HONG KONG (SE): As Jesuit Father Simon Wong Kam-man, who commemorates his 25th anniversary of priesthood this year, reflects on how God has guided him throughout his 25 years of dedicated service, emphasising the importance of making wise decisions and placing trust in the leadership of the Jesuit community, especially during moments of doubt.
Father Wong believes in the importance of obedience, saying, “Listening to our superiors does not mean blindly following; it requires independent thought.” He explains that effective communication with a superior is essential, and that a priest must trust and accept their superior’s final decisions without reservations.
He views this approach as the foundation for a healthy relationship between a priest and their superior. Looking back years later, he understands the reasoning behind the decisions made by his superiors.
Pursuing the Jesuit vocation under guidance of a mentor
Reflecting on his faith journey, Father Wong recalled that his path to the priesthood began after he completed secondary school in 1973. Spending two years at a Catholic high school and the influence of the Salesian Fathers sparked his curiosity about life and God.
Reflecting on his faith journey, Father Wong recalled that his path to the priesthood began after he completed secondary school in 1973. Spending two years at a Catholic high school and the influence of the Salesian Fathers sparked his curiosity about life and Go
His studies in biology deepened his belief in a Creator, leading him to baptism in 1978 after a period of spiritual exploration. In 1979, while walking on his university campus, he felt a strong call to the priesthood but hesitated to respond due to academic and personal responsibilities.
In the following years, he taught English but felt unfulfilled. His participation in spiritual retreats eventually helped him gain clarity about his vocation. Initially, he approached both the Jesuits and the Franciscans in search of discernment.
In 1989, after a significant retreat, his spiritual advisor, Father Thomas Leung, SJ, encouraged him to join the Jesuits. When discussing his feelings about Franciscans and Jesuits, he expressed joy at the thought of Franciscans but found a sense of peace when considering Jesuits. Trusting his mentor’s guidance, he decided to join the Jesuits, feeling that both options were equally appealing.
After making this decision, Father Wong promptly resigned from his teaching position, despite the financial sacrifices it entailed and his father’s disapproval. Later that year, at the age of 35, he began his studies at the Holy Spirit Seminary. In 1990, he entered novitiate formation in Singapore, which solidified his Jesuit vocation and led to his first vows in Hong Kong.
After making this decision, Father Wong promptly resigned from his teaching position, despite the financial sacrifices it entailed and his father’s disapproval. Later that year, at the age of 35, he began his studies at the Holy Spirit Seminary.
Continuing on his journey, Father Wong earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the Pontifical University of Rome in 1994, followed by a master’s degree in divinity from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan in 1999.
He was ordained a priest on 9 September 2000, by John Baptist Cardinal Wu Cheng-chung at St. Ignatius Chapel in Wah Yan College, Kowloon.
After many years as a Jesuit, Father Wong discovered unique opportunities for personal growth. He learned the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and was assigned to participate in the academic research in theology. He believes these experiences allowed him to fully utilise his strengths, which he feels might not be accessible in other religious orders.
Father Wong began his journey as a theologian after discussing his studies with Father Beda Liu Chia-cheng, his provincial superior. After completing his master’s degree in divinity in 1999, he thought about studying psychology or Sinology. However, Father Beda suggested that he focused on theology to prepare for teaching roles in the future. Father Wong accepted this suggestion right away. He trusted Father Beda’s judgment because he knew he had thought about it carefully.
Thanks to this advice, Father Wong embarked on a nine-year journey of theological studies until he was 54, earning a second master’s degree in theology from Fu Jen Catholic University in 2002, and a doctorate in theology in 2009.
The vastness of the theological field presents significant challenges. Father Wong is continually pushed to grow and learn as he develops new courses and addresses student inquiries
Despite the challenges of this path, he discovered his passion for teaching theology and found joy in sharing his knowledge with students of the Holy Spirit Seminary College.
He says he enjoys teaching doctrine, which allows him to use his analytical skills. The positive feedback he receives from students inspires him greatly. The vastness of the theological field presents significant challenges. Father Wong is continually pushed to grow and learn as he develops new courses and addresses student inquiries.
Looking ahead, he plans to revise his doctoral thesis and create videos and write books on the concept of the “true self” in the image of God versus the “false self.” He also aims to explore spiritual discernment, drawing from his many years of experience in Ignatian spirituality.
In his pastoral practice, he serves as the spiritual director of the Catholic Development Association for Small Communities of Faith. He is dedicated to nurturing leaders of faith communities through systematic training programs, aiming to build robust faith groups.
Unexpected benefits of obedience
Father Wong recounted an experience prior to pursuing his doctorate in Taiwan that highlights the blessings of obedience. He had previously studied in the United Kingdom, but his superior, worried about the duration of his doctoral studies, advised him to enroll in the doctoral programme at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan before taking the qualifying examination at Heythrop College in London.
Looking ahead, he plans to revise his doctoral thesis and create videos and write books on the concept of the ‘true self’ in the image of God versus the ‘false self’
While initially feeling frustrated, he chose to accept this guidance. It turned out that, in Taiwan, he successfully found experts in his field, completing his dissertation within four years. Above all, he could stay in Hong Kong and write his doctoral thesis, allowing him to frequently visit his father when he was seriously ill and baptise him before his death in 2009, fulfilling a long-held wish.
Reflecting on this experience, he said, “I then realised that Jesus listened to my prayers. For over a decade, I had been praying for my father’s conversion. If I had not been present, how could I have helped him?” he noted. For Father Wong, this unexpected blessing of obedience again showed the Lord has deep plan as he responds to our prayers.
