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| Fr Efren, OFM, was known for his ever-present smile |
Father Efren Ojeda of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), who was well-loved by many Filipino Catholics in Hong Kong, passed away on Saturday, November 22.
His death
was announced by the OFM in Hong Kong, which also asked for prayers for his
repose, and said details of his funeral would be announced at a later date.
Overseas
Filipino worker Lydia Dolera, who is a regular volunteer for masses held at the
Philippine Consulate, said Fr. Efren was found collapsed on Saturday, but had
no information on the cause of his death.
Lydia said Fr Efren was set to say mass on Sunday at the OFW Global Centre, in celebration of the feast of the Christ the King, and she had thought of going to him for confession.
His death made her recall an incident showing Fr Efren's humorous side. As she was about to make her confession to him one time, Fr. Efren said in jest that God already knew what she was going to say.
Fr Efren was known to many other Filipino Catholics in Hong Kong as he had said mass for years at various churches with big Filipino congregations, like St Jude’s in North Point, the Catholic Centre as well as St. Joseph’s church in Central, and many others.
He was also known to readily agree to give final blessings to Filipinos who passed away in Hong Kong, particularly the migrant workers.
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| Fr Efren blesses young cathechists at St Jude's church in North Point |
One OFW church volunteer posted on Facebook that Fr Efren was supposed to be with her group to preside over the Solemnity of Christ the King mass, followed by an afternoon procession and the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament – something he used to do with them every year.
“We are
saddened …that you are gone on the eve of the celebration,” said the OFW. “You
may not be with us today physically but in our hearts, our prayers and celebrations,
you will always be with us..."
She added
that Fr Efren’s inspirational homilies, personal guidance as well as the jokes
he often made would be in the hearts of her church group.
To many
other churchgoers, Fr Efren’s passing meant they would no longer hear his trademark after-mass blessing
which he would always sing in a distinct way: “May the blessing of the Lord, the blessing of the
Lord, be with you all the way…”
Fr. Efren
was 65.
