The divorce of parents can easily traumatize the children. They often feel guilty, blame themselves and withdraw into solitude. The eldest of five siblings, and born in Hong Kong, in a non-Christian environment, Helen Hong, shares with us her special journey.
by Claudette Bouchard, m.i.c.

HER CHILDHOOD YEARS

At an early age, Helen sadly experiences the divorce of her parents. At the Catholic school where she is enrolled, she discovers the meaning of faith in God. As she observes the nuns, her teachers, she sees in them models that she wishes to imitate and she feels the inner calling to be like them. The dramatic separation of her parents, leads her to ponder upon the fragility of human relationships. She finds solace in solitude, comfort in the stillness and beauty of creation, and it is there that she discovers the Divine Companion once unknown to her. In touch with the inner Calling, Helen decides to respond and begins learning about the Catholic faith. At 19, she is baptized at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Hong Kong.

As the sole bread-winner and homemaker, her industrious mother begins sewing children's clothes. A display in the front window of the house intrigue neighbours who stop-by to see and purchase the stylish dresses and suits. The window expands and with time Helen is asked to help in the thriving small business. Within a few years, the industry becomes one of the most renowned for its fashionable garments sold in the Swank Shops of Hong-Kong.

A DIFFICULT CHOICE

Helen is a support to her mother. However, her heart continues craving for solitude. Naturally drawn to Beauty found in nature, she ponders upon the meaning of life and she remembers those teachers of former years whom she deeply admired. In the depth of her heart, she hears her Divine Companion calling her to His service. She can take one of two roads: the one leading to fame and wealth, or the other to prayer and service. She decides to take the road less travelled.

At a time when her beloved mother needs Helen the most in the administration of the prestigious business, Mrs. Hong, though reluctant at first, generously and trustingly offers her daughter to a God unknown to her. At age 26, Helen leaves all behind her to embrace the simple life of a faithful disciple. Within the community of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, she finds a spirituality that corresponds with her love of Beauty. Imbued of a spirit of thanksgiving the Sisters proclaim God's love for all humankind and they sing His goodness for the beauty of creation. In this context Helen's spiritual life takes root and blooms.

A COMPASSIONATE HEART

Dedicated to be at His service, Sister Helen accepts to pursue her studies. As a teacher she intuitively knows and understands the children who suffer from life's hardships; reaching-out to those in need, she brings them consolation and reassurance. In 1994 she is assigned to Vancouver, British Columbia. Once again, she leaves behind all those who are dear to her and finds herself in a country she is unfamiliar with. Trusting in her Divine Companion, she is led to a parish located in an area that is predominantly populated by English Canadians. However, a large influx of Chinese immigrants is becoming more visible.

Sister Helen's presence in the milieu attracts the newly arrived Asians. In this parish setting, children, teens and adults come to her for advice, spiritual guidance, faith sharing and most of all for knowledge of the Catholic faith. To her surprise, some of the individuals who knock at her door are her former students from Hong Kong. Now grown-up, and with family, they thirst for Truth and the Absolute. With spiritual insight Sister Helen offers them the One she has found to be the only Source of Truth and Happiness. Many opt to follow Christ; through the waters of Baptism they become living witnesses of the faith and serve by reaching-out to others.

With ease and generosity the Chinese express their heartfelt gratitude toward anyone who, somehow, has helped them along the way. Therefore, Sister Helen's 40th Anniversary of Religious Life is not to be left unnoticed. For the Chinese Catholic Community this is a perfect moment to rally around her. Lavishly they celebrate her dedication and love of God. Touched by her prayerful, serene attitude, they highlight the positive influence she has on children, teens and adults.

THE LOVE OF MARY, HER SPIRITUAL MOTHER

A woman of few words who sees beyond mere appearance and knows what the heart needs to hear, Sister Helen's presence at Corpus Christi Parish is a reflection of God's care for all His people. The Divine Companion who keeps leading her is also at work among the Chinese population; so many express the wish to become acquainted with the Catholic faith and experience the Love of God.

While Sister Helen walks in the ways of her Lord, her siblings successfully continue the enterprise begun by the mother. In her heart, she admires the woman who so courageously gave up her eldest daughter for an unknown, obscure future. She also reveres her spiritual Mother, Mary, whose maternal presence has always been comforting and reassuring. To those who come knocking at her door for advice or spiritual guidance, Sister does not shy away from presenting them to their spiritual Mother, for she knows the many blessings Mary wishes to impart on her children. From the road less travelled, a faith-filled and fruitful mission is being blessed and brought to fulfillment.