Richard Ho Lung - Diary of a ghetto priest

Many of us struggle with the question: "Should I leave Jamaica?" "If I could get a green card, should I move my entire family, my money, my business to the United States (US) of America?" "Should I become a US citizen?" So many have left.

We are very close to the US. We speak English. We have many Jamaican friends and relatives in the US. It's very tempting to leave - especially in these times of great trial, given the economic struggles and the violence.

Plan of God

But we were born here. It is not by accident but by the plan of God. Our language, our sense of humour, our neighbourhoods, our hearts and minds belong to Jamaica.

This little island is your home. You have something to do - a purpose to fulfil which will make you and this island better and, at the same time, fulfil your vocation. As for me, I have said "Yes!" to the Lord and Jamaica.

The island has changed; it is not what it was. I have experienced great instability in Jamaica. Beginning in the 1970s when Jamaica almost became communist; when minorities were told that we were not valued Jamaicans and could leave if we wanted to; when great wealth came to a few who were politically corrupt, and the rest of the Jamaicans became poorer; when violence and the gun terrorised so many of us.

There were crucial, pivotal milestones in my life: ordained and working at the University of West Indies (UWI). I passed many beggars on the streets, many more than when I was a boy.

One hundred and fifty five women were killed in a fire in a condemned building at Eventide Home, run by the Government. In addition, I saw another 300 living on broken bed springs without mattresses. I saw naked old men and women, hungering for food, without a bath for days, wading in their mess and urine. The few volunteers and I cleaned them up and gave whatever little food and clothes we had.

Hundreds of young men were jailed under the Gun Court Act. Without trial, they were imprisoned for life. Again, a few male volunteers and I taught at Gun Court, built a little library, and brought food. I witnessed one young man who said he was innocent, executed by hanging which made a great impact on my life.

Faithful men

I did all this while teaching at UWI. These few volunteers are now Fr Hayden Augustine and Fr Brian Kerr - our first Missionaries of the Poor - wonderful, faithful men.

I have been threatened by gunmen, called a traitor by politicians, accused of being a kidnapper. I have been cursed and abused by some rich people of being a communist, and have been rejected by some church people. I have gone penniless and have been without food, without housing and without a job.

But never have I been without the Lord, nor without friends. We are now in India, the Philippines, Haiti, Kenya, Uganda, and of course, Jamaica. We have been invited to other missions internationally. But I'll keep it a secret for now.

Today, I'm happy. I have learned to suffer and to remain loyal to my country, to my poor, to my beloved brothers and friends, and to Christ and the Church.

I do this as the precious cross of my life. I will not stop, I will keep on going. I have learned to laugh even while I weep, to smile before the Crucified Christ, to keep on going despite all the difficulties.

I invite all Jamaicans to say "YES!" to our country - with Christ at the centre of our lives.

The Very Rev Fr Richard Ho Lung is founder and Superior General, Missionaries of the Poor. Feedback may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com.