Page 16 - 聖文德書院（五十周年金禧特刊）

Message from Rev. Fr. Stephen Chan, Chaplain and Former Supervisor

Back to the Beginning

Fifty years ago, I was the youngest member of the
Franciscans in Hong Kong. I had not even begun my
formal training as a Franciscan. Then came Fr. Howard
Stunek OFM, a Franciscan from Chicago, USA, and
quite a formidable figure. Standing before him, I felt
very much like a student called to the principal’s office,
wondering what my fate might be.

Fr. Howard single handedly began St. Bonaventure College and High School. For Americans, college
is another name for university. Fr. Howard was of the opinion that since Form 7 is year 1 in any
American university, whereas “high school” means years 6 to 12 (Forms 1 to 6), a logical name for
the school would be St. Bonaventure College and High School. It was, and still is, a unique name in
Hong Kong. “College” in Hong Kong means “High School” in America. Fr. Howard aimed high, and he
envisioned that St. Bonaventure may develop into a real College in the American sense.

Yes, aiming high and striving hard is the way Fr. Howard managed his school. His demands on
teachers and students were high too. The fruit of his ten years as principal is evident by the fact that
among those graduates during his time, several became University vice presidents and deans, while
others became professors, lecturers, teachers, physicians, lawyers and various other professional
roles. The number of these high achievers is completely out of proportion, when taking into account
the short period of time he served and the background of those in the Tsz Wan Shan area.

Fifty years later, I am old enough to witness the 50th anniversary of St. Bonaventure. I remember
some years back, when high schools in Hong Kong no longer offered Form 7, the school decided to
keep its unique name as college and high school. That was the correct decision because the name
constantly reminds us of the high aim of Fr. Howard. Today, as I am assigned by the Franciscans
to serve the school, I have only one mission in mind: to revisit the way Fr. Howard so passionately
made St. Bonaventure excellent in academics and his commitment to the students’ personal
development. I have no other choice than to rekindle his legacy which seems an unattainable goal
at this time. Fortunately, our principal, Mr. Law, our past principals Mr. Tung and Mr. Lam, my fellow
friars, benefactors, friends and our core leadership team at school share this same vision. We
cannot define what success is, other than aiming high and striving wholeheartedly as our constant
and ongoing effort. The goal is not an unknown future, but a known beginning, which directs us
towards fulfilling our educational mission.

There is no shame in falling short of a goal, but it is a shame in refusing to dream, to dare, to
endeavor, to venture and to risk.

I fully understand the hardship of those on the front lines, passing hurdle after hurdle, making so
many daily sacrifices and even taking scorns and criticism. I consider all these to be crosses given
by God. I never forget the promise of Jesus that his cross for us is light. It is easy to carry if we allow
him to lead us and to help us. In this spirit of the faith, I believe that Fr. Howard in heaven smiles
with content as he looks down on his successors. He certainly prays for us, for all students and
staff and the school. We have the motherly care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the blessings of St.
Francis and St. Bonaventure. They are our unconquered supporters in the Almighty power of God.
May God continue to inspire, to teach and to lead us all through the intercession of his saints – our
friends up there.

Fr. Stephen Chan OFM
(Chaplain and former Supervisor)

14 50 周年金禧校慶