HONG KONG (SE): “It is time to harvest my life experience,” said Father Michael Cuddigan, a dedicated Columban missionary, as he prepares to retire and return to Ireland this July after serving over a decade in Hong Kong. As he reflected on his priesthood, he acknowledged the profound transformation the Lord has worked through him—from being a young, nervous deacon relying on books, to a priest who touches hearts through genuine sharing of experiences.
Ordained in 1971 at the age of 24, at the Columban seminary in Dalgan, he embarked on long and varied missions. His first assignment took him to the southern Philippines, serving village parishes and also as a hospital chaplain and campus minister. After leaving in 1983, he served in Australia and New Zealand, eventually returning to Mindanao a decade later, focusing on vocation ministry and retreats.
Reflecting on his priesthood, Father Cuddigan said, “Now the last 54 years as a priest has given me different life experiences—the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful ones. And now I speak out of them.” He emphasised the power of personal stories in delivering meaningful homilies, as open sharing of human imperfections and faith amidst trials can encourage others in similar situations.
Acknowledging a long transformation journey, he admitted that his early efforts in delivering homilies were hindered by over-reliance on books and a lack of confidence. Recalling that in the Philippines, there was a time when he preferred giving homilies in nipa huts [huts made from bamboo and nipa palm] before joyful villagers rather than elsewhere before people with profound academic backgrounds.
As he reflected on his priesthood, he acknowledged the profound transformation the Lord has worked through him—from being a young, nervous deacon relying on books, to a priest who touches hearts through genuine sharing of experiences
Now, with decades of experience, he relies on heartfelt communication rather than scripted notes, which resonates more with his audience. “So I suppose as a young man, I was Michael the cleric. Now I am more Michael, the human being,” he said.
Father Cuddigan was assigned to Hong Kong in 2013. He reflected on his initial experiences of exploring the city after arriving, specifically recalling a visit to Kennedy Town where he sat by the harbour, feeling a strong sense of solitude and isolation in a new environment. “Looking out and I said to myself: Oh, nobody knows me, and I know nobody,” he recalled.
However, he found a sense of fulfilment later as he managed to build relationships and connect with communities over time. He was the assistant parish priest of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception from 2013 until 2017, and was glad to carry out different ministries for communities there.
At the same time, he did not forget his relationship with God. He remembered he had his daily “holy hour” in the cathedral, often in his office known as “Cuddigan’s seat,” as a quiet time for reflection.
He felt delighted to serve as the rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in recent years, and to support some of the many migrant workers from the Philippines who have lived here for years. The rector said he felt inspired by their dedication to family and community. With years spent in the Philippines, he feels connected with the community through shared language and culture.
He felt delighted to serve as the rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in recent years, and to support some of the many migrant workers from the Philippines who have lived here for years
At present, he celebrates Sunday Masses for the Filipino communities in the chapel, as well as two weekday and Saturday Masses for people of different nationalities. Before he leaves Hong Kong, he would like to encourage the communities to let their faith be coloured with God’s love—with gratitude and joy.
The hardworking priest has also set up a YouTube channel to share his homilies, believing that acknowledging shared struggles with others brings comfort and inspiration to both himself and the community.
Father Cuddigan has been involved in Christian ecumenical radio broadcasting for over a decade. He was once the head of the religious section of RTHK. He recalled that radio broadcasting has inspired many of his homilies, as he always remembered his co-host John Meirs’ advice not to worry about perfect English—because people only remember what is said in simple words. “If the presentation is too polished, at the end of it people will ask, ‘Well, what did he say?’” he noted.
Looking forward, Father Cuddigan plans to enter a quieter phase of life upon returning home, with simple daily routines like celebrating Mass and visiting the sick. He views this as a time to use his accumulated experience to comfort and inspire others.
