Our Venerated Founder provided for some 22 departures during his lifetime, from the first departure in 1899 until the last a few months before his death in 1931. At each of these departure ceremonies, which comprised the imposition of the crucifix and the final farewell, he chose to speak that he might express his last sentiments of paternal affection toward his sons, whom he was sending to the Missions of China to extend the Kingdom of Christ.
