austraLasia #2463

First Salesian priest from Taiwan is called home by the Lord

TAINAN: 24th July 2009 -- The Lord has called twice in the same month on the Salesian community in Taiwan (Fr Mathew King died on 9th July), this time inviting Fr Francis Wang Chung-ren into His eternal loving presence.  Fr Francis was just two months shy of his 50th birthday; a severe blow to the Province and especially to his beloved youngsters at Boys Town in Chaochou, Taiwan, where he was in charge.  Fr Francis Wang was the first Taiwanese priest. That now leaves one young priest ordained in 2006 and a post-novice, from Taiwan.
    Since his ordination Fr Wang had worked continuously in Taiwan, starting at St John Bosco Parish Taipei, then moving to the Salesian Technical College in Tainan and finally taking over the direction of Chaochou's Boys Town.  He was in his 25th year of religious profession and his eleventh year as a priest.
    Fr Wang had been extremely busy for many months due to the recently completed Boys Town building programme.  Only this year he had obtained his Certificate in Social Work after graduating from Meiho Institute of Technology, majoring in Social Work.  When he had completed his studies, he told the boys: "I studied for you", recalling the similar phrase of Don Bosco's. He followed in the footsteps of his father and mentor by spending his life for them until his dying breath.
    Constant overwork  led to a breakdown in health and he was admitted to the National Taiwan University Hospital where his sister is secretary to the Hospital director and his brother is a doctor.  Despite the best medical care, Fr Wang's vital organs failed after a short stay of ten days at the hospital.
    Bishop Lin Chi-Nan of Tainan will officiate at the Requiem Mass on Saturday 25th July, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Tainan, Fr Wang's own parish as a young boy.
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Title: australasia 2463
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces CIN death of Fr Francis Wang
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2463