Rev. Msgr. Joseph Chen, D.P.

Born on February 17, 1922, in Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China, Msgr. Joseph Chen was ordained a priest on April 21, 1953, and earned his licensure in Canon Law from the University of Santo Tomas in 1955.

Three years after arriving in Naga, he became the Prefect of Studies at Asian Cultural High School, a non-sectarian institution. Seeking a deeper purpose, he envisioned establishing a Chinese Catholic school in the city. With the financial and moral support of his bishop, Most Rev. Philip Côté, D.D., Saint Joseph School opened its doors to 159 students on June 13, 1960.

Msgr. Chen served as the school’s first director for two decades. In 1966, following Fr. Ma’s departure as principal, he took on the dual role of Director-Principal for 10 years, overseeing administrative responsibilities while also teaching Chinese.

A visionary leader, he guided Saint Joseph School to excellence, shaping it into a distinguished Chinese-Filipino Catholic institution. On September 8, 2003, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birthday, he returned to his Creator at the age of 81, having served as a missionary priest for 50 years.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Limingchin

Born on September 21, 1927, in Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China, Fr. Li was ordained a priest on March 19, 1958. After his ordination, he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at the University of Santo Tomas. Shortly after serving at Pei Ching School in Tabaco, Albay, he was appointed by his bishop to assist Msgr. Chen, Fr. Ly, and Fr. Chin in establishing Saint Joseph School.

From 1960 until his retirement in 2003, he held various leadership roles, including Prefect of Discipline, Prefect of General Affairs, and School Director.

A dedicated educator and artist at heart, Fr. Li taught Chinese for 43 years. His passion for the performing arts was evident in his meticulously choreographed dances for the Double 10 celebrations and School Foundation Anniversary.

On March 16, 2010, he peacefully returned to his Creator. He was 83 years old, having served as a missionary priest for 52 years.

Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Chin

Born on April 19, 1930, in Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China, Fr. Chin was ordained a priest on March 19, 1958, as part of the last ordination of seminarians at St. Joseph Regional Seminary in Mandaluyong, Rizal. In obedience to Bishop Philip Côté, he joined Msgr. Chen and Fr. Ly as teachers at Asian Cultural High School. Recognizing the need for a Chinese Catholic school to nurture the faith among the youth, he played a key role in the founding of Saint Joseph School.

Under God’s providence and Fr. Chin’s expertise, the school’s first building was completed on February 7, 1960. He later oversaw all major constructions on the expanding campus, including his final and most significant project, the Bishop Philip Côté Building—fondly known as “The Castle”—before his retirement.

Throughout his years of service, Fr. Chin held various leadership positions, including Prefect of General Affairs, School Treasurer, Principal, and School Director. Among the founding priests, he was the last to serve as School Director from 1990 to 2000.

On November 12, 2017, “Lolo Padi” (Grandpa Priest) returned to his Creator. He was 87 years old, having served as a missionary priest for 57 years.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Ly

Born on September 20, 1920, in Yongnian, Hebei, China, Fr. Ly was ordained a priest on June 8, 1952. His priestly vocation led him to serve as an Assistant Parish Priest in Manila and later as an acting Chinese Parish Priest in Zamboanga.

In 1958, Fr. Ly, alongside Msgr. Chen, volunteered to teach Chinese subjects at Asian Cultural High School in Naga City. When Saint Joseph School began operations in 1960, he was appointed Prefect of Studies and a Chinese teacher. He also briefly served as the School Director.

On May 5, 2004, eight months after Msgr. Chen’s passing, Fr. Ly returned to his Creator. He was 84 years old and had served as a missionary priest for 52 years.

Rev. Fr. Didacus Ma

Born on August 20, 1925, in Kiangsu, China, Fr. Ma was ordained a priest on June 8, 1952. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Santo Tomas and served as the first principal of Saint Joseph School.

In 1966, he left for the United States, where he dedicated 39 years of service to the Archdiocese of San Francisco. On February 22, 2005, he returned to his Creator at the age of 80, having served as a priest for 53 years.

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Kung

Born on December 2, 1925, in Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China, Msgr. Kung was ordained a priest on June 8, 1952. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree from the University of Santo Tomas.

When Saint Joseph School was established in 1960, he was appointed School Treasurer and served as a Faculty Member of the Chinese Department. After 19 years of dedicated service, he left Saint Joseph School and became a resident priest at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Zamboanga City.

On February 23, 2019, Msgr. Kung returned to his Creator. He was 93 years old and had served as a priest for 66 years.