Growing up in atheistic communist China, Paul Ma denied the existence of God. While studying at a university in Shanghai, he met Maria, a fellow student, and they began dating. All went well until he was hospitalized for a serious liver infection. Many patients in his ward became terminally ill with this same virus.
Knowing this, Paul was devastated. However, in his hopelessness, his long-time friend Maria unexpectedly asked him to marry her. He was utterly tongue-tied over such unconditional love.
After their marriage, in 1986, Paul was completely healed beyond medical explanation. Full of gratitude, he didn’t know who to thank. This was the beginning of his search for the God who heals.
At first, he turned to Buddhism and was happy for the wisdom and serenity he gained, but this did not satisfy him. He felt there was a greater Source somewhere.
During a trip to Hong Kong in 1996, Paul and Maria saw a Christian poster depicting the end of the world. Maria was quite disturbed by what she saw, but Paul was unconcerned. She wanted to meet a Catholic priest for an explanation, though, so out of love for her, he accompanied her. This was a turning point in Maria’s own faith journey; however, Paul remained indifferent.
One day, he decided to accompany Maria to her catechism class. Upon hearing the words “reconcile with God,” he felt as if a double-edged sword were piercing through his being.
Suddenly Paul saw the crucified Jesus speaking to his heart, as if telling him, “I am Jesus, and I died out of love to save you!”
This inner experience was so deep and strong that Paul burst into uncontrollable tears. He suddenly understood: God truly exists and loves him!
Maria was flabbergasted by Paul’s extraordinary reactions. Both understood that they had been touched by God. They were converted and were baptized along with their first daughter in March 2000. The parish priest gave him the baptismal name Paul because his extraordinary conversion seemed like that of St. Paul.
Paul was working for a U.S. company in Shanghai while Maria was teaching ethics at a university. Being a university professor, she was forbidden to practise her faith. Living under constant fear of being caught while practising her faith, the couple decided to immigrate to Canada. In April 2000, they arrived in Toronto. Though they had countless challenges ahead of them, they never gave up their precious, fragile gift of faith; they nurtured it through daily prayer and by attending Mass.
Blessed with three children, Paul and Maria continued their spiritual journey. Their unfailing devotion to Mary and Scripture studies kept the family together; they grew in knowledge and wisdom. This couple’s faith and love spread far and wide, and they became a model Catholic family for many.
In 2003, with the influx of new immigrants from China, Paul was asked to help teach new catechumens. Willingly, he accepted. In a humble and caring way he touched the hearts of countless new immigrants who eventually embraced God. Many claimed that Paul was an extraordinary catechist. He was special!
“Paul, you will one day become a deacon!” This was a surprising statement coming from a friend, Deacon Peter; however, a seed was being sown.
Six years later, in 2008, while tending to the need of his child, Paul suddenly heard an inner voice calling him to consider the diaconate. Shocked, he prayed, “Lord, if it is your will, please let Maria bring this subject up.”
A few moments later, Maria approached her husband and asked, “Are you still considering becoming a deacon?”
Stunned, Paul wondered why she had asked such a question. Her response was that it came as an inspiration and she felt the urge to ask him. He then realized that this was indeed the work of the Holy Spirit. Nonetheless, he continued to procrastinate, but God never gave up on him.
Unbelievable but true! In 2009, Paul’s company offered him and his wife a visit to Australia, but Maria had a health problem. Again, he bargained with God and said, “Lord, if you heal Maria for one month, I will accept becoming a deacon.” God answered his prayer: throughout their travels, Maria felt better, and eventually she was cured.
Without delay, Paul responded to God’s call. This was a challenge for the whole family because the couple had to meet the requirements of the diaconate – four years of intensive formation, which meant he had to be periodically away from home. Their eldest daughter had to assume the responsibilities of caring for her two younger siblings. This she accepted joyfully.
Paul was finally ordained deacon in 2014 and is committed to spreading God’s word via Fountain of Love and Life TV, a Chinese-Catholic evangelization ministry founded in Toronto in 2004 by Paul Yeung. The ministry has spread across the globe, drawing people to God through Scripture.
Sister Hong gives retreats to Chinese Parishes in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal for the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. She is a former counsellor for Catholic Family Services in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
