Hong Kong, 7 July 2020 -- Last Saturday, July 4, Deacon Anthony Pun Ming Chi was ordained priest in St Anthony’s Church, where he had been baptized, confirmed and served as an altar boy during his childhood and youthful years.
Father Anthony was born in Hong Kong. In 2007, he made his first religious profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco in Cebu, Philippines. Then, in 2016, he made his perpetual vows in Hong Kong. He studied philosophy in the Holy Spirit Seminary College, Hong Kong and did his Theology at the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome.
His Eminence John Cardinal Tong Hon, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, presided at the Ordination Mass. Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze Kiun – Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, and Fr Joseph Ng Chi Yuen – Provincial of the Salesian of China Province concelebrated this solemn liturgy, together with 27 Salesian, religious and diocesan priests.
Father Joseph Ng recommended Deacon Anthony to be admitted to the priestly order, followed by the instructional homily of Cardinal John Tong on the continuity of the work of Christ – teacher, priest and shepherd in the ministerial priesthood. Priests are first among the collaborators of bishop, joining him in the task of exercising the priestly office to serve the People of God. Cardinal John Tong, together with the concelebrating bishop and priests, laid his hands and prayed for the priest elect before anointing the latter’s hands. Afterwards, the newly ordained priest put on new stole and chasuble assisted by Mrs. Pun, his mother and by his Rector, Fr. Simon Lam.
After Communion, two youth representatives shared their impression of Father Anthony and expectations to Salesians of today. They hoped that Father Anthony as well as other Salesians live the charism of Saint John Bosco by accompanying the youth and being at the service of the society especially the challenging time they are now facing.
In his words of gratitude, Fr Anthony deeply appreciated Cardinal John Tong's presiding at the liturgy and all his confreres who supported and guided him during the period of initial formation especially in the communities that he has been assigned to. Last but not least, he expressed his gratitude to his parents and sister, who made great sacrifices during his journey to priesthood. Father Anthony thanked them for their support and prayers. He promised that in the difficult times in Hong Kong, he will try his best to make Jesus visible to all the faithful.
The next day, Fr. Anthony Pun celebrated his first Mass in St. Jerome’s Church, Tin Shui Wai, where he had served as a deacon for a year with the presence of Fr Provincial and Fr Lee Chi Yuen, the Parish priest of the church.
