FEATURE | LUMEN
11
The
Founder ’ s Statue Josephian and a
By Dominic Ang
A new statue of St . John Baptist de La Salle depicted standing next to a boy attired in SJI uniform and a rugby ball now stands prominently across the Founder ’ s Hall . It is a donation from the family of Dr Bernard Thio ( Class of 1977 ) in memory of their beloved son , Jerome , who was a student in SJI from 2011 to 2014 . Jerome continued his education in Catholic Junior College for his
‘ A ’ Levels . However , his medical condition - Becker muscular dystrophy - a genetic , degenerative disease primarily affecting voluntary muscles , had worsened at the end of his first year in JC and he passed away at home on 13 September 2016 .
During his time in SJI , Jerome was a rugby player and a devoted member of the Legion of Mary – Queen of All Saints Praesidium – as part of the Catholic Exposure Programme since Secondary 1 .
Jerome , like the exemplary Legionary who stands by his post , was dedicated to his duties . He would be in the chapel before Morning Prayer or Eucharist , and he would often be there to help with getting the place ready , often assisting as an altar server . There was a time when the mass was celebrated in the Performing Arts Centre , yet despite his muscular dystrophy , he offered to be the bearer of the Book of the Gospels
even though it would require more effort from him to walk and climb to the stage .
He was a person of prayer and he would encourage his juniors to pray as well . During one of the annual Maundy Thursday church visitations , the Legionaries did not take the bus , but walked from church to church throughout the night . Jerome rounded up his small group to pray the rosary while walking ; he shared with them that when they pray the Hail Mary , they are dedicating a rose to the Blessed Mother ; and when a decade is prayed , it is as though they are presenting a bouquet to Our Lady . It certainly made their journey from one church to another more meaningful .
Jerome was like a big brother . He was kind , caring and patient .
The Legion of Mary goes to St Theresa ’ s Home during the school vacation . During these visits , Jerome would look out for his juniors who felt awkward interacting with the elderly at their first visit . With his wide “ Jeromey ” smile , he would break the ice by greeting the elderly and introduce his juniors to the elderly . Through his warmth and friendliness , the juniors eased up from being shy and quiet individuals to interact and communicate with the elders at the Home .
Two legionaries from Class of 2015 share their memories of Jerome .
Fabien Wee : “ My favourite memory of Jerome is during the Catholic Societies Camp when I was in Secondary
1 and he was my facilitator , we were about to sleep and I think only he and I were awake and we started singing songs together . Till today the tune of the Salve Regina still rings in my mind , in his voice . It was a sweet and memorable episode . It was nothing big , but it was something that has stayed with me throughout and the little moments that shine through my life .”
Ambrose Yew : “ Being one of the few seniors I met when I first entered legion , I remembered Jerome as an older Brother who really showed me what being a Josephian was . A fond memory I have was during fellowship after work at the St Theresa ’ s Home . We were walking past an elderly lady selling tissues and without hesitation , Jerome gave the lady $ 10 without wanting anything in return . I was a Secondary 2 student then and $ 10 was a lot of money to me . His desire to help those in need struck a chord in me , showing me what being a “ Men For Others ” means .”
Jerome was a compassionate and mindful individual . For many of us , during the time we knew him , he was a joy to be around and to engage in conversation with . He never took anyone for granted , and would always look out for others despite his own burdens . He would always look out for us and give us a Jerome ‘ Hello ’ with a smile and he would be very generous with his hugs . He was unselfish with his time , and was patient with everyone . He lived his life , kept the faith , cherished his friends , and carried his burdens ; but he never gave up , nor sought pity from anyone . While he may not be with us today , he is fondly remembered by the SJI community . May his spirit rest in peace .
This page ( top ): The new Founder ’ s Statue
This page ( bottom ): Dr Bernard Thio ( carrying his grandson ) with his family at the Founder ’ s statue