HONG KONG (SE): Father George Zee of the Society of Jesus, passed away peacefully on June 14 at the age of 85 at St. Teresa’s Hospital, Kowloon [https://www.examiner.org.hk/2025/07/02/jesuit-returns-to-the-father/news/hongkong/]. He was accompanied in his final moments by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. of Hong Kong, Jesuit provincial, Father Stephen Tong, and members of the Jesuit community.
A vigil Mass was held on July 2 at St. Ignatius Chapel on Waterloo Road, followed by the funeral Mass the next day, July 3, presided over by Cardinal Stephen. Father Tong, Father Robert Ng, other Jesuit priests, and vicars general, Father Peter Choy Wai-man and Father Paul Kam Po-wai concelebrated the funeral Mass.
In his English eulogy, the cardinal paid heartfelt tribute to Father Zee, whom he described as a trusted confessor and mentor.
“His loving support for me was the antidote overcoming my self-doubt and negative thoughts,” he noted. The cardinal recalled that Father Zee radiated joy, humour, and inner peace, particularly in his final days, leaving a profound impact through his positive demeanor and warm smile.
In his Cantonese eulogy, Cardinal Stephen reflected on Father Zee’s spiritual freedom, contrasting it with the burdens of worry and pride that many people carry.
His loving support for me was the antidote overcoming my self-doubt and negative thoughts,
Cardinal Stephen
Father Tong offered condolences to Father Zee’s family, reflecting on his deep appreciation for Father Zee’s wisdom and resilience especially during the time of his illness. He acknowledged their losses of both Father George and his brother who recently passed away, wishing them comfort and hope through Father Zee’s heavenly light.
At the close of the Mass, Cardinal Stephen, Father Tong, and Father Ng led the blessing of Father Zee’s coffin. He was laid to rest at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Happy Valley.
Born in Shanghai, Father Zee joined the Society of Jesus in Hong Kong at the age of 20. After 12 years of formation, he was ordained a priest in 1972. He dedicated much of his life to education and spiritual formation within the Chinese Province of the Jesuits. He taught at Wah Yan College, Kowloon, where he was greatly loved by his students. He also served as the school supervisor and later as parish priest of St. Ignatius Church.
Father Zee further extended his pastoral care by directing the “Whole Person Centre,” where he promoted psychological counselling and guided many on their journey of spiritual growth. In his later years, despite the difficulty of speech due to vocal cord damage, he remained joyful and steadfast, seeking a deeper communion with Christ through contemplation and prayer.
May Father George Zee, faithful servant and compassionate shepherd, rest in God’s eternal peace.
