During the period of 1983 to 1988, I was the pastor of St. Mary’s Church.  St. Mary’s was established by the missionaries of Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae  (“CICM”) in 1959.  I was the first Chinese priest to take over the office of pastor of that parish.<br/><br/>
At the very beginning of my ministry there, there was no difficulty because everyone there was already well accustomed (for the last 24 years!) to the administrative practice adopted by the missionaries of CICM.  Fortunately, everyone in the parish was treating me, a newcomer lacking in experience, with kindness and generosity.  I was therefore able to minister with ease during those five years at St. Mary’s Church.<br/><br/>
All in all, mutual trust and mutual respect were the essential elements for the successful co-operation achieved between me and the brothers and sisters of the parish.  I am not a reformer.  I believe that every policy laid down by my predecessors must have a reason behind it.   Advocating changes in everything is undoubtedly a total denial of the wisdom of the predecessors. <br/><br/>
I am not saying that there is no need to consider making improvements.  What I mean is we have to do the right thing at the right time and not reforming for the sake of reform.<br/><br/>
I may seem to you someone with no ambitious plan in mind, or a pastor who can easily get satisfied with the status quo.   However, past experiences have told me that the arrangement made by God is far more timely and appropriate than that by human wisdom.<br/><br/>
Lastly, it is my deep conviction that whenever we practice the commandment on loving one another, Jesus will be in the midst of us (please see Matthew 18:20).<br/><br/>
May the work that is started by God be completed by Him also.<br/><br/>
Congratulations to St. Mary’s Church for its golden jubilee!<br/><br/>
(The Chinese version of this piece was originally printed in the commemorative booklet for St. Mary’s Church Golden Jubilee.)