It is with much love and a tinge of sadness that the IHM community bid goodbye to Fr Luke Fong. He had served IHM Church for nine years as assistant parish priest. Fr Luke moved to the St. Francis Xavier Major Seminary on April 1, 2024.
Fr Luke has many sides.
Cancer survivor: He was diagnosed with biphenotypic acute leukaemia in 2012 and underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant in 2013.
Road traffic accident victim: He was struck by a van while out jogging in May 2021 and survived a life-threatening head injury necessitating a cranioplasty in Jan 2022 and leaving him with diminished hearing in his left ear requiring the use of a hearing aid.
Fitness enthusiast: In the past he has run three marathons, swum long distances and worked out in the gym.
Blogger: His thoughtful musings at Reflections and Ruminations (https://frlukefong.blogspot.com) have educated and inspired many, while also providing a glimpse into his priestly life and personal struggles. His thoughts on cancer and carrying life’s crosses (“Where is God when my life features suffering and affliction?”), the quiet perseverance he displayed during his prolonged period of recovery and rehabilitation from the accident (“When simply waiting is not a futile act in life”).
As spiritual director of IHM liturgical ministries, Fr Luke has touched many lives, and the leaders and members of these ministries speak of him with fondness. His wealth of knowledge has served to enlighten many parishioners.
Said Emmanuel Chang, leader of the IHM altar boys ministry: “He would always share interesting facts on the Mass…the servers (were) always so interested and engrossed in his sessions”.
Matthias Chia, who heads the IHM Hospitality Ministry, recalled an address Fr Luke delivered at the HMs’ annual General Meeting on 25th November 2023. Said Fr Luke in his address: “Stewardship holds hospitality as an immensely important concept. The four pillars of stewardship: hospitality, prayer, formation and service. Hospitality is mentioned first. Why? If not for hospitality, none of the other pillars will ever take hold. Hospitality is the cornerstone of stewardship, because it opens the door to a person’s heart and allows them to receive joy, grace and love.”
A paragon of self-discipline and zeal for the Catholic faith, Fr Luke has also been a role model for many. Victor Tan, leader of the IHM Eucharistic Ministers, shared his thoughts on this: “As I stand alongside Fr Luke during Mass, his impeccable polished shoes remind me of the discipline instilled in me during my Basic Military Training days. His unwavering commitment to self-discipline is a testament to his character. Fr Luke, your inspirational journey leaves an indelible mark on our hearts…thank you for your unwavering dedication and profound impact…may your path ahead be filled with abundant blessings.”
Nicholas Lim, outgoing chairman of the IHM Parish Pastoral Council, had a more personal take: ”Fr Luke is often misunderstood as a no-nonsense priest. This could arise from his desire to lead people in the right liturgy and towards holiness…. he is also a gentle confessor”
I have learnt much from my personal encounters with Fr Luke. A consummate teacher, he introduced me to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, ardent Mariology and the richness of spiritual writings by the likes of Ronald Rolheiser, Timothy Keller, Richard Rohr and Thomas Merton. I came to understand the importance of regular Confession, the burden of unforgiveness and, through discussions on Jesus’ imperfect genealogy, how God uses both the pure and the impure for good.
We will miss you, Fr Luke. All the best on your journey. God love you.
