Let us Remember the Teachings of a Great Pope

A Tribute to Pope Francis

Good morning teachers and Shungtakians.

As you may know, Pope Francis, passed on on 21 April 2025 (Easter Monday) at 7:35 a.m. at the age of 88 at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. Today, we gather not just as a school, but as a family united in reflection and gratitude for what he has given to us. We now take this time to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, a guiding light of compassion, humility, and service – values that resonate deeply with our own mission at Shung Tak Catholic English College. 

Pope Francis proclaimed the Bull of Indiction, “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5) (“Spes non confundit”) for the 2025 Jubilee Year – the Jubilee of Hope. Five doors will be opened for the Jubilee of Hope beginning on Christmas eve 2024 when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of the Basilica of St Peter’s Basilica. The other Holy Doors proclaimed by Pope Francis will be located at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The fifth door will be located at the Rebibbia Prison in Rome. The Jubilee of Hope will end on 6 January 2026, on the feast of the Epiphany.

Pope Francis urged the faithful to revive hope among the disappointed during the Jubilee Year and prays that everyone would be a ‘Pilgrim of Hope’. He also taught us that education is not just about the mind, but it is about the heart. He reminded us to “walk with the poor, the forgotten, the downtrodden, and the marginalized”, to lead with mercy, and to care for our common home — the Earth. His words were not just lessons; they were calls to action. 

Pope Francis once said, “China is a dream, a promise and a hope for the Church”. He had a long-standing wish to be the first pope to set foot in China. While his dream remains unfulfilled, his deep desire for rapprochement with China symbolises hope and endurance.

Though Pope Francis has left us, his legacy endures. Let us pay tribute to him by living his teachings: 

1. Serve with joy, as he did – even small acts matter. 
2. Defend dignity, seeing Christ in every person, especially the poor. 
3. Protect creation, cherishing what God entrusted to us. 

In his memory, let us recommit ourselves to our school’s values: Ora et Labora -pray and work. Let us be builders of hope, just as he was. 

May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace in the loving arms of our Father in Heaven. Join me now in saying the following prayer.

Thank you and God bless,
Dr Cecilia Tang
Principal