Father Franco Mella: a life assisting those in need

Father Franco Mella on June 1st  received the award of the order of  merit of the Italian Republic (Cavaliere dell'ordine al merito della Repubblica italiana). 

This is an important tribute in honor of Father Mella, who founded schools and dedicated his life to the poor, assisting those  in need, living on boats close to them and working in factories with them.

Born in Milan 70 years ago, when he was 18 shifted to the Pime (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions), and arrived in Hong Kong in 1974 at 26.  

In 1991, he moved to China and lived there for 20 years, at first in the south and later in the central regions, working as an English teacher and a volunteer. Back to Hong Kong In 2011, he has  been very involved visiting people in prison and setting up a school for refugees.

Passionate of music since he was a child, in his songs combines social commitment and Christian fait.  Since the beginning of his mission, Father Mella has always fought for justice, putting himself at the side of the poor and marginalized. 

And he has always fought for human rights, democracy and the abolition of the death penalty. He actively participated in the recent «Umbrella Revolution» in 2014.