The Foreign Missions of Milan was founded in 1850. The order sent the first group of missionaries to Hong Kong in 1858 and this group arrived there on April 10. Therefore, on April 11 this year, the order celebrated the 150th anniversary of that first arrival at the bishop’s Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Hong Kong.<br/><br/>
Now called Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, the order has sent 207 missionaries to Hong Kong since 1858. Because the missionaries belong to the Diocese of Hong Kong upon their arrival, they and the diocesan priests work closely with one another and are like brothers.<br/><br/>
The first PIME missionary I knew was Fr. Carmelo Orlando. At that time, he was the pastor of St. Therea’s parish and it was he who invited me to take the catechism class. Just like that, my journey of faith began. Indeed, it was also Fr. Orlando who asked me to attend Holy Spirit Seminary.<br/><br/>
Another PIME missionary I want to mention is Fr. Dominic Bazzo. He was the rector of Holy Spirit Seminary when I was studying there. He was funny, open-minded, understanding and was well-liked by seminarians. Without his help, I would not have been able to move on to Regional Seminary of South-East China.<br/><br/>
As for mentors of my spiritual life, I must mention Fr. Philip Comissari. He introduced me to the Focolare Movement. He was truly a meek, humble and honest person.<br/><br/>
Needless to say, these three missionaries were indeed the “special people” in my vocation journey.