At the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, Claire Lai, daughter of jailed media mogul Jimmy Lai, conveyed her father’s profound devotion to his faith amidst adversity, highlighting how he believes his life now centers on God. The event, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, featured messages from prominent figures including Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump, as well as speeches from various leaders.
Claire Lai recounted her father’s journey and the steadfastness of his belief in Jesus Christ over the past six years. “In his words, ‘I should stop thinking about myself. My life is no longer about me, but God. Difficult, no doubt. I must try to get into the mindset of self-denial. This is the way to get to the presence of the Lord. God help me. If I have God, God alone is enough.’”
Claire shared her father’s escape from Communist China at age 12 to British Hong Kong, where he thrived and eventually learned about freedom in America. She noted how he felt guided by the Holy Spirit even before recognizing it. In 1997, the same year Hong Kong was returned to China, the Lai family embraced Catholicism amidst widespread uncertainty.
Jimmy Lai’s legal troubles began in 2020 when a strict national security law was enforced in Hong Kong. “One month after its enactment, my father was arrested, and later the same year, he was tried. He has been incarcerated and in solitary confinement ever since. Last month, my father was sentenced to 20 years in prison,” Claire explained.
Despite the harsh conditions of solitary confinement affecting his health, including poorly managed diabetes and heart issues, Claire expressed that her father’s faith remains unshaken. Although denied access to Eucharist and other sacraments, Jimmy Lai continues to find strength in uniting his suffering with Christ’s.
“Growing up, I was reminded by my parents that everything is grace. My father’s experience consistently reminds me that suffering is also grace. It helps us find the way to the foot of the cross on Calvary,” Claire reflected.
She remains hopeful for her father’s release, acknowledging the support they have received in the United States. “The president and his administration have an impressive, proven track record of freeing those wrongly detained around the world. It is our hope that, with God’s help, they will also succeed in freeing Jimmy Lai,” she concluded.
Jimmy Lai’s dedication was previously honored at the 2021 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast with the Christifideles Laici Award, recognizing his efforts to deepen awareness among the faithful within the Church’s mission.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
