Just Curious

Brother Thomas

I also talked to my former high school principal lately, Brother Thomas Favier, a member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

Brother Thomas is a good embodiment of all that is good in the Christian religion. After becoming a novice of his order at the tender age of 16, he has determined to serve the poor and needy of the world through educating their youths. Unlike all other Roman Catholic orders, the Christian Brothers, aside from the vows of poverty and chastity, also pledge to educate young boys and girls who are otherwise denied proper education. The founder of the order, St. John Baptist de La Salle, was a Frenchman who first introduced the idea of having teachers trained in professional schools (normal schools), and one key doctrine of theirs is that they would never instruct students in the classical languages, for the teaching of Latin, etc. would inevitably lead to education being regarded as luxury.

After obtaining his degree in English and education in England, Brother Thomas served briefly in Southeast Asia, before he went to Hong Kong in 1963. He quickly established himself as an able teacher in English literature and a fantastic coach of soccer. It was under his leadership as sportsmaster (1978-1986) and principal (1986-2003) that the soccer team of my alma mater, St. Joseph's College, became the most highly decorated team among all high schools in Hong Kong.

Aside from his interests in theology, literature and soccer, Brother Thomas is also a great motorbike rider. This may surprise people who consider all clergy as stuffy old men who have no interest in modern sports whatsoever.

It was he who first recognized my talent (if I may use the word) as a debator and my potential to be a scholar. It was also he who first imparted the idea that knowledge is not just about grades and academic data to me and my classmates. Without his mentorship, I would have remained a physically weak, spiritually feeble and socially awkward bookworm. I still remember the day when he appointed me to be the captain of the volleyball team of my class! For heavens' sake, I have not even mastered the basic skills of volleyball at that time! At least he forced me to.

He has recently retired from his busy career. I am sure he will continue to inspire young people to live up to their very best.

posted by James Chang @ 12:38 PM