Dignitaries, relatives and members of the public gathered on Saturday to pay their final respects to the late Reverend Derek Li Shing-lam, whose son Mo Li Kai-yin – the Hong Kong dancer left paralysed after an accident at a 2022 concert – delivered a heartfelt video tribute thanking his father for his “unconditional love”.
For nearly four years, Reverend Li, a former Christian Ministry Institute president, had been a tireless advocate for his son, issuing prayer letters to update supporters on Mo’s condition and progress.
The elder Li, 71, died in April, a month after disclosing on his social media that he was receiving treatment for an illness related to a cardiovascular problem.
Mo has spent nearly four years undergoing intensive rehabilitation after being hit by a falling four-by-four-metre overhead video screen during a performance by popular boy band Mirror.
On Saturday, Mo was absent from the funeral service because of his ongoing hospital treatment. A pre-recorded video message reflecting on his father’s life was played during the service, in which Mo thanked him for his selfless sacrifice that allowed him to “deeply understand what unconditional love truly means”.
“I have known you for 31½ years. Only recently have I truly understood that the name ‘Shing-lam’ is the most beautiful name in the world to me, and it is also a reflection of your life,” he said.
Shing Lam translates to “lush forest” in Chinese.
Mo added: “You … could see through my vulnerability better than anyone else. You sheltered us from the wind and rain with your dense branches and leaves, becoming our most secure place to rest and forget our worries.
“From childhood to adulthood, I have grown up carefree under the protection of this forest.”
The message was also posted on social media after the funeral service.
Mo added: “The ‘add oil’ [encouragements] you said to me every day, and the prayers you repeated for me every night … still echo in my ears and warm my heart.
“Dad, I love you. I hope that on the day we reunite in heaven, I can stand and give you a hug.”
Saturday’s service was held at St Andrew’s Church in Tsim Sha Tsui and was officiated by the Most Reverend Andrew Chan Au-ming, the archbishop and primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui.
Among the attendees were Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, legislator Reverend Canon Peter Douglas Koon, and popular playwright Candace Chong.
The elder Li’s dedication over the past years had left a profound impression on many in Hong Kong.
More than 100 members of the public filled a designated live-streaming area set up for mourners to pay their tributes to Reverend Li. Tribute videos recounting his life and ministry were also shown.
Wreaths were sent by various organisations, including one from MakerVille, the organisers of the Mirror concerts in 2022.