Dear Mother (Rosa),

This is the first time I write to you. When you left this world, I was not by your side. I knew that you would not miss me too much because I was studying in the seminary. When the news of your passing away arrived, one of my classmates said to me: “You now have two mothers in heaven.” When I asked him what he meant, he answered simply: “The Blessed Virgin Mary is your other mother in heaven.”

This prophecy was completely fulfilled. I inherited your smile. I also inherited the Blessed Virgin Mary’s ingenuous and trusting character. These are grace bestowed on me without any condition and I hope I can offer them unconditionally as well.

After you left us, my uncle (your brother) accompanied me to continue on the road of my vocation. He trusted me to go to Rome and study Theology. Although you were not physically present (I believe that your soul was there), uncle also represented you at the ceremony of my ordination. I often tell people that your absence on that occasion was something that I regretted, but I wouldn’t feel bad because I can sense that you have never left me. The real regret is that my sister is still blaming you for not taking good care of her in her childhood. This was the tragic result of superstition. Everybody in our family thought that she was born at an unlucky moment of time and had to be reared in another family. I believe that you also had no choice. Although we were from a Buddhist family, you were the first one to tell me (when I was around eight years of age): “This Jesus, who was crucified on the cross, sacrificed himself for the whole mankind.”

March 5 is the anniversary of your passing away. I wish that you are enjoying eternal happiness in heaven!

Your beloved son,



Tat Choy