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Father Richard Ho Lung, the charismatic 85-year-old founder of Missionaries of the Poor and host of the EWTN program "Church and the Poor," is set to bring a unique blend of Jamaican music, dance, and evangelical spirit to Southwest Florida this April. The religious order, known for its dedicated service to the poorest communities worldwide, will present three special concerts featuring acclaimed Jamaican tenors.
"When Jamaicans sing, they dance. They can't stop it. They just have to move their bodies as well as sing from their hearts," says Father Ho Lung, who founded the order after leaving a promising academic career to serve Christ among the poorest of the poor.
The performances will take place at three venues:
Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6:30 PM - Moorings Presbyterian Church, Naples
Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 6:30 PM - St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Naples
Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM - Open-air concert in Ave Maria
The suggested donation is $20 for adults and $10 for students, though Father Ho Lung emphasizes that no one will be turned away for lack of funds. "If you don't have the funds, still come and we let you in," he says with characteristic warmth.
The musical events serve a dual purpose: raising support for the order's charitable work while spreading joy through evangelization. The performing group, which includes five Jamaican tenors, has performed internationally for 50 years, from Germany and England to the Philippines and Brazil.
Born in Jamaica to Chinese immigrant parents, Father Ho Lung's journey to founding Missionaries of the Poor is a testament to faith in action. The order now operates homes for the destitute in multiple countries, including Jamaica, Haiti, India, the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, Indonesia, and East Timor.
"Among the poor, you'll find Christ. Among the suffering ones, you'll find the crucified Christ," reflects Father Ho Lung, whose organization offers free accommodation to visitors willing to serve alongside the brothers in their ministry to the poor in Jamaica.
The upcoming Florida concerts promise to showcase the vibrant spirit of Jamaican worship while supporting a cause that has transformed countless lives. Even at 85, Father Ho Lung plans to join in the dancing, embodying the joy that has characterized his lifetime of service.
Tickets for these events can be purchased online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/17318/missionariesofthepoor. For more information about Missionaries of the Poor or to support their work, visit missionariesofthepoor.org.
You can watch the full interview with Fr Ho Lung below.
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