This is a photograph of Frs. Ford and Ahern at Kaying [now Meixien]. Fr. Ahern holds a hat and is on the left. Monsignor Ford is on the right and holds a book in his hands. Both are standing ouside in a garden. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bishop Ford was the first student to enter the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 5, 1917 and the following year he accompanied Fathers Price, Meyer and James E. Walsh to China. They began working in Yeungkong and the Kongmoon territory of South China. In 1925, Fr. Ford was assigned to the Kaying diocese. Ten years later, in 1935, Bishop James Anthony Walsh, founder of Maryknoll, consecrated Msgr. Francis Ford as the first Bishop of Kaying. He remained in China throughout World War II. In 1950 Bishop Ford was placed under arrest with his secretary Sr. Joan Marie, MM, placed on trial and sentenced to prison. After a year in prison, Bishop Ford died on February 21, 1952. Sr. Joan Marie confirmed his death when she was released the following September. -- Born in Illinois, Fr. Ahern graduated from DePaul University and entered Maryknoll in 1923. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 17, 1928 and was assigned to Kaying in South China. He worked among the youth in Kaying City. Illness made it necessary to transfer to Honolulu and Los Angeles. In 1948 he was re-assigned to the orient as assistant to the Procurator in Stanley, Hong Kong. He remained there for the next twelve years. Many missioners remember his kindness, especially for providing an opportunity to view American films overseas. He worked with young people and helped a number of refugees finding employment and educational opportunities. He was instrumental in aiding refugees to migrate to Borneo and Indonesia where they were able to find jobs and provide for their families.
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