Contributed
Father Ho Lung (centre) and friends use music as a form of ministry.Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter
"Music comes from the soul. The styles in which we represent music express who we are," are the simple yet meaningful words of the self-described 'full bred Jamaican' Father Ho Lung.
Almost synonymous with the annual theatrical works used to fund his philanthropic order, Father Richard Ho Lung is known as a script and song writer. Father's true passion is inspired by his faith, and his works (though quite enjoyable) are not just entertainment, but actual ministry.
"I play no instruments and I cannot even script musical notes, but I have a tremendous desire to express my thoughts through music. When I sleep I dream melodies; when I see suffering or happiness I hear the melody... My music comes from holy inspiration," says Father Ho Lung.
Though always musically inclined, the Father first began using these abilities in 1970 as a means to catch the ephemeral attention of children who seemed distracted at Mass, or didn't attend at all. As a lover of his culture's music, the priest began to refashion the traditional Mass songs, changing the rhythm and melodies into styles he believed would be most appealing to the kids.
good strategy
Apparently, the strategy worked all too well, as not only did the children attended and pay attention, and but the Father soon got word that his songs were being used in churches this at a time when traditional attitudes were predominant. The Father himself was not a particularly talented singer, but knew that he could compose excellent music. Though quite surprised at its popularity, Ho Lung recognised the power of his music and by 1971 committed himself to 'Musical ministry'.
Using an entirely new means of ministry to reach those who wouldn't be inclined to sit though a church sermon, Ho Lung's songs began to spread his words of wisdom through Jamaican music. "I don't quite remember the singer, but Sinner was a song that I wrote in 1974, condemning the selfishness of the rich and the lack of compassion for the poor and it was well received by the people," reminisced Ho Lung.
hit song
The song became highly popular that year and was one of the Father's early hits hits. The impact of his musical ministry, however, had some backlash as the Father lamented that he had received death threats during that time. But instead of slowing down, the threats reassured Ho Lung that evil was prevalent and only served as encouragement to spread the good word. Seeing the need for his ministry, Ho Lung invited in a small group of talented individuals and formed 'Father Ho Lung and Friends'.
Recognising the rising popularity of plays, the group put on their first theatrical performance in 1976, which they titled, Brother Soul, Sister Song. Though embarking on a new channel of message delivery, Father Ho Lung and Friends were somehow able to continue their musical ministries, and still have time to stage a major theatrical event each year.
The Father used his elaborately plotted plays to teach simple Christian values. Amazing Grace taught forgiveness and Sugar Cane taught not to judge. What was also quite extraordinary was that most of his works were based on true stories. For example, though some elements of the play written by Ho Lung were fictional, the essential plot of Amazing Grace was based on the life of a woman named Grace Christie.
performances grew
Theatre performances grew each year in numbers and intri-cacy and in 2000 Jesus 2000, had an impressive group of 40 individuals, while the more recent Moses had a whopping 110 people involved. As the plays grew, so did the revenue, which Father Ho Lung channels entirely to the works of his philanthropic order, 'Missionaries Of the Poor (MOP)'. The order
used the funds to set up AIDS hospices, homeless shelters and children orphanages such as Mt. Beatitude, which now houses approximately 100 children.
Although a Catholic, Ho Lung preferred to keep the group ecumenical, with Baptists, Evangelicals, Anglicans, Methodists and Roman Catholics all in one group. Father Ho Lung
believes that a good ministry should reach as many as possible, irrespective of race, class, or
religion.
The musical ministry and theatrical works of Father Ho Lung have garnered attention internationally, and though his time is now juggled between touring the globe with his unique style of ministry and his philanthropic works through his religious order, the Father does not show his tiresome schedule or his 65 years.
"Happiness is my secret," smiles Ho Lung, "I get happiness from helping others and I believe the more you give and serve, the happier you are. I'm sure Christ was the happiest man that ever lived."
Those who work with Ho Lung apparently only seek happiness in return, as all offer their services for free. These include John Williams, Wynton Williams and drummer Desmond 'Desi' Williams. The Father says that input from individuals such as Alwin Bully, Paula Shaw and Wynton Williams has been an exceptional asset.
All who have ever been exposed to the benevolence of Ho Lung and his order forever keep him in high esteem. "Father Ho Lung is one of the greatest men I have ever met. They (MOP) found a man in downtown with his head filled with maggots. Though doctors said that he would not survive, the brothers of the MOP took him in and picked out every single maggot themselves and that man is alive and well today," states a former singer of the group.
demand for performances
With a great demand worldwide for their performances, Ho Lung says he now has divided his tours into smaller groups. They are 'The Spirit Series', 'The Celebration Series', 'Christmas Series' and Masses. The group now sings in a variety of musical styles, including mento, revival, reggae, ska and Nyabinghi, and he even used dancehall in his theatrical work Moses. The play was given numerous Actor Boy Awards, including Best Drama, Best Production, Best Lighting and, of course, Best Music.
The group has toured North America and Germany and recently came back from tour in Atlanta.
Though some critics might say that Father Ho Lung is not adhering to the traditions of his Catholic predecessors in their style of ministry, Ho Lung has a simple rebuttal. "I believe that God made each culture different. When we worship we should offer ourselves to God and I am a born and raised Jamaican, so what would you expect?" Ho Lung asked smilingly.
