2007

2007-01-30   Yunfu (one hour from Zhaoqing)
Funeral services for Fr Ma Si Wan, Thomas,
born Toishan 1915-12-20 died Yunfu   2007-01-28 (at 3.50a.m.in his own building, next to church).
Fr Gabriel Lee from Zhaoqing ministered to him the day before, January 27.
Funeral visitors included   many government officials
and many sisters and priests - including Bishop So from Zhanjiang -
+ Rosa C, Rosa H (photogapher), Peter & Ling Barry - all from HK
and Tineke Edwards (from Melbourne, mother of Fr Mark omi),
Speakers praised Fr Ma for his simplicity of life
and his great care and compassion for the sick and dying and elderly
...he would ride long distances on his bike to minister to people in need.
Among Fr Ma's surviving family are his sister Ma Si Tin, who for many years lived at Tai O on Lantau Island, HK
and his brother Fr Peter Ma, now in New York.
Thank you Lord, for the privilege of knowing this simple and compassionate man.
May his prayers in heaven obtain for us a portion of his beautiful spirit
and may the lovely towns of Zhaoqing and Yunfu be blessed by the long years of service he gave them