MOP Launches 'Acts of the Apostles'

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

It was an occasion for more than a launch; it was also a time for much celebration. Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) will be receiving the GUSI Peace Prize award. The announcement was made by Father Ho Lung on Thursday at a press conference and launch of the Father Ho Lung and Friends opera titled Acts of the Apostles.

"I was a bit surprised by it, but ... we received news that Missionaries of the Poor would be receiving the GUSI Peace Prize award," Ho Lung told the gathering of media representatives, sponsors, friends, and patrons who were at the Sagicor Life Jamaica Auditorium. He also explained that the award was the continent of Asia's equivalent to the European Nobel Peace Prize.

In a speech that was punctuated with "Amens", the founder and superior general of MOP also paid tribute to God for what he described as miracles. He explained that all elements of the production were free of cost to the MOP Brothers who not only live a life of general simplicity, but do not, including him, own a bank account.

"It's all about friendship, it's all about building our society. That is a sign that God is working through us," said Ho Lung.

According to Ho Lung, in spite of the many songs and productions he has undertaken, he has never played an instrument. "Out of nothing the Lord produces wonderful things," he said.

And Ho Lung thanked those who had given to the MOP.

Competitors working together

Grace and the Wisynco Group Ltd, for instance, were commended for working together on projects involving Father Ho Lung and Friends, although the two are competitors in the corporate world.

In closing, Ho Lung encouraged the gathering to fill the National Arena with people who are to come and witness to the Lord.

His remarks were preceded by statements from representatives of major sponsors classified as patrons. Grace Tropical Rhythms was represented by Nicholas Bramwell, senior brand manager.

In addition to announcing that his company had been a patron for 10 years, Bramwell said that Jamaicans were good storytellers and that Father Ho Lung and Friends had mastered the art of storytelling. According to Bramwell, Acts of the Apostles promises to be a spiritual event.

Not confined to Jamaica

First-year patron, Wisynco, in the form of Andrew Mahfood, financial director, provided brief background information on Father Ho Lung and the work of the MOP.

He said that the group's work was not confined to Jamaica but extended to other countries such as Haiti. He also said that Wisynco, through its product Ocean Spray Wata, was pleased to be associated with what he labelled "the Acts of the Apostles Spirituality Wow."

One of the key components of any staged production is lighting. Anthony Ray, director of external affairs at the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) was on hand to explain that it was not the first year that his organisation had sponsored Father Ho Lung and Friends' production. According to Ray, an increase in the cost of living meant the sponsorship of light was all the more significant.

JPSCo will also sponsor hundreds of children to see the show. Three members of the JPSCo staff have also been assigned to work with the MOP to ensure that the production comes off successfully.

While this year marks the 40th anniversary of Father Ho Lung and Friends, this was the first launch to have taken place at the Sagicor Auditorium. The Acts of the Apostles opens on September 29 at the National Arena with a special show for children.

Shows will continue on September 30, and from October 6-7, while gala shows will be held from October 1-2 and from October 8-9.