MALAYSIA - Amidst the pain and sorrow of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Brothers of St. Xavier’s Community and a few members of the Lasallian Family in Penang gathered to bid farewell to Br Stephen. It was a sad but a meaningful Eucharist at the Church of the Risen Christ in Ayer Itam.
There were only a few of us there but we know of the ways in which Br Stephen had touched thousands of lives in his unique way. Msgr Aloysius Tan (the Parish Priest of the Penang City Parish) in his homily recalled his encounters with Br Stephen at the La Salle Learning Centre Penang as a young adult. It was not his eloquence that stood out but his caring presence to the needs of others.
Despite Br Stephen’s frail health over the years, he made time to be with us at the events in the school, the Community and with friends. This fitting farewell to him is an event to be remembered not only by those who were here in Penang but by those who were touched by his life. This was his gift to all of us. (Text: Br. Anthony Rogers FSC; Photos: Mr. Tony Wong, Mr. James Koay; Video Tribute: Ms. Sharon Lim)
