The requiem Mass of our confrere Fr Edward (Eddie) Man-Ko Woo MAfr was celebrated on 25th June 2024 at St. Patrick’s Church, Soho.
Praying all together were confreres from Eddie’s community in Northfields, Eddie’s family represented by his godson Henry, wife Patsy and their daughter Clara Cheong who had come from Hong Kong to be present at this Mass. After returning from Africa, Eddie ministered for a number of years to the Chinese community in London. The Chinese community was well represented by parishioners and also by the present Chinese Chaplain and the Parish Priest of Kentish Town.
Fr Eddie was born in Hong Kong, but was sent to school in UK, eventually going on to take his degree in Accountancy. It was as a young adult that he came into contact with the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) and after studies in Osterley (for late vocations) he studied with the White Fathers and was ordained priest on 28th June 1969. Since at that time he did not have a full UK passport he spent several years on Vocations out of Sutton Coldfield.
Eventually, armed with his new UK passport he went to Africa, first in Tanzania, then to Kenya where he put his Accountancy expertise to good use in Nairobi. Returning eventually to London, and after a spell as Chaplain to the Chinese community in London, he stayed in Little Ealing Lane Community until his death on 22nd June 2024, 5 days short of his 55th anniversary of Priesthood. In later years he suffered from debilitating deafness. This isolated him rather, but he still tried to get to the chapel for Mass and Divine Office with his confreres.
Whilst he was still active Eddie would often invite confreres to a meal in Chinatown, so it was appropriate that after the Requiem Mass, presided over by Fr Hugh Seenan MAfr, Provincial Delegate, the Missionary community and Fr Eddie’s family and friends went together to share a meal in a Chinese restaurant in Soho Chinatown.
The cremation took place the next day (26th June) and the final burial will take place at the Missionaries of Africa plot in Kensal Green, London sometime in September, when Fr Eddie’s family will be able to be present, coming from Hong Kong.
May Almighty God receive our brother into His Kingdom and may He comfort all those who mourn Fr Eddie’s death.