A memorable encounter

A group of eight past pupils, (two with their wives), from Wah Yan College, Hong Kong, were warmly welcomed on a visit to the Irish Jesuit Province in mid-July 2025.

The college, which is the oldest Jesuit school in the Chinese Jesuit Province, was founded in 1919 by Peter Tsui. It was transferred to the care of the Jesuits in 1932. The Jesuits (see photo) who arrived in Hong Kong on 2 December 1926 were all Irish.

The Order has been instrumental in the school’s development and activities since then ». Fr Seán Ó Cearbhalláin SJ (b.1938) is the sole surviving Irish Jesuit at the Hong Kong mission which will celebrate its centenary in 2026.

The past pupils who came to visit Ireland attended Wah Yan College in the 1980’s. They wanted to pay tribute to the Irish Jesuits who taught them and for whom they have the highest regard. The wanted to learn more about their native homeland, and what motivated them to leave it and spend the rest of their lives in Hong Kong. The group also visited the Columban Sisters in Wicklow.

Socius Terry Howard SJ organised events for them in Dublin beginning with a visit to the chapel and library in the old Milltown Park building now owned by Ardstone. They kindly opened the building for their visit. This was followed by a trip to the Irish Jesuit Curia for a Q&A session.

The group then moved to Leeson Street which houses the Irish Jesuit Archives. Archivist Damien Burke provided many documents and photographs of interest for the group regarding the founding and development of their college and the Jesuits they would have known from Ireland ». Jesuit historian Jim Culliton SJ was also on hand to answer many questions about their teachers whom they remembered with fondness and held in high regard.

Following Eucharist at the Leeson Street community, Damien, Jim, and Terry were invited by their Hong Kong visitors to a reception, dinner, and further chat at the local Conrad Hotel.

Terry Howard SJ says the sense of gratitude to the Jesuits who educated them was palpable from the men who had made this pilgrimage to Ireland. So too was their ongoing dedication and commitment to their alma mater.

“They seemed to embody what is said on the college website,” says Terry, “where they claim that their commitment to education ‘has never been deterred by any adversity, not even by the Japanese occupation, during which we continued teaching under unfavourable circumstances… We treasure the heritage that our Jesuit fathers and alumni have built for us, and we strive to lead Wah Yan into a new century of growth’. Much thanks goes to Tim Wong (WYHK’85) who was the inspiration and organiser in-chief of a truly unique, consoling, and life-giving visit for all concerned,” Terry concludes.