 Pampuri joined the Hospitallers of Saint John of God in Milan on 22 June 1927 so as to follow evangelical holiness in a closer manner and at the same time to be able to continue his medical profession so as to alleviate the suffering of his fellow neighbours.He had hoped to become a Jesuit but rethought it and decided against it.He entered the novitiate at Brescia and at that time was given the religious habit of the order and the religious name of "Riccardo".