August 20, 2024

The theme of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity has been a constant thread throughout the life of Fr. Joseph Tham, from his studies and practice as a medical doctor and bioethics researcher to his vocation as a Legionary priest and his passion for Chinese art and calligraphy. This summer, his artwork, which strives to connect traditional Chinese art and philosophy with Christian spirituality and the mystery of God’s revelation, was on exhibit in Toronto, Ontario from July 20^th – August 3^rd. The event was hosted by Fountain of Love and Life (FLL), a Chinese Catholic lay apostolate established in 2005 in Toronto, Canada, with the primary mission of spreading the Good News of the Gospel to the global Chinese community through faith formation, missionary discipleship training, and media evangelization.

The exhibit, entitled “Art for God: Artworks and Spiritual Reflections,” was held at the Fountain of Love and Life Evangelization Centre, and began on July 20^th with an opening ceremony, children’s calligraphy activity, and a live demonstration and guided tour with Fr. Joseph. On the opening day of the exhibit, Fr. Joseph also hosted two hour-long calligraphy workshops in the afternoon. In the first workshop, participants were invited to reflect on the word for ‘God,’ which in Chinese is similar to the word ‘lightning,’ and explore this word and its shape as a symbol of God’s power and connection between heaven and earth. The second workshop focused on the Chinese word ‘Dao,’ which means “way or truth” and looks like a man on a cross in ancient script, leading participants to explore how this word relates to their own relationship with Christ who says he is “the way, the truth and the life.” And for Fr. Joseph, calligraphy, which is considered the highest form of Chinese art, lends itself effortlessly to prayer. “Calligraphy is writing the word, and as Christians, we know that the Word became flesh. So the Chinese rendering of the word through calligraphy can help us reflect on how God manifests himself through the Word.” The event also included a charity auction, with proceeds going towards Fountain of Love and Life and Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome.

Fr. Joseph grew up in Hong Kong before emigrating to Canada with his family when he was 15 years old. He pursued a medical degree from the University of Toronto, and as a medical student, he went on several missions to Tanzania, Africa, intending ultimately to become a medical missionary. After working as a family physician for four years, however, Fr. Joseph continued to feel that he was being called to something more, called to bring not just physical healing, but spiritual healing, to the sick and suffering he encountered. In 1994, Fr. Joseph made a pivotal visit to the Legionary seminary in Cheshire Connecticut, and made the decision to close his practice and become a priest. Fr. Joseph was ordained a Legionary priest in 2004, and in 2007 obtained his PhD in bioethics from the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome, where he served as the Dean of the School of Bioethics. Today, Fr. Joseph continues to teach, write, and conduct research in the field of bioethics, and is also a Research Scholar of the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights, having recently presented on the topic of governance of reproductive technologies at a conference at the Centre for Medical Ethics and Law at The University of Hong Kong. He has been serving the Regnum Christi section in Hong Kong for over two years.

Fr. Joseph began his training in the Chinese arts at the age of 12 and, among his many responsibilities as a priest and academic, he has continued to make time to create art, particularly Chinese calligraphy, seals, and watercolor brush paintings. Through his artwork, he continues to explore the theme that has inspired him throughout his life as a medical doctor, bioethics researcher, and priest: the harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity.

One of Fr. Joseph’s art installations featured at the recent exhibition in Toronto is entitled “Scrolls of Revelation”: consisting of two rolled scrolls, this piece explores the juxtaposition of the hiddenness of Christ and the revelation of his message:

“Chinese art is traditionally stored scrolled up, without display or framing – there is such a high appreciation of calligraphy and painting that they are not meant for exhibition and decoration. Instead, they are humbly hidden away, only shared by connoisseurs or literary friends who visit and who might even add some poetry or comments to the piece. This idea of the unfolding of Beauty resonates with the Christian message of revelation. God’s presence is often missed. He hides himself, so we yearn and seek him. The Word became Flesh, and dwelt among us – yet most of humanity missed this important event. Unrolling a scroll and revealing a veiled but vital message is exhilarating. What lies hidden within the parchment? What beauty awaits discovery?”

Fr. Joseph’s artwork has been exhibited internationally in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Malaysia, and Hong Kong and Macau. Recently, his work was shown in Rome at a private event for Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University, and a catalog of those pieces, each accompanied by personal reflections by Fr. Joseph, are available to view here. All paintings, calligraphy, and seals in the exhibit was generously donated by Fr. Joseph and proceeds from their sale of the artwork go to the Regina Apostolorum.

You can read more about Fr. Joseph Tham’s art apostolate, and his book, entitled Art for God, Artworks and Spiritual Reflections, which is written in both English and Chinese here, or order the book here. Read more about the small but dedicated Regnum Christi section in Hong Kong here.