Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On October 24, 2023, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, appointed Rev. Michael Cheng Chai Pui of the clergy of Christchurch, as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of New Zealand for a five-year period.
Born in Khota Bharu, Malaysia, on October 16, 1962, the new director of the New Zealand PMS was ordained a priest on July 21, 2000 for the diocese of Christchurch.
He holds a Baccalaureate in Engineering (Mech) (Hons) – from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch and another Baccalaureate from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. He was a professor at Good Shepherd College, Chaplain and member of the Justice and Peace Commission. From 2000 to 2001 he served as diocesan supply and informal Assistant priest at the “Our Lady of Fatima” in Mairehau. He was then assistant parish priest at St Patrick's Greymouth (2001-2003). From 2004 to 2007 he was parish priest (in solidum) of St. Patrick's, Failie St. Joseph's, Albury-Pleasant Point, Tekapo, Twizel and Cave; between 2008 and 2011 parish priest of St. Patrick's in Kaiapoi and from 2012 to 2019 parish priest at Our Lady of Victories in Sockburn, Christchurch.
Finally, since 2020 he has held the role of parish priest (in solidum) of Good Shepherd, Hurunui (incorporating Amberley, Hawarden, Culverden, Hanmer Springs, Chevoit and Waiau). (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 22/12/2023)
