‘That’s not nice’ - Father Ho Lung not amused by possible reference in Aidonia song

Popular Roman Catholic priest Father Richard Ho Lung is not over the moon about what some feel is a reference to his name in Aidonia's new single Pit a Pat.

In the song, Aidonia says " Round one, long love boost di gold one, she seh fada how long?" alluding to his stamina during sexual intercourse. It is unclear whether the single, which was released on Sunday is an actual play on the priest's name. When THE STAR asked Ho Lung about the lyric, he initially replied: "Aah that's not nice. Don't you agree?" However, he said he stays away from such topics.

"Oh gosh, well, matters like dat I stay away from because I respect the body and I respect sex as an act of love and I prefer not to play on matters like that. I say God bless everyone and these things and talents that the Lord has given unto us, we use them with respect... . So [the possible referencing] I wouldn't be in favour of that, but I'll let that be and say God bless you," said Ho Lung.

When asked if he would be more accepting of his name is referenced in the secular dancehall space in a different context, he said "While I understand creativity that's not [my understanding of] secular... I'm afraid of vulgarity and I'm against vulgarity".

Ho Lung, who is the founder of Missionaries of the Poor, has been raising funds from his charitable events and theatre productions for years. And he said his recent production, Jesus 2025, has been doing "well" following its opening at the National Arena last week.

"It's a dramatic presentation of the life of Christ - a major size production. It showcased the teaching of Christ, which is what led me to be working with the homeless and destitute. It focuses on His call on all of us to love the poor as stated in His word - to show God's love to the poorest of people which is my purpose in life," he said.

Proceeds from the stage production are aimed at directly supporting the society's most vulnerable. Last Sunday's showing was attended by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet, which Ho Lung said added "a new level of inspiration to the attendees and others who wished to come to the show".

"I invited him [Holness] to the show, after he visited our home (missionary centre) and was deeply moved, and his wife who was very beautiful came as well and she did a dance - it was lovely," he chuckled. "She welcomed the people, all kind of people came and they were very interactive with the audience that was there. So there's definitely an impact that was left with them embracing this aspect of the culture." He also noted that Opposition Leader Mark Golding will be in attendance this Sunday.

With the National Arena being able to accommodate up to 4,000 people, Ho Lung shared his gratitude towards what he described as a "massive turnout" for each staging. With special shows being specifically offered to schools, he said the children are coming out and they love contributing to the poor. Moreover they love the theatrical production, with the incorporation of music and drama that makes the storyline more appealing.

"It includes reggae, mento, calypso and jazz [because] if you're a Jamaican or even just grow up in Jamaica, the sounds are a part of your very soul and this is what I do. I just allow myself to be what I am and [what I am] called to do because even though I'm a priest, I'm still a person," he said.

"It connects with the people of our time, while at the same time being ancient; it's very modern and current. We've performed these shows [internationally] and just by hearing the music, people connect with it and that shows that Jamaica is a place with a beautiful culture," he added.