HONG KONG (SE): In a joyful and solemn celebration on July 1, Brother Francesco Li professed his perpetual vows as a member of the Order of Friars Minor [OFM], committing himself for life to the Franciscan way of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The profession took place at St. Bonaventure Church in Tsz Wan Shan, witnessed by Friar Bonaventura Lin, OFM, provincial minister of the BVM Queen of China Province, along with fellow friars, family, friends, and members of the faithful.
The solemn profession marks Brother Li’s full incorporation into the Franciscan order, a community inspired by the gospel witness of St. Francis of Assisi. Brother Li pledged to live his life in total consecration to God in the spirit of the Franciscan charism.
During the celebration, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, himself a Franciscan, delivered the homily, reflecting on the significance of faith in life’s decisions—both large and small. Drawing from the life of St. Francis, he noted that even the saint initially misunderstood God’s call as a literal command to rebuild church buildings. Only later did he grasp the deeper spiritual call to rebuild the Church through a life of poverty, service, and love.
Bishop Ha encouraged young people to remain open to God’s invitation and to enter into a relationship with Christ that brings meaning, mission, and joy. “The call of God,” he said, “is not merely words, but a call to lifelong commitment—for each person and for the Church.”
In his message of thanksgiving, Brother Li expressed deep gratitude to all who supported his journey. “We gather here today to honour Jesus Christ, who showed us the meaning of love through his total self-giving,” he said.
He thanked God for the grace that gives his life purpose and offered heartfelt appreciation to his family, mentors, and friends—both present and absent—who helped guide his path. He acknowledged the significant roles of clergy, religious, and laypeople in his discernment and invited all to continue walking together on the path of faith. He also offered words of encouragement to young men discerning a vocation, urging them to remain attentive to God’s call.
Born into a Catholic family, Brother Li was baptised as a child and grew up in St. Benedict Parish, Shatin, where he was actively involved in liturgical ministries and sacred music. While studying at Immaculate Heart of Mary College, he joined the Franciscan Youth, where he felt increasingly drawn to the gospel-centred life of St. Francis.
After experiencing a period of spiritual searching during university, Brother Li discovered that lasting joy came not from worldly success but from living a life rooted in the gospel.
Following a period of discernment, he entered the Order of Friars Minor and made his first profession in 2021. He is currently pursuing theological studies at the Holy Spirit Seminary and has served in parish ministry and outreach initiatives in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Brother Li’s solemn profession is a witness of hope and dedication, reminding the Church of the enduring call to gospel simplicity and joyful service.
