SHC To Celebrate Its 25th Dedication Anniversary With A Programme Of Activities
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- The Sacred Heart Cathedral will celebrate its 25th dedication anniversary Nov 26 with a programme of activities.
In his message to mark the occasion, Bishop John Lee wrote: "1981 was the year when our diocese organised a yearlong centenary celebration of the arrival of the Good News. The cathedral had just been completed and it was appropriate to have it dedicated and blessed in the centenary year."
On this occasion, he continued, while we thank God for a cathedral that "symbolises our faith and unity as Catholics," it is "timely to look at the condition of the 'living stones of God's baptised people' who form the parish community of Sacred Heart."
He said the issues that need to be looked into are pastoral issues pertaining to families, youth, inter and intra group relations, faith formation, witnessing in the larger society that would need the "attention of each and every parishioner."
According to Parish Pastoral Council Chairman Damian Lee, the silver jubilee celebration is not so much a "triumphant or proud show of our achievements for the past 25 years but more of an act of thanksgiving and honour to God for his special gift of faith and perseverance."
To prepare for this event, the chairman said a "three-day programme of prayers, reflection and recollection is being organised from Nov 22-24 starting at 7:30 pm for all Sacred Heart Cathedral, CMI and St Simon parishioners."
The climax of the celebration, he said, will be the parish family Eucharist to be concelebrated by Bishop John Lee, the rector and his assistants on Nov 26, feast of Christ the King at 9:00 am.
He stressed that the pastoral council together with the rector, the assistant rectors, religious and all group leaders have consensually identified the three top pastoral priorities in line with the DOPP for the parish to focus and address in the next two years during their Aug 30-Sept 2 Discernment Weekend.
These are, he said, the family issues such as the negative impact of ICT on teens, parenting and marriage issues; Catholic faith formation and evangelisation and outreach to the non-involved or non-participative general parishioners estimated at 80 percent of the parish population.
The chairman said plans and programmes are afoot to "take advantage" of all existing talents, gifts, charisms and available resources of the parish and groups so that "all our pastoral energies would be directed and aligned toward these priorities."
At the same time the chairman lamented the dearth of priestly vocations from the parish during the 25 years.
"...Our parish has only produced one priest in the person of Fr Joseph Fung on 12 Dec1986 since the dedication of the cathedral one generation ago. Presently there is only one seminarian from our parish studying in St Peter's College in Kuching and one Initiation Year student in Kota Kinabalu," he said.
Part of the reachout to the 80 percent non-involved or non-participative parishioners will be the organisation of a jubilee exhibition from Nov 25-Dec 3 at the parish centre, exhibiting all parish language groups/communities and their pastoral activities, the chairman continued.
Aside from that, he added, will be the compilation of a full list of all the parish pastoral groups/communities and leaders in a souvenir magazine to be distributed before and after the jubilee Eucharist.
The cathedral was dedicated on 21 Nov 1981, feast of Christ the King, at the closing of the Centenary Year by Bishop Simon Fung in the presence of Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila, Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Renato Martino, the arch/bishops and priests of the region and several Mill Hill priests who were expelled in the early 1970s.
Some 3,000 faithful took part in the two-and- half-hour ceremony, including Cabinet Minister Datuk James Ongkili, Resource Development Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan and representatives of other Christian and non-Christian groups.
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Highlights Of Sacred Heart Cathedral From 1981 To 2006
1981
Aug 05: Visit of Cardinal Agnelo Rossi, Prefect, Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples with Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Renato Martino to the construction site; unveils the commemorative plaque
Sept 08: Prayer Group Member Alexia Kunjan takes first vows as Carmelite Sister Margaret Mary of the Good Shepherd
Nov 21: Dedication of the new cathedral building by Bishop Simon Fung in the presence of Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila
1982
May 15: Formation of 4th KK Company Boys' Brigade
May 17-22: Redemptorist Preached Mission
May 21: La Salle Secondary School's silver jubilee Mass
June 20: Parishioners Stanley Augustine, Tan Sri Ben Stephens, Francis Lee and Bernadette Majingkil receive papal award "Bene Merenti" medals from Bishop Fung
July 22-24: 11th PAX Assembly held at the parish hall and starts with a day of spiritual renewal
Sept 07: Introduction of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
1983
Feb 20: First Rite of Election (third period in the RCIA process) for 61 catechumens conducted by Bishop Fung, assisted by Msgr Chi.
Apr 02: Easter Vigil - 61 catechumens receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) by immersion
June 18: Formation of the Committee for the Pastoral Care of the Aged, Sick and Needy (Chinese Unit). TheEnglish Unit would begin theirs on 15 June 1997.
July 02: Prayer Group Member Anna Yap joined the Daughters of St Paul Philippines
July 10-12: 12th PAX Assembly held at the parish hall
July 31: Establishment of the Light of Jesus Christ Covenant Community (LJCCC)
Aug 28: Farewell gathering for Fr Chi (who will leave for further studies in Rome) and welcome reception for Fr John Lee (who has returned from Rome and appointed Vicar General and Rector)
Aug 30: Funeral Mass for Fr Peter de Wit, 69, who was murdered in Kudat Aug 28)
Sept 13: Formation of the St Joseph Benevolent Fund
Nov 14-20: 1st statewide charismatic conference held at the parish hall
Nov 26: Final professions of Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) Srs Grace Deosing, Justina Gukar, Laura Dusalam; First Professions of Novices Rosario Joseph, Dolores Siganul, Hilary Laudi and Lawrencia Gampok; and Vestition of Postulants Margaret Shak and Clarice Jomitin
Dec 15: Formation of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
1984
Jan 02: St Francis and Shan Tao Kindergartens start operations within the parish compound
Mar 18: Official launching of St Joseph Benevolent Fund (SJBF)
Apr 08-10: Youth Council organises youth camp at Kiansom which attracted only 18 participants
June 06: Telematch organised by Youth Council at car park
June 24: Canonical establishment of SFO
June 29: Sunday School Pioneer Agnes Wong takes first vows as a Daughter of St Paul in Pasay City Philippines
June 29-July 01: 13th PAX Assembly at the parish hall
Sept 03: Death of parishioner Stanley Augustine
Nov 14: Blessing of St Simon's Chapel, Likas
1985
Jan 02: Establishment of Maktab Nasional on former Catholic Seminary premises
Feb 15: Diaconate ordinations of Seminarians David Sham of Kinarut and Peter Abas of Penampang
Apr 15: PC Chairman Tan Sri Ben Stephens elected president of the Malaysian Senate
May 26: 8th AGM of parish delegates - Francis Chong substituted as PC Chairman for Ben Stephens
June 20-22: 14th PAX Assembly at the parish hall
July 15: Bishop Fung diagnosed with stomach cancer in Singapore
Oct 02: Bishop Fung leaves for treatment in Australia
Nov 16: Death of Bishop Fung in Australia
Nov 22: Funeral Mass for Bishop Fung; Msgr John Lee elected Diocesan Administrator
Nov 24: Priestly ordination of Deacon David Sham by Archbishop Soter Fernandez of Kuala Lumpur
Dec 08: FSICs celebrate their 50th foundation anniversary
1986
May 25: Francis Chong re-elected as PC chairman
July 28: Visit of eight Germans (ecumenical group) from Heilbronn Germany
Aug 10: Formation of the 1st Neocatechumenal community made up entirely of catechumens who have agreed to take three years before baptism
Aug 17: Fr Augustine Amandus assigned as assistant rector; 72 LJCCC members take full covenant with the Lord, witnessed by Msgr Lee, Fr Chi and Ray Steward of Brisbane, Australia
Oct 08: Formation of the Filipino community
Nov 09: Blessing of the marian grotto by Msgr Lee
Dec 12: Priestly ordination of Jesuit Deacon Joseph Fung of Likas by Archbishop Peter Chung of Kuching
1987
Feb 22: Formation of the BM and Chinese Pastoral Units of LJCCC
Apr 13: Bishop Fung's remains transferred to a new grave in front of the chapel (next to Fr Weber's memorial)
Apr 21: Appointment of Msgr John Lee as Bishop published in L'Osservatore Romano
June 07: Opening Mass for the Marian Year
June 15: Fr Thomas Sham appointed as rector
June 26: Episcopal ordination and installation of Msgr Lee as Bishop of KK Diocese, Fr Cornelius Piong appointed as vicar general
June 29: Novice Anna Yap takes first vows as Daughter of St Paul in Pasay City Philippines
July 01: Fr Joseph Gapitang appointed as assistant rector
Oct 03: Silver jubilee celebration of Sr Cecilia Liew fsic
Dec 01: Msgr Cornelius Piong appointed as rector
1988
Jan 02: Establishment of SRS Datuk Simon Fung on Likas Expo site with Desmond Mak Goon Wah as principal.
Feb 24: Ecumenical prayer service for pastors/church leaders' conference to be held May 1-5, organised by the Sabah Council of Churches
Mar 16: National Day of Prayer for Peace in Malaysia Mass
June 05: 11th Delegates Assembly - Francis Chong retains PC chairmanship
June 26: 1st episcopal ordination anniversary celebration of Bishop Lee
Oct 05: Arrival of the Religious of the Good Shepherd (Good Shepherd Sisters [RGS]) from Peninsular Malaysia
Aug 14: Closing Eucharist of the Marian Year
Sept 26: Formation of the Kadazan Pastoral Unit of LJCCC
Oct 15: Fr Martin Wong appointed as assistant rector
Oct 24: Francis Chong elected lay vice chairman of the PAX Board of Directors
Nov 16: Memorial service for Bishop Fung's 3rd death anniversary
Dec 31: 70th wedding anniversary celebration of Mr and Mrs Thomas Lee Yen Chiang (Bishop Lee's parents)
1989
Jan 25: Reopening of the convent of the Daughters of St Paul in the diocese after 18 years by Srs Rosalie Lojiu, Anna Yap and Sylvia George at Jalan Sang Kancil 1
Feb 11: Formation of the 4th KK Company of Girls' Brigade
May 18: Good Tidings Festival Concert at the parish hall
June 04: Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration at parish level
June 24: Funeral Mass for Mother Aloysius Malaim fsic, 74, who died June 23 in Papar General Hospital.
Sept 15: Formation of Special Ministry for People with Intellectual Disability and the Deaf under the CWL
Sept 17: Eucharistic Congress Year Organising Committee formed under Desmond Mak
Nov 08: Blessing of the newly renovated Euphrasia Welcome House (Asrama Seri Murni and Crisis Centre), on former Catholic Seminary site, run by the Good Shepherd Sisters
Dec 27: Bishop Lee celebrates his 25th sacerdotal ordination anniversary
1990
Jan 01: Fr Michael Mewo retires at Vianney Home but helps out at the parish
Jan 02: Taska and Tadika Datuk Simon Fung established; Maktab Nasional relocates to Likas Expo Site.
Jan 07: Deaf Sunday School starts under Geraldine Chin
May 09: Diaconate ordinations of Gilbert Engan of Beaufort, Charles Chiew of Keningau and Patrick Jerome of Inanam
June 10: Francis Chong retains PC chairmanship
June 16: Liturgical Dance competition
June 17: Open air parish-level Eucharistic Congress celebration, lower area of carpark compound
June 23: Perpetual Professions of Daughters of St Paul Srs Agnes Wong and Magdalene Chong of Tawau
July 15: Launching of "Ekaristi Sumber Kehidupan Kita" cassette album composed/sung by Msgr Cornelius Piong, arranged by Sunduvan Group, produced by the Daughters of St Paul, at the parish hall by Fr Jan vd Salm
July 17: Regional-level (West Coast I) song/music and dance contest
Aug 04-05: Open air closing Eucharistic Congress Celebration at diocesan level
Aug 19: Signing of the Charter of Partnership between Bishop Lee of KK Diocese and Dean Othman Moehler of the Catholic Deanery of Heilbronn Germany
Oct 01: Formation of the Christian Family Life Committee
Dec 08: St Francis Convent relocates to Jalan Sang Kancil
1991
Feb 01: Fr Charles Chiew appointed as assistant rector
Apr 16: Diaconate ordinations of Seminarians Bruno Yasun of Ranau and Boniface Kimsin of Kuala Penyu
May 15-19: 2nd Sabah Charismatic Conference with 1,300 participants from Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and Taiwan
June 09-11: Talks by Jesuit Fr Paul Tan on Christians in Politics
June 15-July: Msgr Cornelius Piong attends 6-week course in East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) Philippines
Aug 04: Bazaar organised in aid of Bishop' House Building Fund
Sept 22: Launching of Children's Liturgy of the Word
Nov 30: Charity Dinner in aid of Church of Mary Immaculate Building Fund at Hongkod Koisaan
1992
Jan 08: Silver jubilee celebration of Frs Augustine Amandus and Michael Mewo, Vianney Home
Jan 09: Diaconate ordinations of Seminarians Aloysius Fidelis of Tuaran and Lazarous Uhin of Toboh Tambunan
Apr 02: Funeral Mass for Franciscan Sr Martha Bojion, 37, who died Apr 01
Apr 08-12: 7th World Youth Day, West Coast level
Apr 16-18: Interpreted Mass for the Deaf starts in St Simon by Fr Harry of Canada and continues in the cathedral weekly
June 14: Francis Chong retains PC chairmanship during the 15th Annual Delegates Assembly
July 11: 1st deaf couple, Lam Yuh Poh and Joyce Raymond, married in the parish by Msgr Cornelius Piong
Aug 09: Formation of Kelompok Keluarga Katolik Indonesia (K3IKA)
Aug 15: Parishioner Shirley Chong enters Daughters of St Paul KK
Oct 11: Catechetical Exhibition
Nov 20-21: Healing services conducted by Fr Robert DeGrandis ssj, Eric and Ann Ross Fitch
Dec 08: Final Professions of FSIC Srs Clarice Jomitin of Limbanak, Margaret Shak of Labuan and Elizabeth Munggai of Telipok/Tuaran
1993
Jan 02: Silver jubilee celebration of FSIC Srs Rita Chew and Imelda Angang of Kuala Penyu
Jan 18: Funeral Mass for FSIC Mother Margaret Mary Lai, 73, who died Jan 16 in Papar
Feb 02: Msgr Cornelius Piong appointed Bishop of newly erected Keningau Diocese
Apr 18: Farewell gathering for Msgr Cornelius Piong and Fr Charles Chiew and welcome reception for Fr Cosmas Lee and Fr Aloysius Fidelis who have been appointed rector and assistant rector respectively effective May 01
May 06: Official erection of Keningau Diocese; episcopal ordination and installation of Msgr Cornelius Piong
Aug 01: Hearing impaired parishioners hold their first gathering; Shine Jesus Shine (Single Adults) Prayer Group launched.
Sept 18: Death of Parish Office Clerk Alexia Valentinus Sze To
Sept 27: Funeral Mass for Fr John Tsung, 74, who died Sept 25
Oct 19: Fr Pierre Barthoulout, rector of Singapore Minor Seminary for 25 years, celebrates his golden jubilee with his former students here, among whom were Bishop Lee, Bishop Piong, Frs Tsen, Mewo, Amandus, Sipanul, Chung, Lee and Poilis.
Oct 31: Blessing of Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang. Fundraising started in 1990 by Fr Thomas Sham
Nov 11-13: Combined Diocesan Youth Festival
1994
Jan 25: Sr Anna Yap takes final vows as Daughter of St Paul, Pasay City
Mar 31: Funeral Mass for Beatrice Ho Nyuk Kyau (Bishop Lee's mother), 94, who died Mar 29
May 10: Appreciation Dinner organised for St Francis and Shan Tao Kindergarten teachers
June 09: Formation of Special Liturgy Group (Eng)
June 29: Formation of the Biblical Apostolate Committee
Sept 10: 40th sacerdotal cum 70th birthday anniversary dinner organised for Fr Tobias Chi
Oct 04: Blessing of new St Francis Convent Primary School Building in Bukit Padang. The old building near the cathedral was found to be unsafe in 1988. However, the canteen is used by the Senior Citizens for their monthly breakfast.
Nov 28: Perpetual Professions of FSIC Srs Cecilia Wong of Penampang, Dorothy Aron of Penampang and Appollonia Gumpu of Tamparuli.
Dec 04: Maktab Nasional, SRS Datuk Simon Fung, Taska & Tadika move to St Simon's Educational Complex, kingfisher Park
Dec 27: Bishop Lee's 30th sacerdotal and Fr Lee's 18th sacerdotal anniversary celebrations
1995
Jan 08: Closing Eucharist of the Year of the Family
Feb 12: Commissioning of 54 extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion
Mar 12: Lenten retreat for about 1,000 parishioners in three languages: Eng (CMI), BM (SHC), Chinese (SSC)
Apr 01: Devotion to the Holy Spirit launched by LJCCC in three languages
Apr 28: Blessing of St Simon's Educational Complex, Kingfisher Park Kuala Inanam
June 23: Variety Concert organised at Hongkod Community Hall in conjunction with parish feastday
June 24: Groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of the construction of the three-storey multipurpose complex. The building committee is headed by John Paujik
June 26: Bishop Lee's 8th episcopal ordination anniversary held at a restaurant as the parish hall is being demolished to make way for the complex
July 02: John Paujik is elected PC chairman during the annual delegates assembly
Aug 20: Catholic Women's League (CWL) West Coast I Region's annual fellowship to mark Women's Day
Oct 08: Launching of the fundraising drive for the RM8m-multipurpose complex
Nov 14-17: 3rd Sabah Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) Conference
Nov 24: Retreat for Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) catechumens in Bundu Tuhan
Dec 12: Proposed tender for the construction of the baptismal pool inside the cathedral
1996
Jan 01: Parish goes online with website http://www.catholic.org/sacredheart/ under Gregory Matanjun
Mar 01: Developer (mssrs Hup Soon Development Sdn Bhd) takes possession of multipurpose complex building site
Mar 29: Formation of the Intercessory Groups (3 languages)
Apr 14: Formation of the Sacred Heart Charity Outreach Services
Apr 22: Funeral Mass for Fr Jan van der Salm, 65, who died Apr 17 in Holland
Apr 27-28: 30 Thai church pastoral workers headed by Fr Peter Bunsong Hongthong pay a visit to the parish to observe clergy-laity cooperation
May 01: Funeral Mass for Thomas Lee Yen Chiang (Bishop Lee's father), 96, who died Apr 29
May 05: Priestly ordination of Carmelite Deacon Daniel Mary Lim of Lahad Datu at St Simon Likas
May 11-26: Public profession of faith for 36 members of the 1st neo-catechumenal community
June 30: Novice Shirley Chong takes first vows in Lipa City
Aug 10: 50th sacerdotal ordination anniversary celebration of Fr Thomas Sham
Oct 05: 10th anniversary celebration of SFO
Nov 16: CWL's silver jubilee celebration
Dec 25-26: Tropical storm Greg strikes Sabah with St Simon's Education Complex being the worst hit
1997
Jan 02: Excavation and construction of baptismal pool inside the cathedral
Feb 12: Fr Nicholas Stephen replaces Fr Aloysius Fidelis as assistant rector.
July 16-20: 1st Sabah Catholic Single Adults Conference, CMI. 70 participants.
Sept 15: PAX's silver jubilee celebration
Sept 16: Launching of Diocesan Organisational Pastoral Plan (DOPP)
Sept 30-Oct 03: Youth Jubilee Cross Festival
Dec 08: Silver jubilee celebration of Franciscan Srs Magdalene Sepanggil of Papar, Colette Kinajil of Penampang and Genevieve Nicholas of Papar
1998
Jan 08: Diaconate ordination of Seminarian John Wong Soo Kau
Feb 02: 2nd World Day of Consecrated Life celebration organised by the Council of Religious, Carmelite Chapel
Feb 22: 2nd jogathon organised in aid of the multipurpose complex construction. 300 participants.
Apr 6 & 8: Treatment of the RM54,911.53-baptismal pool inside the cathedral under the supervision of Damian Lee. The font covers were designed by Luciano Canal.
Apr 11: 302 catechumens receive baptism by immersion in the new baptismal pool.
July 06: Priestly ordinations of Deacons Fundes Motiung and Saimon William of the Kepayan Neo-catechumenal Community.
Aug 06: Arrival of Brothers of St Gabriel (Montfort Brs) who reside temporarily at Jalan Sang Kancil Satu
Oct 21: Formation of the Sponsors Ministry, renamed Sponsors, Godparents and Newly Baptised Ministry (SGNB) on 29.6.2001
Oct 28: Formation of the Apologetics Ministry
Nov 07: Legion of Mary in Sabah raised to a comitium, third highest body in the organisation after concilium and senatus.
1999
Jan 06: Diaconate ordination of Seminatian Michael Modoit
Feb 01: Fr John Wong appointed as assistant rector
Apr 25: Launching of FSIC's first album
Mar 31: Standards Five and Six of Shan Tao Primary School relocate to new premises at Kepayan Ridge Zone
June 09-11: Triduum of prayer organised at St Simon Likas in preparation for parish feastday June 12
June 21: Montfort Brothers relocate to Donggongon
July 26: Funeral Mass for FSIC Mother Xavier Chin Ah Nyet, 75, who died July 23
Oct 24: Dr Jeffrey Soon elected as chairman of Parish Pastoral Council (change of name/function of organisation in line with DOPP)
Dec 05: Cleanathon at Tg Aru Beach - final fundraising activity for complex construction
Dec 25: Jubilee Door opened by Bishop Lee
2000
Jan 12: Diaconate ordination of Seminarian Jalius Sading; the cathedral becomes one of the centres for jubilee year pilgrimages
Jan 21-23: Discernment Weekend for clergy, PPC group leaders in Bundu Tuhan
Jan 30-Feb 01: Triduum of prayer in preparation for Jubilee of Consecrated Life
Feb 02: Jubilee of Consecrated Life
Mar 10: Catechists' recollection (3 languages)
July 07: Start of Christian Students' Gathering (secondary school) at St Simon Likas under Winnie Voo-Kual
Sept 04: Multipurpose centre issued Occupation Certificate by KK City Hall
Sept 05-09: Youth Jubilee 2000 (JBT 2000). 4,000-5,000 participants.
Nov 10: St Simon's Chapel Likas raised to a church
Nov 16-18: Jubilee of Women. 2,000 participants
Nov 25: Blessing and opening of parish centre
Dec 03: Jubilee Exhibition
Dec 09: Jubilee Concert
Dec 17: Concluding Jubilee Eucharist; Food & FunFair
2001
Jan 07: Standards 1-4 of Shan Tao Primary School relocate to its new premises at Kepayan Ridge Zone. The place is now used by campus students
Jan 13: Commissioning of 11-member Diocesan Youth Pastoral Team
Feb 05: Blessing and Opening of Initiation Year-St Peter's College, on former Catholic Seminary Site (Seri Murni Hostel/Good Shepherd Convent relocated to Mile 3.5 Tuaran Road opposite St Simon's Church in May 2000)
June 01: Vicar General Msgr Primus Jouil replaces Fr Cosmas Lee as rector with Frs Nicholas Ong and John Wong to assist him
June 03: Launching of the yearlong silver jubilee celebration of the diocese (SJD)
July 14: Fr Ong receives environmental award from the state Environmental Action Committee (EAC)
Sept 22: 50th anniversary celebration of the Legion of Mary in Sabah. 1,000 participants from Malaysia and Singapore.
Nov 18: Dr Jeffrey Soon reelected PPC chairman
Nov 20: 30th anniversary celebration of CWL
Nov 25: Launching of St Simon's 17th anniversary souvenir book
Nov 30: Formation of Environmental Conservation Committee under Martina Voo
Dec 30: 25th ordination anniversary celebration of Fr Cosmas Lee
2002
Jan 17-19: Clergy/PPC/group leaders Discernment Weekend, BTRC
Mar 09-Apr 07: Training programme for 50 Little Rock Scripture Study facilitators
Apr 20: Cleanathon at Tg Aru Beach in conjunction with Earth Day
June 29: Final Profession of Daughter of St Paul Sr Shirley Chong, CMI
June 30: Assistant Rector Fr John Wong leaves for further studies in Rome
July 07: Kids of the Kingdom starts in St Simon under Sr Teresa Chye rgs
July 18-20: Seminar on Family Life & Pastoral Counselling facilitated by Benedictine Fr John J Shea (USA) and Sr Catherine Bernard (India), organised by the Diocesan Family Life Commission
July 20: Priestly ordinations of Deacons Johnny Raju and Federick Raymond of the Kepayan Neo-catechumenal community
Aug 02: Fr Simon Kontou appointed assistant rector
Aug 18-21: Talks on Islam by Jesuit Fr Tom Michel
Aug 27-Oct 29: 1st course of Little Rock Scripture Study completed by 80 participants.
Sept 14: SJD celebration parish-level. SJD Exhibition launched by Bishop Lee and Apostolic Delegate Adriano Bernardini.
Sept 15: Food & Fun Fair. Moment with the Apostolic Delegation. SJD Dinner at Sutera Magellan.
Sept 16: Concluding SJD Eucharist. 4,000 participants
Oct 04: Blessing and groundbreaking ceremony of the new site of St Francis Convent Secondary School in Bukit Padang
Oct 11-13: Seminar on Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) and Centering Prayer by Blessed Sacrament Fr William Fickel. 70 participants
2003
Mar 03-04: Catechetical gathering organised by Diocesan Catechetical Commission. 200 participants
June 09-12: "Scripture in the New Millennium Conference" by Dr Elizabeth McNamar, organised by Biblical Apostolate
June 21: Centenary celebration of Sacred Heart Primary School
June 28: Launching of 6-monthlong centenary celebration of the cathedral (1903-2003). Blessing of site of centenary stations of the cross monuments near the grotto.
Aug 03: 20th anniversary celebration of LJCCC, CMI
Aug 08: Educators' Dialogue with Diocesan Education Commission
Aug 31-Sept 01: Pasturing Together Session for parish leaders
Sept 06: Funeral Mass for Tan Sri Datuk Ben Stephens, 77, who died Sept 04
Sept 12-14: 1st Christian Life Programme conducted by Couples for Christ Mission sponsored by Filipino Community
Oct 02: Silver jubilee celebration of Fr Nicholas Ong
Oct 10-11: LifeTeen/LifeLine Programme briefing by Jesuit Fr Larry Tan, Adrian Ng of PJ and Adrian Khoo of Singapore; Legion of Mary organises talks on "Proclaiming the Good News with Mother Mary" in three languages. 200 participants.
Oct 18: "Women after the Heart of Jesus" seminar organised by CWL. 600 participants.
Oct 21: Leon Lim elected PPC chairman
Oct 23: Teachers' conference organised by the Education Committee.
Nov 05: Christian-Muslim Unity talks by Jesuit Fr Tom Michel and local imans to the KK clergy
Nov 07: "Islam and Ecology" talk by Jesuit Fr Tom Michel
Dec 07: Centenary Book & Food Fair, CMI
Dec 28: Concluding Centenary celebration. Launching of 240-page centenary souvenir book "100 Years of Good News."
2004
Jan 04: Launching of 1st Sabah Youth Day (SYD-1). 200 participants
Feb 02: Altar Server Mitchelly Kiun, 23, of Kg Kopungit, entered the Aspirancy, CDC
Feb 19: Diaconate ordinations of Seminarians Jasery Gabuk of Tamparuli and Thomas Madanan of Kota Marudu
Feb 27-Mar 18: Visiting Indian priest Fr Savarimuthu Maria Louis lends a hand in the parish
Mar 13-15: LJCCC organises 1st Eucharistic Camp for children, BTRC
Apr 02: Blessing of Stations of the Cross monuments
May 02-03: 10th Diocesan Kaamatan Celebrations. 2,000 participants
June 01: SYD-1 briefing by organising team. 100 participants
June 02-05: CCR Youth Conference, St Simon Likas. 90 participants.
June 18-22: 5th CCR Conference in conjunction with the CCR's 30th anniversary in Sabah. Speakers: Bishop Anthony Lee of Miri, Sr Maximilliane Soon PKarm and Ralph Martin of USA
July 31: Formation of Secular Order of Carmel (OCDS) with 10 members taking their first promise, Carmelite Chapel
Aug 31: Golden jubilee celebration of Fr Tobias Chi
Sept 06: 1st Alpha Course starts (10 weekly sessions + 1 weekend) under LJCCC
Sept 21: Council of Religious organises first International Day of Peace Mass.
Oct 03: Franciscan Family celebrates Founder's feastday
Oct 24: Eucharistic gathering for children. 550 participants
Nov 04-06: 2nd KK Diocesan Catechetical Conference
Nov 16: Formation session for parish leaders on the Eucharist
Nov 20: Launching of LifeTeen/LifeLine Ministries
Nov 21: Concluding Eucharistic Congress Celebration
Nov 29: Farewell gathering for Fr Simon Kontou cum welcome reception for Fr Jasery Gabuk
Dec 11: Parishioner Susanna Chung launches her second book "A Handful of Sands"
Dec 24: St Simon Likas organises Christmas cantata before Midnight Mass
Dec 29: Bishop Lee's ruby jubilee celebration
Dec 31: New Year's Eve Mass presided over by Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio
2005
Jan 01: Archbishop Pennacchio visits the Carmelite community after Mass
Jan 28: Funeral Mass for parishioner Rose Lee Tshin Kiau, 93, who died Jan 25
Feb 01: Aspirant Mitchelly Kiun entered Initiation Year, St Peter's College KK
Feb 05: Talk on tsunami by Joanes Muda, organised by the Environmental Action Committee
Feb 19: Awareness seminar on Women's Rights under civil and syariah laws, organised by CWL
Mar 01: Parishioner Joseph Pang Hon Yin, 25, of Petagas joins the Aspirancy Programme at Catholic Diocesan Centre
Mar 21: Funeral Mass for Fr Michael Mewo, 87, who died Mar 17
Apr 07: Funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II, 84, who died April 02. A vigil was held Apr 01.
May 01: Silver jubilee celebration of Msgr Primus Jouil
May 29: Corpus Christi procession around the parish compound
June 11: Diaconate ordinations of Seminarians Paul Lo of Kudat and Wilfred Atin of Ranau
Aug 23: Funeral Mass for Desmond Mak Goon Wah, 57, who died Aug 18, in CMI
Aug 25-28: LJCCC organises 1st Inner Healing and Transformation Seminar in Bundu Tuhan
Dec 17: Carmelite Sisters celebrate 75th foundation anniversary
2006
Jan 02: Boys' Brigade joins ecumenical "biking for bibles" fundraising project for bible translations and publications
Jan 15: Aspirant Joseph Pang enters Initiation Year, SPC KK
Jan 24: Msgr Primus meets with a car accident at the Penampang bypass traffic lights. Sustained light injuries
Feb 04: Final professions of FSIC Srs Magdalena Kepong (Kota Marudu), Rose Ginibun (Limbahau), Dora Obod (Tenom) and Theresa Petrus (Sandakan), St Simon Likas
Feb 09: Blessing of Workers' Quarters behind parish centre
Feb 15: IY student Mitchelly Kiun entered 1st year Philosophy, St Peter's College Kuching
Mar 06-30: 2nd Neo-catechumenal community makes public profession of faith
Mar 24: Venue for Christian Students' Gathering changed to parish centre from St Simon Likas
Mar 30: 1st meeting for Perpetual Help Novena facilitators
Apr 08: PPC Orientation facilitated by Neil Mah & Dominic Lim of CDC
Apr 30: Formation of BM Youth Ministry "Kasih Belia Hati Kudus" (KBHK)
May 01: Sr Mary Ancilla Miku of Luyang takes final vows as Putri Karmel
May 17: Damian Lee elected as PPC Chairman
July 31: Chinese Alpha Course starts under Leon Lim
Aug 30-Sept 02: Discernment Weekend for parish leaders
Sept 07: Charity Dinner in aid of Diocesan Retirement Home
Sept 08: Carmelite Sr Margaret Mary of the Good Shepherd (formerly Alexia Kunjan) celebrates her silver jubilee
Nov 01: Frs Wilfred Atin and Michael Modoit replace Frs Jasery Gabuk and Nicholas Ong as assistant rectors
Nov 22-24: Three-day prayer and reflection in preparation for the 25th dedication anniversary
Nov 25-Dec 03: Weeklong exhibition
Nov 26: 25th dedication anniversary celebration
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Penampang Launches Yearlong Celebration In Conjunction With Its 120th Anniversary
INOBONG(CS).- St Michael Penampang launched its 120th anniversary of Good News without much fanfare recently.
The launching coincided with the pastoral visit of Bishop John Lee to St Theresa Inobong Sept 23, during which 85 children [Inobong (42), Babagon (22) and Limbanak (21)] received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the bishop and from Rector Fr Alex Sipanul.
After the final blessing, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Chairman Lawrence Bisuil, the rector and the bishop gave their speeches before the launching thorugh a powerpoint presentation on a brief history of the parish.
A fellowship meal followed after the launching at the parish hall.
The idea of celebrating the 120 years of Good News (1886-2006) was first proposed and accepted at the PPC meeting June 25.
Subsequently, an organising committee was formed and the launching was set Sept 23 at Inobong because it all began there with the visit and subsequent establishment of mission by Fr Alexander Prenger.
The following is the schedule of activities following the launching:
October-December 2006
Research and writing the history of the parish
Family visits in October and during Advent
Seminars, Talks & Recollection
Good News Concert
January-March 2007
Food & Fun Fair
Seminars, Talks & Recollection
Family Visits during Lent
End of research and writing by end of March
April-June 2007
Printing of 120 years of Good News in Penampang Souvenir Magazine
Parish Easter Celebration
Parish Harvest Festival Celebration
120 years Good News Exhibition
Concluding Eucharist - June 15 - Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.
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Why St Michael Was Chosen As The Patron Of Penampang Mission
KOTA KINABALU(by Dr Freddy Francis Mojiun).- In 1886, the Mill Hill Missionaries came to the district of Penampang and set up their base in Kg Inobong, where the present church (formerly St Theresa's Church but now Sacred Heart Church) is now situated.
The mode of transportation then was the Moyog River. The first local was baptised in 1887.
Later, the missionaries decided to set up their base in Kg Dabak, Penampang, which was nearer to the sea and was situated in a plain with paddy fields with a low hill which was ideally suited to build a church.
This location was rather strategic considering that it was close enough to the Moyog River which was then the major mode of transportation.
The locals who used the Moyog River for transportation would alight at Kasigui which was then the first and only town in Penampang District from the coast en route to the interior.
On that site was built St Michael's Church. Unfortunately, the hill was infested with territorial spirits as the natives during those days were mainly pagans.
The local priestesses or bobohizans practised traditional healing and necromancy as well as appeasing the spirits which they believed roamed the area and caused sickness and misfortune. Many natives also practised black magic.
According to oral tradition, the missionaries were oppressed by the local territorial spirits. They would then say the rosary and call upon the Archangel Michael to defend and protect them.
It was then that the priests decided to name the church after the Archangel Michael because it was under his protection.
Later on, the priests saw the need to build a school to educate the natives in Penampang.
The school was registered in 1890, making it the second oldest registered mission school in Sabah.
The oldest school in Sabah is the St Michael's School (Anglican) in Sandakan which was registered in 1886.
The first school building was built from bamboo and rumbia palms. It was built at the foot of the hill and was called St Michael's School.
The first two-storey wooden school was built in 1924 by Fr Arnold Verhoeven.
This building was multi-functional as it was used as a church, a school, a hostel for students as well as the priests' residence. This wooden structure served as a school until 1966.
The present old block in SMK St Michael was built in 1958 by Fr Michael Henselmans.
In the 1980s the name of the school was changed to "St Michael School" and recently, to "SMK St Michael."
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Sandakan Organises Charity Dinner In Aid Of Diocesan Retirement Home
SANDAKAN(CS).- St Mary's Parish here organised a charity dinner Sept 14 at the Yu Yuan School Hall in aid of the building of the retirement home for priests and religious.
"I'm not building a five-star hotel but a decent home for the retired priests and religious," said Bishop John Lee in his address during the dinner.
The dinner was attended by almost a thousand parishioners and friends.
Rector Fr Simon Kontou, his two assistants, Frs Paul Lo and Saimon William and some religious Sisters took the microphone to belt out their best songs to raise fund for the purpose.
The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community Music Ministry took the opportunity to launch its newly recorded CD and cassette tapes to contribute to the fund.
Besides the singing, some cultural dances were performed to entertain the guests.
During this pastoral visit, the bishop also took time to have a dialogue session with the parish groups, to administer Confirmation and to visit the FADO Retreat Centre. - Michael Pang
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What Happens That Night At The SHC Charity Dinner
KOTA KINABALU(by Julia Tsen).- I sat down to recall an unusual incident that happened during Msgr Primus' presentation at the Sacred Heart Charity Dinner organised in aid of the Diocesan Retirement Home for Clergy and Religious Sept 7.
It occurred just when everyone was enjoying the song sung by Msgr Primus.
I believe some people heard an unexpected cheering noise "Wah! Wah! Wah!" without realising what was happening. Stephanie and I thought it was the crowd giving encouragement to Msgr Primus as he had said earlier, "It's hard to sing when a person does not know how to sing."
We later found out that the noise was actually created by the people sitting near the restaurant's aquarium witnessing the actions of a fish.
The fish not only jumped high up and down, but from one tank to another, before finally dropping on the floor. For the information of those who saw what had happened, the fish died the next day after that "struggle."
Reflecting on the incident, I recall what Bishop John Lee had said in his speech.
He quoted some people saying "Why not buy houses for the priests?"
"Yes," he said, "I can buy houses for my priests, but they are old people who need a "home" and who "need" people to visit them and talk with them."
Similarly, the dead fish also needs a "home" (ocean) and not a "house" (aquarium).
I heard from Anita and Stephanie that when they visited the restaurant the next day, they were told that the fish had died.
I felt uneasiness in my heart. Is it possible that the Lord is telling us that our retired and near retirement priests and religious are facing the same "struggle" for a home in their hearts?
The evening after the first fundraising committee meeting I could not sleep. I was thinking about my action plan and who the people I would approach.
However, soliciting funds to meet the target by selling dinner tickets, souvenir programmes and sponsoring songs to be sung by Sr Carmen, Fr John Wong and Msgr Primus concurrently was not that smooth sailing.
Despite our untiring efforts, the target set in the meeting was not met at the 11th hour before the dinner.
I had thought of approaching Datuk Victor Paul personally but then decided to "let go and let God" take care of it.
Everyone enjoyed the entertainment but the target was still short of RM10,000.00.
Anita did not give up but went on to get sponsors for Fr Nicholas Ong to sing. In the midst of her collection, James Lim whispered to her that she could approach Datuk Victor Paul.
Wah! Datuk Victor offered on behalf of Datin to donate RM10,000.00 to sponsor Fr Ong to sing. The highlight started here. Once more, Datuk Victor offered another RM20,000.00 for Bishop John Lee to sing.
The bishop had his own way of escaping the singing but helped secure the RM20,000.00. (Anyway, he intoned the Lord's Prayer to conclude the event).
It was really an unexpected grace from God. Thanks to Datuk and Datin Victor Paul and to everyone who has supported us. Without your help we could not have done it.
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Know Your PPC Members
LABUAN PPC: Alice Wong, Gerard Lean (secretary), George Elias (chairman), Leonard Foo (vice chairman), John Chong, Friddy Fu, Ambrose Stephen Tati, Joseph Tang, Eddy Chin, John Ker, Paul Ipoh, Leonardus Majinal, Alloh Koten , Debra Carvalho (asst secretary), Gaspar Pius
PENAMPANG PPC: Betty Mokunjil (secretary), Vitalis Makajil (vice chairman), Lawrence Bisuil (chairman), Sr Genevieve Nicholas, Tracie Gom (asst secretary), Lucy Komilus, Clive M Gasan, Stanis Siap, Michael Gumpil, Jinius Jipanin, Bonnie Mojulin, Peter Lo, Eligius Samuel, John Ansim
PENAMPANG FINANCE COUNCIL: Justin Lim (secretary), Ernest Mojikon (vice chairman), Claudius Joioh (treasurer), Ronnie Norman, Hector Jintoni (chairman)
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Getting To Know The Two Deacons-to-be
KENINGAU(CS).- Rudolf Joannes Asou of St Theresa Tambunan and Claudius bin Andrew Kondu of Holy Cross Toboh Tambunan have been accepted by Bishop Cornelius Piong to be ordained by him to the diaconate on November 26 at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral at 3:00 PM. All are welcome to witness the ceremony.
Born on 14 April 1978 in Kg Tondulu Tambunan to Joannes Asou and Susanna Liasa, Asou had his primary education at St Theresa Tambunan (1984-1989) and his secondary schooling at St Martin Tampasak (1990-1995). After working for some years he entered the aspirancy at the Catholic Diocesan Centre Penampang in 1998. He was accepted into St Peter's College in Kuching the following year. During his years of formation he has his pastoral immersion in St Ann Bau Sarawak (2202), KSFX (2003, 2006), St Anthony Tenom (2004), St Peter Bundu Kuala Penyu (2005) and in St Valentine Beaufort (Jan-June 2006).
Kondu, on the other hand, was born on 27 March 1973 to Andrew Kondu Bin Dukal and Maria Rupia Bte Kindamas, and had his early education at SRJK ST David Toboh Tambunan (1980-1981) and SK Kawakaan Tulon Sook (1982-1985), followed by secondary education at SMK Nabawan (1986, two months), SM Berasrama Penuh Tenom (1986-1988), SMK Bingkor (1990-1991) and SMK Gunsanad (1992-1993).
After working for two years four months, Kondu joined the vocation seminar in Bundu Tuhan in 1997. He entered CDC in 1998 and with Asou, was accepted into SPC in 1999. He has his pastoral immersion in KSFX (2003, Jan-June 2006), St Peter Bundu Kuala Penyu (2004), St Anthony Tenom (2005) and presently in St Valentine Beaufort.
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