(ANS – Hong Kong) – The Salesian community bid farewell to Fr. Francis Tsang Tsong Lai, SDB, who peacefully passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 93. His life of faith, service, and devotion left an enduring legacy that touched countless lives across Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Born in Shanghai on May 10, 1932, Fr. Tsang embraced his Salesian vocation early, making his first profession in Hong Kong in 1951 and his perpetual vows in 1957. He was ordained a priest in England in 1961, beginning a life of missionary service that spanned over six decades – in Vietnam from 1961 to 1975 and later in Taiwan from 1979 till 2017. Known for his Eucharistic devotion and deep love for Our Lady, he lived his priesthood with unwavering fidelity to the Salesian charism.
On August 29, 2025, a Vigil Mass in his honor was held at St. Anthony’s Church, presided over by Fr. Domingos Leong, Provincial of the China Province, and concelebrated by Fr. Lanfranco Fedrigotti, Rector of the Salesian House of Studies, and Fr. Joseph Ng. In his homily, Fr. Leong highlighted Fr. Tsang’s missionary spirit, recalling his 15 years of service in Vietnam, his tenure as Provincial Secretary in Hong Kong, and his nearly 40 years of dedication to the youth of Taiwan, particularly at Chaozhou Boys’ Town. Fr. Leong described Fr. Tsang as a man of gratitude and joy, who, even in the face of trials, inspired others to live with thanksgiving and hope.
The Funeral Mass, celebrated on August 30, 2025, also at St. Anthony’s Church, brought further reflections on Fr. Tsang’s life of service. Fr. Joseph Ng, a longtime collaborator in Taiwan, portrayed Fr. Tsang as a man of patience, focus, and perseverance. Using the metaphor of a Rubik’s cube, Fr. Ng described how Fr. Tsang’s methodical and thoughtful approach to life captivated the youth he served. Fr. Ng noted how Fr. Tsang’s humility and ever-present smile made him approachable, earning him the trust and admiration of young people and colleagues alike.
Even during his retirement at Braga House in Hong Kong, Fr. Tsang remained committed to his missionary spirit. He often requested that the Hail Mary be sung in Vietnamese, a touching reminder of his deep devotion to Our Lady and his enduring love for the people of Vietnam.
After the Funeral Mass, Fr. Tsang was laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Happy Valley, surrounded by confreres, alumni, and parishioners who came to honor his legacy. Fr. Francis Tsang’s life stands as a testament to the Salesian charism—a life of joy, service, and gratitude, lived fully as a faithful son of Don Bosco.