HONG KONG (SE): Salesian deacon, Reverend Anthony Pun Ming-chi, will be ordained a priest at St. Anthony’s Church, Pokfulam, at 3.00pm on July 4. The ceremony will be officiated by John Cardinal Tong Hon, the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Hong Kong.
Reverend Pun shared that his priestly vocation is a great blessing, as he believes that in spite of his numerous weaknesses, God has called him to the priesthood.
Inspired by St. John Bosco, he responded to his vocation with a strong sense of mission to journey with young people and to know what they think as they grow up. “My vocation is to become a disciple of God’s truth and mercy, telling everyone, especially young people, that God never abandons us and his love can create miracles. Please pray for me so that I can be more like Jesus,” he said.
Reverend Pun said that being ordained at this time of the year has a special meaning as Hong Kong is undergoing huge changes and is still threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
While every priest is a blessing to the Church and a sign of God’s presence and care for his people, Reverend Pun humbly admits that his personal strength is limited.
However, he leans on the power of God and quotes 2 Corinthians 4:7 which says: “But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” He believes we still have reasons for hope as God journeys with us.
Reverend Pun was born in Hong Kong. He studied at St. Anthony’s School where he learned about the faith. He was baptised at St. Anthony’s Church in 1999, later becoming an altar server and joining the parish youth group.
In 2004, he joined Savio House and later made his first vow in the Philippines in 2007, after completing his novitiate and years later, his permanent vow in Hong Kong in 2016.
Having finished a philosophy programme at the Holy Spirit Seminary College of Theology and Philosophy, Reverend Pun completed a graduate programme in social work and social administration at the University of Hong Kong and holds a recognised social work qualification.
During this time, he served with various communities such as the altar server group at the Salesian English School, the youth catechumen class at the Star of the Sea Church, Chai Wan, and the St. Augustine Youth Association.
From 2013 to 2015, he undertook social work training at the Aberdeen Technical School where he helped with the spiritual formation and the counselling programme of its boarding section.
In 2015, Reverend Pun was assigned to Rome to complete his language and theology training. He was ordained a transitional deacon in Rome in June last year. Upon returning to Hong Kong, Pun served at Aberdeen Technical School again and received his pastoral training at St. Jerome’s Church, Tin Shui Wai.
After his priestly ordination, Reverend Pun will celebrate his first Mass at St. Jerome’s Church, Tin Shui Wai, at 11.00am on July 5. He will also celebrate a thanksgiving Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10.00am on July 12.
