According to Vatican News, Father Benedetto Chao, a Chinese Trappist monk of Our Lady of Joy Abbey on Lantao Island in Hong Kong, died on July 31 at the age of 108. He was the oldest Trappist monk in the world, having lived 79 years as a monk and 77 years as a priest while maintaining a steadfast commitment to his faith through decades of major political upheavals.
Early Life and Entry Into Monastic Life
Born in 1918 in Chengting, within China’s Hebei province, Father Chao entered the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance at the age of 23 in 1941, according to Vatican News. He made his solemn profession in 1947 and received his ordination as a priest in 1949. Years later, he served as the prior of the abbey from 1974 to 1998, guiding the community through challenging modern transitions.
Persecution, Displacement, and Survival
Father Chao’s monastic journey was marked by severe historical trials. According to Vatican News, Japanese occupying forces seized the monastery for the first time in 1937. Following the establishment of new authorities in China in 1949, the monastery was dismantled, leading to the arrest, deportation, or killing of many monks. Father Chao managed to escape alongside several confrères, traveling first to other regions of China and later seeking refuge in Canada and the United States. During his time in the United States, he stayed at an abbey in Utah, where he acquired practical knowledge of dairy production techniques.
Establishment of Our Lady of Joy Abbey in Hong Kong
During the 1950s, Father Chao relocated to Hong Kong. According to Vatican News, he collaborated with other monks in 1956 to construct a new monastery on Lantao Island, naming it Our Lady of Joy Abbey to honor their historical roots in Chengting. Decades later, during the 1980s, he established a Trappist dairy farm on the island, combining manual labor with the contemplative life of the order.
Did you know? Father Chao lived through 79 years as a monk and 77 years as a priest, ultimately becoming the oldest Trappist monk in the world before his passing on July 31 at age 108, as reported by Vatican News and Zazoom.it.
Funeral Arrangements and Media Coverage
Funeral services for Father Chao are scheduled for August 14 in Hong Kong, according to Vatican News. Coverage by Zazoom.it noted that the abbey announced his passing without disclosing further details, highlighting his lifetime dedication to the monastic tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Father Benedetto Chao?
According to Vatican News, Father Benedetto Chao was a Chinese Trappist monk and priest who lived to be 108 years old and served as prior of Our Lady of Joy Abbey on Lantao Island, Hong Kong.
When did Father Chao pass away?
Vatican News and Zazoom.it report that Father Chao died on July 31.
Where was the abbey located?
According to Vatican News, the abbey of Our Lady of Joy is located on Lantao Island in Hong Kong, having been established by the monks in the 1950s after fleeing disruptions in mainland China.
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