HONG KONG (SE): Father Efren Lim Ojeda, of the Order of Friars Minor [OFM], was called home to the Father at noon on November 22 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, after 25 years of priestly service and more than 33 years of consecrated life according to the spirit of St. Francis. He was 66 years old.
Father Ojeda was born on 28 June 1959 to Alejandro and Donata, in a devout Catholic family in Tondo, Manila, the Philippines.
After graduating from the University of the East, he worked for many years as a professional accountant.
In 1992, he received the Franciscan habit in the Province of St. Pedro Bautista [Manila] of the OFM and began his consecrated life. He made his first profession in 1993, his solemn profession in 1996, and was ordained to the priesthood in 2000. He served his mother province as provincial bursar and assistant formator for 10 years.
Moved by the Holy Spirit, he came to Hong Kong in 2010 as a missionary. He took on administrative duties as guardian and bursar in the local friary. In 2013, he was formally transferred to the Province of Our Lady Queen of China, allowing him to serve the Hong Kong community with even greater commitment.
Over the years, he ministered in English at St. Bonaventure Church, to the Secular Franciscan Order, and at the Poor Clares Monastery on Lamma Island. He also assisted with Cantonese Masses at St. Bonaventure and, together with his brothers, offered retreat ministries.
He was also dedicated to the pastoral care of the Filipino migrant community. Divine Word Father Jay Flandez, Filipino chaplain, mourned the passing of Father Ojeda, highlighting his unwavering availability to support the spiritual needs of migrants.
Father Flandez praised Father Ojeda’s commitment to his vocation, encouraging Overseas Filipino Workers to pray and foster community, and recalled how he assisted migrants during the pandemic.
“Father Ojeda’s kindness and spirit will be missed and will continue to inspire those he served,” he said.
The Franciscan brothers deeply mourn his passing.
A vigil will be held for Father Ojeda on December 12 at 8:00pm at St. Bonaventure Church, Tsz Wan Shan, and a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated the following day, December 13, at 9:30am, at the same church, followed immediately by burial at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley.
May Father Ojeda rest in peace.
