Tam Hue Ping

FATHER KELVIN CHRISTILIUS TAM was born in Trinidad and has lived in Cali, Colombia since the 1980s. He entered the priesthood in the 1950s after studying in Quebec, Canada and Dublin, Ireland. He served in a variety of locales, focusing on ministry to the poor and marginalized.

Father Tam’s love of all species began as a young boy growing up with many animals on his grandfather’s estate in Trinidad. One of his projects at a college in Nigeria was a collection of animals that eventually became a zoo with over two hundred exotic animals.

As a priest, he filled the roles of pastoral guide, educator, social worker, “parent,” advisor, and friend—all in the conviction of his faith, vocation, and love of others. As an educator, he inspired high achievement, excellence, and personal commitment in his students. As a student himself, he was an all-rounder who excelled academically, in many sporting activities, scouts, and almost anything that called for his service. Father Tam demonstrates a life truly blessed.