vocation Monstrance was used for the first time in our Archdiocese that evening. There were also Confessions and procession. Our Archbishop gave the Benediction.

On June 5, there was 1st Communion in our parish. Also there was Graduation Mass for high school on June 4 and closing Mass for high school on June 9.

On June 11, there was Priestly Ordination at Holy Rosary Cathedral. I myself was ordained a Deacon with 4 others 6 years ago on June 11! Now, there is one more priest in our Archdiocese---Father Bryan Duggan. He was from St. Michael’s Parish in Burnaby---my future parish. I was happy to meet chat with some of my future parishioners after the Ordination Mass.

In the evening of June 11 (Vigil of Pentecost), I had the great joy to welcome 10 people into the Catholic Church. We had Baptism, Confirmation, and 1st Communion. The Mass was celebrated in both English and Cantonese.

Baby Baptism on Pentecost Sunday (June 12) with many “godparents”.

Evening of June 12: Fundraising cruise to support St. Patrick’s parish in Maple Ridge. Anticipated Fathers’ Day.

Today (June 13) is the Feast of St. Anthony (my patron saint)! I blessed the faithful with the relic of St. Anthony both after the morning Mass and at the end of the Chinese prayer group meeting.

Please visit www.fatheranthonyho.ca for my latest uploads of article and recordings (talks at prayer meetings, Chinese radio talk, & English Sunday sermon).

5th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination

2011-05-30T22:34:00.001-07:00

I was ordained 5 years ago (May 30, 2006) at St. Anthony’s Parish.

Flora Marian was born in the evening of May 30 ,2006, around the same hour I was ordained a priest.

Each year, we celebrate my anniversary and her birthday together.

Please click HERE to read the article on my Ordination at The Vancouver Sun.

Please click HERE to read the article on my Ordination at the Chinese Sing Tao Newspaper.

Please check out www.fatheranthonyho.ca for my latest article and mp3 recordings.

Personal Highlights

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Please listen to my Chinese radio talk and English Sunday sermon on “Deacons”.

Baptism of baby girl (May 22)

50th Wedding Anniversary blessing

Father John Horgan 25th Anniversary Priestly Ordination

10th Anniversary of the Death of my Mother (Mrs. Rose Ho + May 23, 2001)

Memorial Mass this morning at 11 AM with the relics of St. Anthony and St. Rose.

Please listen to the sermon HERE.

Please read my latest article on the Gift of Fortitude HERE.

Birthday of Blessed John Paul II

2011-05-18T09:29:00.001-07:00

According to the chief exorcist of Rome, Father Gabriele Amorth, Blessed John Paul II is an effective intercessor against evil spirits.

Father Amorth said:

“I have asked the demon more than once, ‘Why are you so scared of John Paul II and I have had two different responses, both interesting. One, ‘because he disrupted my plans.’ And, I think that he is referring to the fall of communism in Russia and Eastern Europe. The collapse of communism.”

“Another response that he gave me, ‘because he pulled so many young people from my hands.’ There are so many young people who, thanks to John Paul II, were converted. Perhaps some were already Christian but not practicing, but then with John Paul II they came back to the practice. ‘He pulled so many young people out of my hands.’”

Please read the entire article HERE.

1984 Collegial Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

John Paul II at World Youth Day

30 Years Ago Today

2011-05-13T15:52:00.001-07:00

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, and the 30th anniversary of the assassination attempt on Blessed John Paul II.

My New Pastoral Assignment

2011-05-13T11:32:00.001-07:00

The Archbishop has appointed me as Assistant Pastor at St. Michael’s Parish in Burnaby effectively July 7, 2011.

Please pray for my priestly ministry.

Thanks! God bless!

http://www.stmichaelsparish.ca/

List of Pastoral Assignments:

http://www.rcav.org/pastoralappointments/

Latest Uploads

2011-05-09T21:55:00.001-07:00

Please check out www.fatheranthonyho.ca for the latest uploads.

Last Saturday, I went to Mission to preach a day of recollection to Chinese people. The topics are: Beatitudes and Ways to Holiness.

You may listen to these talks (in Cantonese) on-line HERE.

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/512

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Please take to time to listen to my latest talks (in English or in Cantonese) at prayer group meetings on the New Law of Christ HERE.

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/388

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New series of articles (English & Chinese) in The BC Catholic newspaper on the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit” are now being uploaded one-article-a-week.

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/518

You can search the past articles according to different Categories HERE.

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Weekly Cantonese radio talk base on Sunday Reading(s) can be listened HERE.

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/372

Baptisms on Easter Week

2011-05-06T16:57:00.001-07:00

April 30 was a very special day for me and for the new Catholics. After much preparation, 18 Chinese people were received into the Catholic Church. There were 6 adults, 3 teenagers, and 9 children. The adults and teenagers also received the Sacrament of Confirmation. 15 of the newly baptized received 1st Communion.

After Baptism, I will continue to give instructions to the new Catholics on the Sacraments, the Mass, prayers, and the spiritual life. Please keep them in your prayers.

Baptism of 2 elderly people at nursing home on April 27:

Baptism on baby boy on May 1:

Please take the time to visit www.fatheranthonyho.ca. I have just uploaded lots of materials to the site. Including the Basic of the Faith course on the Creed, and a new section for the Allocutio at the Legion of Mary Comitium (I have been appointed to be the new spiritual director for the Vancouver Comitium).

Happy Easter!!!

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It was a great joy for me to baptize and confirm 4 Chinese people at Easter Vigil last night.

May the good Lord keep them and guide them to holiness.

This afternoon, I baptized 2 babies ( a baby boy and a baby girl). I myself was baptized 35 years ago on Easter Sunday with my cousin. Now I am a priest and she is a nun. You never know what kind of future is awaiting these little ones! I pray that these little ones of God will have a bright and holy future!

Please take the time to listen to my Easter Sermon on Jesus overcoming sin and death for us.

http://fll.cc/images/stories/audio/fr-anthony-ho/Easter%202011.mp3

Wish you a blessed Easter season!!!

Latest Uploads to FLL.CC

2011-04-22T20:08:00.001-07:00

Just uploaded the talks of this year Lenten retreat (in Cantonese) to www.fll.cc (or www.fatheranthonyho.ca)

The talks are: Means of Holiness (part 1 & part 2), and Apparitions of Our Lady.

Please click HERE for the recordings and links to my articles on the topics.

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Just completed my series of articles on the moral virtues for The B.C. Catholic.

Please click HERE for the articles.

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Please click HERE for my latest talks given at prayer meetings.

The topic for April is: The Old Law (Moral Precepts, Ceremonial Precepts, Judicial Directives)

Photos (April 16-21)

2011-04-21T23:33:00.001-07:00

Visited St. Bridget Chinese community in Los Angeles (April 16).

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in LA & Hollywood (April 17)

Underground Mausoleum in the Cathedral

Tomb of St. Vibiana

Hollywood

St. Michael Abbey (Norbertine Order) & Disneyland (April 18)

Brothers from Vancouver who are in formation. Please keep them in prayers.

Disneyland

Holy Thursday Mass with Washing of the Feet (April 21)

6 Years Ago….

2011-04-20T10:47:00.001-07:00

“Dear Brothers and Sisters,
After the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have chosen me -- a simple and humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.
It consoles me that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with inadequate instruments, so above all, I entrust myself to your prayers.
In the joy of the Risen Lord, trusting in his unfailing help, let us move forward, that the Lord will help us and Mary, his Most Holy Mother, might be by our side. Thank you.”

Message to Chinese Catholics from the Vatican (April 13 ,2011)

2011-04-14T10:46:00.001-07:00

Vatican Commission sent a message to Catholics in China. Please read the whole message HERE.

We encourage the Bishops, together with their priests, to conform themselves ever more closely to Christ the Good Shepherd, to ensure that their faithful do not lack education in the faith, to stimulate a just industriousness and to strive to build, wherever they are lacking and are necessary, new places of worship and education in the faith and, especially, to form mature Christian communities.
As far as the sad episode of the episcopal ordination in Chengde is concerned, the Holy See, on the basis of the information and testimonies it has so far received, while having no reason to consider it invalid, does regard it as gravely illegitimate, since it was conferred without the Papal mandate, and this also renders illegitimate the exercise of the ministry. We are also saddened because this took place after a series of consensual episcopal ordinations and because the consecrating Bishops were subjected to various constrictions.
The external pressures and constrictions could mean that excommunication is not automatically incurred. However, there remains a grave wound, perpetrated on the ecclesial body. Every Bishop involved is therefore obliged to refer to the Holy See and find the means of explaining his position to the priests and faithful, renewing his profession of fidelity to the Supreme Pontiff, to help them to overcome their interior suffering and repair the external scandal caused.
With regard to the 8th National Assembly of Catholic Representatives, the words of the Holy Father, once again, are inspiring: “Considering ‘Jesus’ original plan,’ it is clear that the claim of some entities, desired by the State and extraneous to the structure of the Church, to place themselves above the Bishops and to guide the life of the ecclesial community, does not correspond to Catholic doctrine, according to which the Church is ‘apostolic’, as the Second Vatican Council underlined. […] Likewise, the declared purpose of the afore-mentioned entities to implement ‘the principles of independence and autonomy, self-management and democratic administration of the Church’ is incompatible with Catholic doctrine” (No. 7).
The choice of Pastors for the governance of the numerous vacant dioceses is an urgent necessity, and, at the same time, a source of deep concern. The Commission strongly hopes that there will not be new wounds to ecclesial communion, and asks the Lord for strength and courage for all of the persons involved. … we know that it is not entirely in our hands and we launch an appeal so that the problems do not grow and that the divisions are not deepened, at the expense of harmony and peace.
We have learnt with joy the news that the diocese of Shanghai can start the beatification cause of Paul Xu Guangqi, which will be added to that of Father Matteo Ricci, S.J.

Pastoral Care of Couples Who are Cohabitating

2011-04-13T21:25:00.001-07:00

Archbishop Michael Sheehan wrote a pastoral letter against cohabitation to be read at all the Masses on Sunday, April 3.

In the pastoral letter, the Archbishop stated:

First of all, we ourselves must be firmly rooted in the Gospel teaching that, when it comes to
sexual union, there are only two lifestyles acceptable to Jesus Christ for His disciples: a single
life of chastity, or the union of man and woman in the Sacrament of Matrimony. There is no
“third way” possible for a Christian. The Bible and the Church teaches that marriage is between
one man and one woman and opposes same sex unions.
We have three groups of people who are living contrary to the Gospel teaching on marriage:
those who cohabit; those who have a merely civil union with no previous marriage; and those
who have a civil union who were married before. These people are objectively living in a state of
mortal sin and may not receive Holy Communion. They are in great spiritual danger. At the best
- and this is, sadly, often the case - they are ignorant of God’s plan for man and woman. At the
worst, they are contemptuous of God’s commandments and His sacraments.
Of these three groups, the first two have no real excuse. They should marry in the Church or
separate. Often their plea is that they “cannot afford a church wedding” i.e. the external
trappings, or that “what difference does a piece of paper make?” - as if a sacramental covenant is
nothing more than a piece of paper! Such statements show religious ignorance, or a lack of faith
and awareness of the evil of sin.
The third group, those who were married before and married again outside the Church, can seek
a marriage annulment and have their marriage blest in the Church. Please remember that divorce
still is no reason to refrain from Holy Communion as long as they have not entered into another
marriage or sinful relationship. Many Catholics are confused on this point.
People in the above three situations cannot receive the Sacraments, with the important
exception of those who agree to live chastely (“as brother and sister”) until their situation
is regularized. Of course, those in danger of death are presumed to be repentant.
Our popular American culture is often in conflict with the teachings of Jesus and His Church. I
urge especially young people to not cohabitate which is sinful, but to marry in the Church and
prepare well for it.

Please read the whole letter HERE.

Fr. Z’s blog has a commentary on the letter.

Holy Relics

2011-04-08T22:05:00.001-07:00

Today, I had the joy of receiving holy relics from a monastery in Rome. The nuns prepared 40 thecae with 2 relics in each theca. Most of the relics are from the bones of the saints or blessed.

Some of the relics are from: St. Hilary, St. Cyril, St. Albert the Great, St. Alexander, St. Anthony the Abbot, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Leo the Great, St. Peter Chrysologus, St. Justin, St. Cornelius, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Apollonia, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Gregory Nazianzen, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Gerard Majella, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, St. Philip Neri, St. Sixtus II, St. Paschal Baylon, St. Dorothy, St. Julia, and St. Francis Coll.

Last week, the young people of the youth group asked me to talk about holy relics this evening. So, I also brought the newly arrived holy relics and blessed them with the relics.

Some Inspirations from the Web

2011-04-05T10:35:00.001-07:00

This morning, I found a coup le inspiring videos. Last month, I was blessed to visit the Basilica in Fatima, where the bodies of the three seers are buried. Here is the video on the re-burial of Sister Lucia.

Here is the wonderful pro-life video about the “LIFE Mob” in Chicago.

HERE is an explanation about the incident on April 2 by Fr. Z.

Please also visit an inspiring Blog of a hermit-priest who dedicates his life for the sanctification of Bishops and Priests.

HOLY SOULS HERMITAGE

Please read Fr. Z’s post and Fr. Finigan’s post about Holy Souls Hermitage. And please consider supporting Father Byers.

4th Sunday of Lent

2011-04-03T22:28:00.001-07:00

Today is the 4th Sunday of Lent. It is one of the two times during the year that priests can wear rose vestments. The Gospel of the day is on the Man Born Blind.

Please listen to my Sunday Sermon HERE.

You can also listen to my Chinese radio talk (broadcasted last night) on the same theme.

It was a great joy to baptize twin brothers this afternoon.

My series of articles on the Moral Virtues are continuously published at The B.C. Catholic newspaper. The latest article for April 4 is on Humility.

Please visit www.fatheranthonyho.ca for other articles and recordings.

Visitors from Portugal

2011-03-31T19:39:00.001-07:00

This afternoon, I had the joy to receive visitors from Portugal.

I mentioned in my last post that one of the special highlights for the pilgrimage was to celebrate Mass at the Chapel of Apparition in Fatima on March 16. Antonio Marto (a relative of the Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto) was a guard at the shrine who served at the Mass. He came to visit me with his friends from Portugal.

Antonio Marto attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Vancouver as a young boy, and he is a friend of couple of staff members of St. Patrick’s High School and Elementary School.

One of his friends who is visiting Vancouver is Dinis Brites, a professional singer, who will be performing this Saturday in Vancouver.

HERE is his site. He also showed me a song he sang in honor of Our Lady of Fatima posted on Facebook.

It was a joy for me to give him special blessing and a relic medal.

May they have a wonderful visit in Vancouver!

Personal Highlights

2011-03-30T17:56:00.001-07:00

I wanted to update the blog for a while. But after my pilgrimage to Europe, I had such terrible jet-lag, that I was not able to do much. I am certainly getting older!!!

A sincere thanks to those who wished me happy birthday last Wednesday (March 23).

It was a great joy for me to baptize 2 little children and to confirm their mom on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation. I myself was confirmed on March 25, 1989.

Please visit my corner at www.fll.cc for my latest upload of article, Sunday sermons, and prayer groups talks.

www.fatheranthonyho.ca

Our trip to Europe was good. The most special highlight for me was to celebrate Mass at the Chapel of Apparition in Fatima, and at the Grotto in Lourdes. Please visit my on-line photo album.

https://picasaweb.google.com/fatheranthonyho/PilgrimageToFatimaSpainLourdes?feat=directlink

Mass at Chapel of Apparition in Fatima on March 16.

Grotto in Lourdes.

Please click HERE to listen to my Sunday Sermon in Lourdes (March 20).

Blog Closed (March 13-22)

2011-03-12T19:33:00.001-08:00

I will be away from tomorrow (March 13) to March 22 on pilgrimage in Portugal, Spain and France.

March 13: On the plane to Lisbon

March 14: Arrive Lisbon (Birth place of St. Anthony)

March 15: Santarem (Eucharistic Miracle Site) & Fatima

March 16: Fatima (Our Lady appeared in 1917)

March 17: Mass at Cathedral of Salamanca

March 18: Avila (St. Teresa of Avila)

March 19: Loyola (St. Ignatius of Loyola)

March 20-21: Lourdes (Our Lady appeared in 1858)

March 22: On the plane to Vancouver

Please click HERE for our itinerary.

Personal Highlights

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March 5: Funeral Mass for a lady who had great devotion to St. Anthony (I placed the relic of St. Anthony on the altar during the funeral Mass).

Also on March 5: Attended Gala Dinner of Chinese Marriage Encounter.

March 6 & 7: Meetings for my 3 prayer groups with veneration of holy relics (especially relics of Sts. Perpetua and Felicity.

March 8: Some members of the Sunday Chinese prayer group returned from Holy Land. Someone gave me a crucifix with relic.

Please check out my corner at www.fll.cc for the latest upload of articles, talks, and sermons.

www.fatheranthonyho.ca

Fountain of Love and Life (Vancouver Production)

2011-03-05T08:17:00.001-08:00

「生命恩泉」今個星期日(3月6日) 下午4:35 新時代電視播出首個温哥華創作的環節----「愛心廚房」。

敬請觀看！

Filipino Bishops spoke up for LIFE

2011-03-04T17:42:00.001-08:00

The Bishops in the Philippines issued a pastoral letter clearly opposing the so-called “Reproductive Health” or “Responsible Parenthood” (RH) bill.

It is wonderful to see the shepherds of the Church teaching the truths clearly and boldly.

The letter pointed out:

Twenty five years ago in 1986 we Catholic Bishops made a prophetic moral judgment on political leadership…Today we come to a new national crossroads and we now have to make a similar moral choice. Our President rallied the country with the election cry, “Kung walang corrupt walang mahirap.” As religious leaders we believe that there is a greater form of corruption, namely, moral corruption which is really the root of all corruption. On the present issue, it would be morally corrupt to disregard the moral implications of the RH bill.
Advocates contend that the RH bill promotes reproductive health. The RH Bill certainly does not. It does not protect the health of the sacred human life that is being formed or born. The very name “contraceptive” already reveals the anti-life nature of the means that the RH bill promotes. These artificial means are fatal to human life, either preventing it from fruition or actually destroying it. Moreover, scientists have known for a long time that contraceptives may cause cancer. Contraceptives are hazardous to a woman’s health.
Advocates also say that the RH bill will reduce abortion rates. But many scientific analysts themselves wonder why prevalent contraceptive use sometimes raises the abortion rate. In truth, contraceptives provide a false sense of security that takes away the inhibition to sexual activity. Scientists have noted numerous cases of contraceptive failure. Abortion is resorted to, an act that all religious traditions would judge as sinful. “Safe sex” to diminish abortion rate is false propaganda.
Advocates moreover say that the RH bill will prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. This goes against the grain of many available scientific data. In some countries where condom use is prevalent, HIV/ AIDS continues to spread. Condoms provide a false security that strongly entices individuals towards increased sexual activity, increasing likewise the incidence of HIV/AIDS. “Safe sex” to prevent HIV /AIDS is false propaganda.
Advocates also say that the RH bill is necessary to stop overpopulation and to escape from poverty. Our own government statistical office has concluded that there is no overpopulation in the Philippines but only the over-concentration of population in a number of urban centers….The causes of our poverty are: flawed philosophies of development, misguided economic policies, greed, corruption, social inequities, lack of access to education, poor economic and social services, poor infrastructures, etc. World organizations estimate that in our country more than P400 billion pesos are lost yearly to corruption. The conclusion is unavoidable: for our country to escape from poverty, we have to address the real causes of poverty and not population.

Please read the whole pastoral letter HERE.

Let us keep the people in the Philippines in our prayers. In our parish (St. Patrick’s, Vancouver, Canada) we have over 80% Filipinos. It is wonderful to see the Filipino culture emphasizes on religion, family, and education.

May the light of life overcomes the darkness of evil in this beautiful Catholic country.

New Missal Translation will be like rediscover buried treasure

2011-03-03T22:06:00.001-08:00

Bishop Peter Elliott, the author of my favorite liturgical book, Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite, wrote an excellent article on the new English translation of the Missal.

Bishop Elliott pointed out:

The Bishops in the early seventies were anxious to get the “new missal” to the people as quickly as possible. But the translation they hastily approved was distorted because it was based on a flawed principle of translation known as ‘dynamic equivalence’.
In the East, mystery in worship is maintained largely by the ikonostasis, the icon screen across the sanctuary. In the West, the Latin language functioned as a kind of ikonostasis of language….It is possible to translate the Mass into our vernacular while retaining much of that sense of linguistic mystery, as may already be seen in the work of the current project.
Liturgiam authenticam and guidance from Vox Clara have freed us from that obsession with instant comprehension, or immediate, accessible meaning which destroyed real meaning.
The new ICEL translations reflect not only accuracy but reverence for the mystery of God, indeed the centrality of God, which is the meaning of Christian worship.

Please take the time to read the whole article HERE.

Happy Feast of St. Casimir

2011-03-03T21:43:00.001-08:00

March 4 is the Feast of St. Casimir, Patron of Poland.

This 15th century saint was the son of Casimir III, King of Poland. He maintained his purity in the court environment through prayers and mortifications.

He had a great devotion to Mary and frequently recited the “Hymn of St. Casimir”. (Omni die dic Mariae/ Daily Daily Sing to Mary)

Daily, daily sing to Mary,
Sing, my soul, her praises due.
All her feasts, her actions worship
With the heart's devotion true.

Lost in wond'ring contemplation,
Be her Majesty confess'd.
Call her Mother, call her Virgin,
Happy Mother, Virgin blest.

She is mighty to deliver.
Call her, trust her lovingly.
When the tempest rages round thee,
She will calm the troubled sea.
Gifts of heaven she has given,
Noble Lady, to our race.
She, the Queen, who decks her subjects
With the light of God's own grace.

Sing, my tongue, the Virgin's trophies
Who for us her Maker bore.
For the curse of old inflicted,
Peace and blessing to restore.
Sing in songs of peace unending,
Sing the world's majestic Queen.
Weary not nor faint in telling.
All the gifts she gives to men.

Snow! Snow! Snow!

2011-03-01T21:11:00.001-08:00

Last weekend I was in Squamish for the grade 12 girls’ retreat. I heard Confessions on Saturday night and celebrated Mass for the students on Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday morning, I had the joy to celebrate Mass at Queen of Peace Dominican Monastery. Due to heavy snow, 2 Sisters picked me up from the camp with a 4-Runner.

Please visit my corner at fll.cc to listen or download the sermon I preached at the monastery. (You can also read my latest article and listen to my latest radio talk and prayer group talk on-line).

After Mass, the 2 Sisters brought me to their new 82 acres property.

There is currently a 40 years old house there, and the plan is to build a new monastery, chapel, and guest house.

There is about 1 km from the gate to building.

The future chapel will be on the top of the hill.

40 years old house with workshops, and will be used as House of Novices.

Woods for fire upstairs.

Upstairs dinning room and view.

Setting up for Mass for the Grade 12 girls. I prayed that some of the girls will become nuns.

Photos from May 16th Baptism

2011-02-24T21:41:00.001-08:00

This evening, I had the joy of receiving through email photos from the mom of baby Sara Charlotte whom I baptized last year on May 16. Baby Sara was the youngest baby I ever baptized inside the church (outside of hospital). She was only 13 days old. Her mom sent me the photos so that I can share them here in the blog. I posted a photo of baby Sara last year HERE.

It was wonderful to see parents having their baby baptized early. That is what the Church urges the faithful to do. According the Canon Law (867-1), “Parents are obliged to see that their infants are baptized within the first few weeks. As soon as possible after birth, indeed even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child, and to be themselves duly prepared for it.”

Recent Updates and Uploads

2011-02-23T11:07:00.001-08:00

Baptism of baby girl on Sunday, February 20

I baptized her brother 2 years ago (please lick HERE for the post), and now he is much older.

Last Sunday I preached on loving one’s enemies. There are differences between natural love and supernatural love, and since grace builds on nature, some natural means are helpful for the fostering of love.

You can listen and download my Sunday Sermon HERE. (Please click HERE for my other Sunday Sermons)

You can also listen to my Chinese radio talk with similar contents HERE. (Please click HERE for my other Chinese Radio Talks).

Yesterday, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, I had the great joy to baptize a Chinese lady and her little daughter.

Prayer of Consecration to Our Lady after the Mass.

Please take the time to read my latest article on The B.C. Catholic on the means of perfection (Spiritual readings & conferences).

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/412

You are invited to listen to my talks given at prayer group meetings, especially the one given last Monday on the subject and causes of sins.

Prayer for my Ordaining Bishop

2011-02-17T21:44:00.001-08:00

Seven years ago today (February 17, 2004), Bishop Raymond Roussin became the Archbishop of Vancouver. He was the one who ordained me to the holy priesthood. Today, I offered prayers for him and asked the Lord give him peace and joy.

Archbishop Raymond’s favorite song is “Shine Jesus Shine”.

This Week Article on The B.C. Catholic

2011-02-15T22:05:00.001-08:00

My article this week on The B.C. Catholic newspaper in the sixth one in the series of “Means to Perfection”.

I consider the article of this week the most practical and important in the series.

The article is on “a rule of life”.

6th Sunday of the Year

2011-02-13T22:39:00.001-08:00

Today’s Gospel is about avoiding occasions of sins. I also talked about being obsessive. Obsession makes a person live in imagination and disconnect with reality. In order to fight against obsession, we need moderation.

Please visit my Sunday Sermons Site to listen and download my homily.

Please visit my Chinese Radio Talk Site 「愛的恩泉」to listen and download my talk 『神修話語』broadcasted last night (same topics as the English homily today).

Happy to attend Chinese New Year party of Corpus Christi Parish, and met many old friends this evening.

Exposition of Holy Relics

2011-02-12T20:20:00.001-08:00

Today I had the joy of meeting members of Epiphany Sacred Arts Guild. I gave them a presentation on veneration of holy relics and blessed them with relics.

Please click HERE to read my article on the Veneration of Relics.

Here are some art works of the members of the Guild:

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

2011-02-11T22:10:00.001-08:00

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

I shared with the high school students and parishioners about discernment of private revelations.

You can read my article HERE. The message, seer, and sign are important things to look at to discern whether an alleged private revelation is of supernatural origin or not.

Today, I carried the relic of St. Bernadette (a piece of her religious habit) with me, and blessed people with it.

Today is also World Day of the Sick. It is a great joy for me to administer the Anointing of the Sick to a number of elderly people today.

Feast of St. Scholastica (February 10)

2011-02-10T21:56:00.001-08:00

Today is Feast the of St. Scholastica, the sister of St. Benedict.

When St. Scholastica died, St. Benedict was in his cell. Looking up to the sky, he saw his sister’s soul leave her body in the form of a dove, and fly up to the secret places of heaven.

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich said, “Scholastica was purity itself. I see her in heaven as white as snow. With the excpetion of Mary and Magdalen, I know of no saint so loving.”

Patron Saint for Writers

2011-02-09T16:49:00.001-08:00

After working for two days--- uploading all my past weekly articles for The B.C. Catholic newspaper to website for people to read at www.fll.cc--- today, I received the relic of the patron saint for writers--- St. Francis de Sales. In the same theca is the relic of St. Jane de Chantal (e carne) with documentation from the year 1950.

Today is the Feast of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. She was a custodian of sacred relics with many private revelations. I shared her story with the children at prayer meeting today, and blessed them with her relic. HERE is my article about her.

Lots of Uploads to FLL Site

2011-02-08T22:52:00.001-08:00

Yesterday and today, I uploaded many things to my corner at the Fountain of Love and Life site (fll.cc):

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/359

The latest audio uploads include: Chinese radio talk from Saturday, last Sunday sermon, last Saturday talks at day of recollection, and talks at prayer meetings.

I also spent hours uploading all the past articles for The B.C. Catholic (Pax Sinica Chinese- English column).

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/category/42-fr-anthony-ho-pax-sinica-articles

The majority of the articles have been grouped according to categories for easy reference.

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/402

Here are the topics in the categories (with links to articles):

Understanding the Mass 認識彌撒
Means to Perfection 成聖方法
The Theological Virtues and Joy 向天主的德行和喜樂
 Church Fathers 聖教教父
Lives of the Saints 聖人傳記
 Divine Mercy Devotion 神聖慈悲敬禮
 Apparitions of Our Lady 聖母顯現
 The Five Sorrowful Mysteries 痛苦五端
 Four Last Things 萬民四未

Wonderful Resources on JPII

2011-02-08T22:30:00.001-08:00

Please click out this site:

http://www.karol-wojtyla.org/

Personal Highlights (February 8, 2011)

2011-02-08T22:28:00.001-08:00

Chinese New Year on February 3, the Feast of Saint Blaise. Father Vincent and I did many blessing of the throats.

I am very grateful to have the relic of St. Blaise. Used it to bless people.

Day of Recollection for Catholic Women League on Saturday, February 5 on the New Roman Missal.

Relics of Saints (especially those devoted to the Holy Eucharist):

A Group Picture:

You can listen to the 2 talks on-line and read my 4 articles on the parts of the Mass HERE:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/403

The first talk included contents from the 4 articles.

Today (February 8) is the Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, favorite saint of my deceased mother. I shared her story with students of elementary school today and blessed them with relic of the saint.

Spent lots of time yesterday and today to update my corner at fll.cc

Please check it out:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/359

Archbishop’s Chinese New Year Message 2011

2011-02-01T23:23:00.001-08:00

http://www.rcav.org/CNY2011/

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

For many of our Asian Catholics, February 3 will be an important date. It is the Chinese New Year. It will be a time of celebration of spring time and joy for the family to mark the beginning of the year of the rabbit.

On this festive occasion, I pray that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, all of us will be renewed day by day, and make progress on our spiritual journey. I also wish you good health and happiness in this coming year. May God bless you!

+J. Michael Miller, CSB

Archbishop of Vancouver

各位主內的兄弟姐妹，

為很多來自亞洲的教徒，二月三日將會是一個重要的日子。當日將是農曆新年。這將是兔年的開始，也是慶祝大地春回和家庭歡聚的好時光。

在這歡慶的日子，我祝願大家在聖神的引領下，日新又新，在聖德的道路上邁進。我也祝大家來年身體健康、心靈快樂。天主保佑！

+J. Michael Miller, CSB

温哥華總主教

Latest Uploads to FLL Site

2011-02-01T23:19:00.001-08:00

Pax Sinica articles on Conformity to the Will of God (Jan. 24) and on the ARTS and PATH of Prayer (Jan. 31).

Sunday Sermons on the call from Jesus (Jan. 23) and the Beatitudes (Jan. 30).

Chinese Radio Talks 「愛的恩泉」---- 『神修話語』about Jesus Calls His Apostles 耶穌召叫門徒 (Jan. 22) and The Beatitudes 真福八端 (Jan.29).

Chinese Sermon on St. John Bosco 聖若望鮑思高 (Jan. 31).

Please click image to enter my personal corner at Fountain of Love and Life Website:

Fatima, Spain, & Lourdes (March 13-22)

2011-02-01T23:04:00.001-08:00

I will be on pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain, and Lourdes from March 13 to 20.

Please click image for more information:

We still have room for more people to join.

Personal Highlights

2011-02-01T22:53:00.001-08:00

Love Inspires FLL 1st Gala Dinner in Vancouver (Jan. 22)

We are on The B.C. Catholic!!!

Baptism of baby girl on Jan. 23.

Baptism of another baby girl on Jan. 30.

Mass on January 31 in honor of St. John Bosco with alumni from Hong Kong at St. Francis Xavier’s Parish.

Individual blessing with holy relic of the saint.

Please click HERE to listen to my Chinese sermon on St. John Bosco.

These days, I received a number of requests to visit sick people and to give them the Sacraments. Please kindly keep these sick people in your prayers. Thank you!

Some exciting news

2011-01-21T22:47:00.001-08:00

In the past week, the news that give great joy to my heart is the announcement of the Beatification of John Paul II on May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday.

John Paul II is also named as Patron for World Youth Day.

Also, very exciting to hear the 3 former Anglican bishops were ordained priests, and the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham was erected on January 15 for former Anglicans joining the Catholic Church. What a great news for Christians Unity!

Happy to hear archbishop-elect Savio Hon Tai-Fai assumed his new office today. His consecration ceremony will be on February 5.

Very interesting and informative article of canonist, Edward Peters, on clerical continence:

http://www.canonlaw.info/a_deacons.htm

Please also visit his blog:

http://canonlawblog.blogspot.com/

Lots of discussions are going on in the Catholic blogosphere on the subject:

HERE, HERE, and HERE

My latest article and radio talk 最新環節及文章

2011-01-21T16:33:00.001-08:00

Please click HERE to listen to my latest Chinese radio talk (Jan. 15).

請按此收聽最新的「神修話語」的環節 (Jan. 15)。

Please visit this page for my other radio talks 請收聽其他「神修話語」的錄音:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/372

_____________________________________________________

Please click HERE for my latest Pax Sinica article (in Chinese & English) for The BC Catholic newspaper (Jan. 17).

請按此閱讀最新的文章 (Jan. 17)。

Please visit this page for my other Pax Sinica articles 請閱讀其他的文章:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/category/42-fr-anthony-ho-pax-sinica-articles

Please click image to visit my corner at www.fll.cc

Wonderful Speech of Bishop Athanasius Schneider on Vatican II

2011-01-21T16:08:00.001-08:00

THE CHALLENGE OF OPPOSING INTERPRETATIONS
by Athanasius Schneider

[. . .] For a correct interpretation of Vatican Council II, it is necessary to keep in mind the
intention manifested in the conciliar documents themselves and in the specific words of the
popes who convened and presided over it, John XXIII and Paul VI.
Moreover, it is necessary to discover the common thread of the entire work of the Council,
meaning its pastoral intention, which is the "salus animarum," the salvation of souls. This, in
turn, depends on and is subordinate to the promotion of divine worship and of the glory of
God, it depends on the primacy of God.
This primacy of God in life and in all the activity of the Church is manifested unequivocally by
the fact that the constitution on the liturgy occupies, conceptually and chronologically, the first
place in the vast work of the Council. [. . .]
*
The characteristic of the rupture in the interpretation of the conciliar texts is manifested in a
more stereotypical and widespread way in the thesis of an anthropocentric, secularist, or
naturalistic shift of Vatican Council II with respect to the previous ecclesial tradition.
One of the best-known manifestations of such a mistaken interpretation has been, for
example, so-called liberation theology and the subsequent devastating pastoral practice.
What contrast there is between this liberation theology and its practice and the Council
appears evident from the following conciliar teaching: "Christ, to be sure, gave His Church no
proper mission in the political, economic or social order. The purpose which He set before her
is a religious one" (cf. "Gaudium et Spes," 42). [. . .]
One interpretation of rupture of lighter doctrinal weight has been manifested in the pastoralliturgical field. One might mention in this regard the decline of the sacred and sublime
character of the liturgy, and the introduction of more anthropocentric elements of expression.
This phenomenon can be seen in three liturgical practices that are fairly well known and
widespread in almost all the parishes of the Catholic sphere: the almost complete
disappearance of the use of the Latin language, the reception of the Eucharistic body of
Christ directly in the hand while standing, and the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice in
the modality of a closed circle in which priest and people are constantly looking at each other.
This way of praying – without everyone facing the same direction, which is a more natural
corporal and symbolic expression with respect to the truth of everyone being oriented toward
God in public worship – contradicts the practice that Jesus himself and his apostles observed
in public prayer, both in the temple and in the synagogue. It also contradicts the unanimous
testimony of the Fathers and of all the subsequent tradition of the Eastern and Western
Church.These three pastoral and liturgical practices glaringly at odds with the law of prayer
maintained by generations of the Catholic faithful for at least one millennium find no support in
the conciliar texts, and even contradict both a specific text of the Council (on the Latin
language: cf. "Sacrosanctum Concilium," 36 and 54) and the "mens," the true intention of the
conciliar Fathers, as can be seen in the proceedings of the Council.
*
In the hermeneutical uproar of the contrasting interpretations, and in the confusion of pastoral
and liturgical applications, what appears as the only authentic interpreter of the conciliar texts
is the Council itself, together with the pope.
One could make a comparison with the confused hermeneutical climate of the first centuries
of the Church, caused by arbitrary biblical and doctrinal interpretations on the part of
heterodox groups. In his famous work "De Praescriptione Haereticorum," Tertullian was able
to counter the heretics of various tendencies with the fact that only the Church possesses the
"praescriptio," meaning only the Church is the legitimate proprietor of the faith, of the word of
God and of the tradition. The Church can use this to fend off the heretics in disputes over true
interpretation. Only the Church can say, according to Tertullian, "Ego sum heres
Apostolorum," I am the heir of the apostles. By way of analogy, only the supreme magisterium
of the pope or of a future ecumenical council will be able to say: "Ego sum heres Concilii
Vaticani II."
In recent decades there existed, and still exist today, groupings within the Church that are
perpetrating an enormous abuse of the pastoral character of the Council and its texts, written
according to this pastoral intention, since the Council did not want to present its own definitive
or unalterable teachings. From the same pastoral nature of the texts of the Council, it can be
seen that its texts are in principle open to supplementation and to further doctrinal
clarifications. Keeping in mind the now decades-long experience of interpretations that are
doctrinally and pastorally mistaken and contrary to the bimillennial continuity of the doctrine
and prayer of the faith, there thus arises the necessity and urgency of a specific and
authoritative intervention of the pontifical magisterium for an authentic interpretation of the
conciliar texts, with supplementation and doctrinal clarifications; a sort of "Syllabus" of the
errors in the interpretation of Vatican Council II.
There is the need for a new Syllabus, this time directed not so much against the errors
coming from outside of the Church, but against the errors circulated within the Church by
supporters of the thesis of discontinuity and rupture, with its doctrinal, liturgical, and pastoral
application.
Such a Syllabus should consist of two parts: the part that points out the errors, and the
positive part with proposals for clarification, completion, and doctrinal clarification.
*
Two groupings stand out for their support of the theory of rupture. One of these groupings
tries to "Protestantize" the life of the Church doctrinally, liturgically, and pastorally. On the
opposite side are those traditional groups which, in the name of tradition, reject the Counciland exempt themselves from submission to the supreme living magisterium of the Church,
from the visible head of the Church, the vicar of Christ on earth, submitting meanwhile only to
the invisible head of the Church, waiting for better times. [. . .]
In essence, there have been two impediments preventing the true intention of the Council and
its magisterium from bearing abundant and lasting fruit.
One was found outside of the Church, in the violent process of cultural and social revolution
during the 1960's, which like every powerful social phenomenon penetrated inside the
Church, infecting with its spirit of rupture vast segments of persons and institutions.
The other impediment was manifested in the lack of wise and at the same time intrepid
pastors of the Church who might be quick to defend the purity and integrity of the faith and of
liturgical and pastoral life, not allowing themselves to be influenced by flattery or fear.
The Council of Trent had already affirmed in one of its last decrees on the general reform of
the Church: "The holy synod, shaken by the many extremely serious evils that afflict the
Church, cannot do other than recall that the thing most necessary for the Church of God is to
select excellent and suitable pastors; all the more in that our Lord Jesus Christ will ask for an
account of the blood of those sheep that should perish because of the bad governance of
negligent pastors unmindful of their duty" (Session XXIV, Decree "de reformatione," can. 1).
The Council continued: "As for all those who for any reason have been authorized by the Holy
See to intervene in the promotion of future prelates or those who take part in this in another
way, the holy Council exhorts and admonishes them to remember above all that they can do
nothing more useful for the glory of God and the salvation of the people than to devote
themselves to choosing good and suitable pastors to govern the Church."
So there is truly a need for a Syllabus on the Council with doctrinal value, and moreover there
is a need for an increase in the number of holy, courageous pastors deeply rooted in the
tradition of the Church, free from any sort of mentality of rupture, both in the doctrinal field and
in the liturgical field.
These two elements constitute the indispensable condition so that doctrinal, liturgical, and
pastoral confusion may diminish significantly, and so that the pastoral work of Vatican Council
II may bear much lasting fruit in the spirit of the tradition, which connects us to the spirit that
has reigned in every time, everywhere and in all true children of the Catholic Church, which is
the only and the true Church of God on earth.

_____________________________________________________________

HERE is the whole text of his speech.

HERE is an article on the call for a new Syllabus of Errors.

HERE is an PODCAzT on his speech.

Personal Highlight (Weekend of January 8-9)

2011-01-09T22:23:00.001-08:00

Dinner and blessing of images of Holy Child. (January 8)

Baptism of 2 babies on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (January 9)

I offered a Mass and prayers on today’s Feast for those I have baptized.

Please click HERE to listen or download my Sunday Sermon.

Updated my corner at Fountain of Love and Life 生命恩泉 website (www.fll.cc).

With my BC Catholic articles, weekly Chinese radio talks, Sunday sermons, and talks at prayer groups meetings.

Please click image below to enter my corner.

Please click HERE for my latest BC Catholic article on “Desire for Perfection”. This article is the first of the eight in the series on Means of Holiness.

Inspiring Pro-Life Videos--- Expose Lies

2011-01-06T13:17:00.001-08:00

Please click HERE or HERE for more videos.

Please click HERE for the Blood Money Film about the “business” of abortion.

New Year Highlights

2011-01-05T22:23:00.001-08:00

First Baptism of the year on the Solemnity of Epiphany

My latest article on The B.C. Catholic on the first approved Marian apparition in the U.S.:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/383

Chinese radio talks from the last few weeks are now available on-line:

http://fll.cc/index.php/component/content/article/372

I am working on uploading recordings of my Sunday sermons and talks at prayer meetings to fll.cc website. Hopefully they will be available soon.

Beautiful Picture of the Holy Family

2011-01-05T22:14:00.001-08:00

Irene Wong explained this picture at the end of our radio talk on January 1, 2011.

Please visit our site to listen to the past Chinese radio talks.

End of Year Personal Highlights

2010-12-31T21:37:00.001-08:00

Baby Baptism on December 19 (Sunday):

Beautiful decorations for Christmas at St. Patrick’s:

Baby Baptism on December 26 (Sunday):

Baptism, Confirmation, and 1st Communion of Angela Augustina (baptismal name) on December 27:

Mass with Archbishop with institutions of Reader and Acolyte for 2 seminarians on December 30:

Merry Christmas! (very creative videos)

2010-12-24T11:53:00.001-08:00

Hong Kong priest appointed Archbishop

2010-12-24T11:33:00.001-08:00

Happy to hear the Father Savio Hon Tai-Fai (韓大輝神父) has been appointed to be the secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

This Sunday (December 26) FLL 「生命恩泉」TV program will feature Father Hon. It will be aired at 4:30 PM on Fairchild TV.