Don’t thank me, thank God

Mar 07, 2025

On February 19, the Diocese of Malacca Johore mourned the loss of 84-year-old Fr Benedict Yee Yat Chong, who passed away after suffering a stroke. Just days before his sudden decline, he had celebrated Mass at St Francis Chapel, Graceville, on Feb 7, continuing his lifelong dedication to the priesthood.

When Fr Ben (as he was fondly known) was appointed Chief Exorcist for the Malacca Johore Diocese and head of the diocese’s Deliverance and Exorcism Office Ministry by Bishop Bernard Paul on April 1, 2019, he defied the typical image people had of an exorcist. Many envisioned a tall, imposing figure with a deep voice and commanding presence.

But when they met him, they were surprised to find a petite, unexpectedly endearing man. With a warm smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a calming presence, he immediately put people at ease. There was no aura of fear or foreboding about him. Instead, Fr Ben was a man who loved to laugh, enjoyed good food, and, above all, had a deep passion for leading others back to Jesus.

Many expected an exorcist to be intense and serious, weighed down by the gravity of confronting evil. But Fr Ben approached his mission with a lightness that came from deep faith, not ignorance. He fully understood the reality of spiritual warfare, yet he never allowed it to overshadow the greater truth of God’s power and love.

Fr Ben had a unique gift of making even the most serious matters feel both light and profound. Whether casting out spirits or simply sharing a meal, his message remained constant: Keep your eyes on Jesus — that’s all that truly matters. He often reminded others that fear had no place when you truly knew who was in control.

Despite his pivotal role in the deliverance ministry, Fr Ben never sought attention for himself. He never made exorcisms about power, mysticism, or spectacle; for him, it was always about drawing people closer to God. The true victory, in his eyes, was not in casting out demons but in helping individuals rediscover their faith. Fr Ben believed that spiritual oppression was best overcome not only through prayers of deliverance but through a life fully surrendered to Christ. His humility shone through in everything he did. Fr Ben never acted as though he possessed some special power; instead, he saw himself as a humble instrument — a servant guiding others back to Jesus. When people thanked him, he would always respond with a gentle smile, saying, “Don’t thank me, thank God.”

Even in the darkest moments, Fr Ben found joy, trusting that light would always triumph. His laughter was contagious, and his joy unshakeable. He cherished simple pleasures — good food, good company, and sharing the love of Christ. He saw God’s presence in the everyday: in a shared meal, a warm conversation, or a heartfelt prayer.

And perhaps that’s what made him so unforgettable: his humility, his laughter, his love for good food — each of these was a reflection of his greatest love, Jesus Christ. His life served as a powerful reminder that faith should not be burdened by fear but uplifted by joy, and that, in the end, God’s love will always triumph over darkness.



Bishop Bernard, during the funeral Mass on Feb 21, spoke with deep reverence about Fr Ben’s remarkable 54 years of service. “He was a devoted priest, teacher, and shepherd,” Bishop Bernard reflected.

“Fr Benedict gave so much of himself, touching countless souls and serving God with unwavering commitment. He was a good and faithful servant until the very end. Over the years, he had faced many ‘near-death experiences,’ always emerging stronger. But this time, the Lord he loved called him home, saying, ‘Cukup! Time to come home.’ And so, one chapter of his life closes, and he enters into the eternal embrace of God. It is time for Fr Benedict Yee to go home to the Lord."

He dedicated his life to serving God and His people
Born on September 1, 1940, Fr Benedict Yee was the fifth of eleven children and received his early education at the Catholic High School in Singapore.

Answering the call to the priesthood, Fr Ben pursued seminary formation and was ordained a priest on February 23, 1971. He began his ministry during a time of significant change in the Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council. His first pastoral assignment was as Assistant Priest at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Johor Bahru, where he served from 1971 to 1975. During this time, Fr Ben was particularly dedicated to pastoral outreach among the Chinesespeaking faithful.



In 1975, he was appointed to the Church of St Mary in Ayer Salak, Melaka, where he took on the responsibilities of parish administration and pastoral work. The following year, he was granted study leave by the then bishop of Malacca Johore diocese, Bishop James Chan to pursue further studies at Fordham University, USA. Specialising in Religion and Religious Education (Adult Education), Fr. Ben returned to Malaysia in 1977 with new ideas and approaches to catechetics and pastoral ministry.

In 1978, Fr Ben became the Director of the Diocesan Formation House in Plentong, where he mentored seminarians and nurtured future vocations. His ministry faced a serious setback in 1980 when he was involved in a life-threatening motor accident, requiring extensive sick leave and rehabilitation. However, his faith and perseverance saw him return to active ministry, continuing to serve with devotion.

Fluent in English, Mandarin, Teochew, and Cantonese, Fr Ben was known for his remarkable pastoral versatility, particularly in his ministry to Chinese-speaking Catholics. He played a crucial role in their religious education, overseeing the production of catechetical materials and leading Life in the Spirit Seminars (LSS) and retreats.

Fr Ben’s steadfast faith and dedication to his calling were evident throughout his life. Despite personal challenges, he remained a steadfast servant of God, dedicating his life to the Church and its mission. His legacy of faith, love, and commitment to service will be remembered by all who knew him.