The Filipino community mourned the loss of Fe Nengasga-Bental, a longtime staff member of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos who passed away at the age of 58 on July 7.
Bental came to Hong Kong in 1996. She worked at the pastoral centre from January 2002 to February 2023.
A funeral Mass and cremation service was held on July 15 at the Cape Collinson Crematorium in Chai Wan. The service was led by Filipino chaplain Father Jay Flandez, alongside Oblate Father Ronnie Gicalao, and was attended by Bental’s family and friends.
Before the Mass, Sister Corazon Demetillo, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos (DPCF) paid tribute to her. The Good Shepherd sister spoke of Bental’s life and described her as a dedicated staff member welcoming every one who came to the centre, a loving wife to her husband, Andy, and a devoted mother to her children, Neil, Ian, and Sarah.
In his homily, based on the Gospel of John, Father Gicalao focused on Jesus’ promise, “I am the resurrection and the life,” which offers believers the hope of eternal life. He noted that a life shaped by love, sacrifice, and faith, such as Bental’s, is a true testament to that promise.
On July 17, a memorial Mass was celebrated at the DPCF, presided over by Father Jun Jacobe omi, with Father Arjay Venus svd, concelebrating, with the urn containing Bental’s ashes before the altar.
Drawing on a 16-year friendship, Father Jacobe shared how Bental’s life was deeply rooted in her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He explained that her capacity for selfless love, which she gave generously to her family both in Hong Kong and the Philippines, was directly inspired and sustained by Christ’s love. Framing her passing not as an end but as a new beginning, Father Jacobe described her death as her final act of devotion.
The Mass was a heartfelt offering of thanksgiving for her legacy as a faithful witness, a woman of deep spirituality, and a devoted servant.
