Focus Taiwan
Date: 2017/07/06
By: Worthy Shen and Christie Chen

Taipei, July 6 (CNA) Father Gian Carlo Michelini (秘克琳) from Italy was presented with Taiwanese citizenship on Thursday, a day before his 82nd birthday, in recognition of his decades of contribution to Taiwan, with the priest calling his new status the best gift he could ask for.

“This is the best birthday gift. I want to do many more things for Taiwan!” Michelini said at a ceremony in Yilan County, where he was awarded the Taiwan citizenship card and household registry.

Best known for being the founder of the renowned Taiwanese children’s folk dance troupe, the Lan Yang Dancers, Michelini said he had waited for a long time for this moment and had never dreamed that he would be able to receive the citizenship.

Michelini is the first foreign national to be naturalized as a Taiwanese citizen due to his contributions in the field of art and culture.    [FULL  STORY]