Father Ho Lung
Who are the Jamaican Brothers?
Father Richard Ho Lung is a Jamaican award-winning reggae singer, song-writer and composer. His group, ‘Father Ho Lung and Friends’, have produced eight musicals and nine CD’s and tours extensively in the Caribbean and North America. He is credited with introducing reggae into the Roman Catholic’s liturgy.
In 1981, the former Jesuit founded the Catholic Order ‘Missionaries of the Poor’ (MOP) whose members are called ‘The Jamaican Brothers’. They minister to and care for the sick and the poor in the Caribbean, Asia and Africa.
Evangelizing through music and song is a stated mission of the MOP and Reggae and other Jamaican music forms play a large role in financing their ministry.
Beyond the Priests’ pulsating Caribbean rhythms lay adherence to one of the church’s most austere vow, exacting extreme sacrifices. Recognised by their flowing white robes, they live under monastic conditions, owning two changes of clothing. Novices are permitted home visit initially after six years and then every decade.
The Kingston Headquarters of MOP hosted Mother Teresa in 1986; Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria in 1990; and His Holiness Pope John Paul 11 in 1993
Working in some of the world’s most dangerous ghettos is not without its perils; in 2005, two brothers were slain in Kingston by a single bullet.
Then they will answer Him, 'Lord when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? And the King will answer them, truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it unto me.' Matthew 25: 37-40
A call to alms: MOP needs your help and you may safely make donations at either the website listed above of at the UK support organisation. http://www.missionsofthepoor.org/