Father Emery Tang, OFM

Friar Emery, surely one of the best known and esteemed friars in the Province, claimed Phoenix, AZ, as his home.  He was born in the heat of summer on August 9, 1927.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tang Shing, were prominent Phoenicians and parishioners at St. Mary’s church (basilica).

After his elementary education at the parochial grammar school, he entered St. Anthony’s Seminary (1940-1945) and, as was the custom, entered the novitiate at San Miguel with investiture on June 10, 1945. Following his college education at San Luis Rey College, he professed final vows there on June 11, 1949.  Francis Cardinal McIntyre ordained his class at Mission Santa Barbara on June 8, 1952.

Friar Emery basically had three apostolates. From the beginning he was both teacher and principal at St. Elizabeth’s High School, Oakland (1953-1961) and principal at St. Mary’s High School, Stockton, CA, and (1961-1964). He then became assistant director for the Hour of St. Francis, collaborating with another poetic friar, Hugh Noonan, in writing the quite popular  Listen , The Clams are Talking, which mirrored not only his imaginative writing skills but his superb photography.  He later authored two books: China Connection and Food for the Journey. His greeting cards for all occasions are still in demand and reflect his eye for the “sacred ordinary.”

It was in 1972 that he became a retreat master at Serra Retreat and his reputation as a speaker and retreat master spread rapidly while, in the meantime, he tended his beloved flower beds. During this time he served a term as definitor and was also the local minister. After a short sabbatical in 1984, he returned as Serra’s director and built the stunning chapel there. In 1994 he took up residence at Sts. Simon and Jude, Huntington Beach, CA.

Wherever Emery went to speak or to conduct retreats, people would flock to absorb his inspiring words delivered with simplicity and humility.  In “retirement” he continued his preaching ministry in the parish and elsewhere even though his health became precarious.

Emery died quietly on June 8, 2009, in his room at Sts. Simon and Jude: 81 years old, 62 years professed and 57 years ordained. Because the church was still being remodeled, the Mass of the Resurrection was offered at nearby St. Bonaventure church. Fr. Mel Jurisich, former Provincial, was the homilist. A memorial Mass took place at St. Elizabeth’s, Oakland.  Private inurnment was in the Columbarium at Mission Santa Barbara.

WJR