HONG KONG (SE): Reverend Francis Mahilum and Reverend Flavien Bouambe, both from the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM), were ordained priests during October and although they are confreres in Hong Kong their ceremonies were far apart.
 
Father Mahilum was ordained by Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung at St. Lawrence’s parish in Tsuen Wan on October 14.
 
Now 38-years-of-age, Father Mahilum, was born into a Catholic family in The Philippines and is the youngest of 11 children.
 
He joined the CICM in 2007 and was later sent to study philosophy at St. Louis University in Baguio City.
 
He then graduated to begin theology at the Maryhill School of Theology in Quezon City, graduating with a master’s degree and majoring in pastoral ministry in 2014.
 
Later that year on August 27 he arrived in Hong Kong. After spending two years studying Cantonese language, he was given a pastoral appointment at St. Lawrence’s parish in Kowloon.
 
Father Bouambe has also been in Hong Kong for some years, arriving in 2015, but he went home to Cameroon for his ordination, which took place on October 21.
 
Now 32-years-old, he joined the CICM in 2006, but after completing his philosophy and theology studies in his home country in 2014, he was assigned to mission work in Asia.
 
His first stop was The Philippines where he had the opportunity to brush up on his English and the following year he came to Hong Kong in May.
 
He was assigned assigned to St. Mary’s parish in Hung Hom, but will possibly have commitments at St. Jerome’s parish in Tin Shui Wai.