Gaya Christmas Celebration: Showcase Of Religious And State Harmony
KOTA KINABALU(CS Online).- The second Gaya Christmas Celebration Dec 18-22 showcased Sabah to locals and foreign tourists alike as the place where people of various creeds and cultures can live together in harmony and to celebrate each other's festivals.
The event, organized jointly by the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC) and the Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) (Kota Kinabalu City Council), saw thousands of people from all walks of life thronged Lintasan Deasoka and the first block of the historic Gaya Street, the oldest street and financial hub of Kota Kinabalu for five nights.
Adults were entertained by the variety of programmes put up by talented dancers, musicians, singers and performers every evening. Children clapped and danced to the joyful music and singing. Families spent time together watching the shows and patronizing the hawkers stalls offering variety of sumptious delicacies, Christmas paraphernalia and goods put up by financial institutions, welfare service organizations and churches to raise funds for the poor and needy. Children were given gifts sponsored by business institutions.
The Sabah Council of Churches comprises the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Diocese of Sabah, Basel Christian Church of Malaysia, Baptist Church, Calvary Charismatic Centre, Grace Chapel, Methodist Church, Protestant Church of Sabah, Sabah Evangelical Mission and the Sidang Injil Borneo.
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Bishop Holds Open House
DONTOZIDON(CS Online).- For the 14th consecutive year Bishop John Lee opened the doors of his residence to visitors from far and near on Christmas Day, Dec 25. This is a common practice by church and state leaders in Malaysia during cultural and religious festivals such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Harvest Festival and Deepavali.
A constant flow of visitors came and went between 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Among those who entertained the bishop and his visitors were the Chinese Children's Choir, the English Youth Choir, the Indonesian Choir and members of the Neo-catechumenal Way Community. There was free ice-cream for all.
The first time the bishop held an open house was in 1992 in his newly constructed residence along the old Penampang Road. Among the visitors who came was the Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan and his family. The minister sang along with the Tambunan Choir a medley of Christmas songs.
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Keningau Diocese Hosts 2nd Asian Convention Of Divine Mercy
KENINGAU(CS).- Keningau Diocese hosted the Second Asian Convention of Divine Mercy at its diocesan retreat centre here Nov 17-20.
Around 440 delegates comprising five bishops, 43 priests and 392 lay promoters of Divine Mercy from nine countries attended the convention at the Rumah Retret Keuskupan Keningau (RRKK), Tatal.
The participants were from India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and USA.
The delegates gathered together on the eve of the official opening at the RRKK chapel to pray before the Blessed Sacrament for two hours.
Bishop Jose Oliveros of Malolos, Philippines, officially opened the convention during the opening Mass at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral (KSFX).
His diocese hosted the first convention in November last year.
In his homily, Oliveros spoke of Mary as our Mother who leads us to Jesus through her "fiat" in the salvation plan of God and in her way of life.
The presider reminded the participants that "we can only become close relatives of Jesus if we do the will of the Father."
Archbishop John Ha of Kuching gave the first talk on "mercy" in the Bible.
God, the archbishop said, intervened in human history to save everybody in every generation. God's mercy becomes personified in Jesus, the Son of God made man. He quoted Benedict XVI: "Jesus Christ is divine mercy in person; encountering Christ means encountering God's mercy."
Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani of Novaliches, Philippines, gave the second talk on John Paul II's encyclical "Dives in Misericordia."
Bacani went through the eight main sections of the encyclical and ended the talk with an illustration that God will forgive us our debts to him if we appeal to him for mercy.
Mrs Betty Phua, Director of Publicity and Promotion for the Asian Convention of Divine Mercy gave the third talk on "Divine Mercy Apostolate."
She shared two testimonies on divine mercy in action in the lives of a sinner and that of a little Buddhist girl suffering from cancer.
The fourth talk dwelt on "Divine Mercy Devotion and the Eucharist," given by Mrs Lee Bowers, a ministry evangelist from the Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy USA.
She reminded the participants that the Divine Mercy Devotion is centred on the Eucharist and that we can all receive healing power if we have contrite hearts.
Fr Edgardo C De Jesus of the Philippines gave the final talk on the life of St Faustina Kowalski who did much to spread the devotion.
In the workshop discussion following the talks, the participants reflected and deliberated on the inputs given.
This helped them to formulate the Mission Statement for this convention.
During the Holy Hour, the chaplet of Divine Mercy was recited in the various languages of the participating countries, followed by a praying-over and healing service.
The convention came to a close at the concluding and mission-sending Mass at KSFX presided over by Bishop Cornelius Piong.
Before the final blessing, Fr Peter Bruno Sarbini, a Divine Word Missionary from the Diocese of Pangkalpinang, Batam Island, Indonesia, received the commissioning candle to host the third convention in November 2007.
The Permanent Team members then gathered at the sanctuary to transfer the flag and banner to the representatives of the next host country.
The Second Asian Convention of Divine Mercy was chaired by Fr William Poilis, with Moses Phua as secretary general and supported by the Main Organising Team, the Local Organising Team and the Penampang Divine Mercy Support Team.
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Two New Deacons For Interior Diocese
KENINGAU(CS).- After a hiatus of three years Keningau Diocese once again heard the gongs beating for two deacons-to-be Nov 26 at the St Francis Xavier's Cathedral.
Claudius Andrew and Rudolf Joannes were ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Cornelius Piong in a concelebrated Mass with all the priests of the diocese and some from KK diocese.
The last diaconate ordination held was that of Francis Dakun in March 2003 at the same venue.
The rite of ordination took place after the Gospel proclamation: calling of the candidates by the formator who then presented them to the bishop.
After the bishop's acceptance of them with the consent of the people, the bishop addressed both the people and the candidates on the duties of a deacon.
The duties being to proclaim God's Word to all, to preside over public prayer, to baptise, to assist at marriages and bless them, to give viaticum to the dying and to lead the rite of burial.
Following this both candidates made their commitment to celibacy, "a sign and a motive of pastoral charity."
They were then examined on their willingness to be ordained and they each promised obedience to the bishop by placing their hands between those of the bishop.
Before the laying on of hands by the bishop alone, the help of the saints was invoked through the chanting of the Litany of the Saints, during which the two prostrated themselves before the altar.
After the prayer of consecration, the two were vested with the deacon's stole and dalmatic.
The bishop then presented them with the book of the Gospels, followed by the kiss of peace.
The liturgy of the Eucharist followed. After the usual speeches, Moses and Betty Phua of the Asian Divine Mercy Convention presented the two with a stole each. Reception followed after the Mass at the parish hall.
Born on 27 March 1973 to Andrew Kondu Bin Dukal and Maria Rupia Bte Kindamas in Kg Toboh Tambunan, Claudius had his education at SRJK St David Toboh Tambunan (1980-81), SK Kawakaan Tulon Sook (1982-85), SMK Nabawan (1986, two months), SM Berasrama Penuh Tenom (1986-1988), SMK Bingkor (1990-1991) and SMK Gunsanad (1992-3).
After working for two years four months, Claudius joined the vocation seminar in Bundu Tuhan in 1997. He entered the aspirancy in 1998 and was accepted into St Peter's College (SPC) Kuching in 1999.
During his years of formation, Claudius has his pastoral immersion in St John, Singai, Bau Sarawak (2002), KSFX Keningau (2003), St Peter Bundu Kuala Penyu (2004), St Anthony Tenom (2005), St Valentine Beaufort (Jan-June 2006) and just before ordination, KSFX Keningau (July-Nov 2006).
After ordination he went back to St Valentine Beaufort.
Rudolf, on the other hand, was born on 14 April 1978 to Joanes Asou and Susanna Liasa in Kg Tondulu, Tambunan.
He had his education at St Theresa Tambunan (1984-1989) and St Martin Tampasak (1990-95).
Like his companion, he also worked for some years before entering the aspirancy in 1998.
He entered SPC with Claudius in 1999.
For his initial pastoral immersion, he was with the Youth Ministry in Bau Sarawak (2002). In 2003 he was assigned to KSFX Keningau, St Anthony Tenom (2004), St Peter Bundu Kuala Penyu (2005), St Valentine Beaufort (Jan-June 2006) and before ordination, to KSFX Keningau again (July-Nov 2006).
After ordination he stayed put at KSFX Keningau.
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Silver Jubilarians Challenged Not To Rest On Their Laurels After Their Jubilee Celebration
PURAK, PAPAR(CS).- Five Franciscan Sisters who celebrated their silver jubilee of religious profession recently were challenged not to rest on their laurels after the celebration but to continue their service for the next 25 years.
In his homily during the jubilee Mass Presider Bishop John Lee challenged the five, Srs Francisca Wong, 46, Florence Jidang, 47, Sylvia Imbun, 45, Caroline Duli, 48, and Judith Benedict, 47, to soldier on in the Lord's vineyard and not to rest on their laurels.
The bishop touched on the readings of the day - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the diocesan congregation - and exhorted the jubilarians to be like Mary in their service.
After the homily the jubilarians renewed their vows before Mother General Sr Grace Deosing who then accepted the vows.
Around 300 people witnessed the event Dec 8 at Pace Bene, Purak, Papar, including Bishop Cornelius Piong, local clergy, religious and members of the Franciscan Family.
The five entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) in 1979, made their first profession in 1981 and their final profession in 1986.
Born in Kg Bundu Tuhan, Ranau, on 26 Mar 1961, Sr Sylvia of the Sacred Heart (Pauline Ah New Imbun) is the youngest of six children born to Daniel Imbun and Pauline Gobonggoh.
She has her primary education in Don Bosco Bundu Tuhan and secondary education at St Michael Penampang (1974-76) and Sabah College KK (1977-78).
After working as a kindergarten teacher at St Francis Convent KK for a year she entered the convent in February 1979. Since her first profession in 1981, she has been assigned to Tg Aru (1982), Tuaran (1984-85), Sandakan (1985-87), Tawau (1988-89), Keningau (1990-2000), Beaufort (2001) and in Apin-Apin since 2001.
Sr Francisca of the Blessed Sacrament (Lucy Oi Jin) was born on 30 May 1960, the second child in a brood of six of George Wong Kwong Nyap and Mary Lai Choi Yin in Kg Bariawa Keningau.
She had her primary education at St Francis Xavier's Primary and secondary education at SMK Mat Salleh Ranau (1973-77).
She worked as a kindergarten teacher at St Francis Convent KK and at the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish office before entering the convent in March 1979.
Afer her first profession on 7 Dec 1981, she has been assigned to KK (taking up education at Maktab Gaya 1981-83), Loreto Convent Dontozidon (1983), Labuan (1984-90), Tuaran (1990-94).
She took up a secretarial course in KL in 1995, after which she was assigned as general secretary at the generalate (1996-99).
In 2000 she was assigned in Beaufort, Kiulu (2001-4) and in Binaong Keningau since 2005.
Born on 25 June 1958 at Kg Nambayan, Tambunan, Sr Judith (Margaret) Benedict is the third child in a brood of five.
She had her primary education at St Theresa Primary School Tambunan and her secondary education at SMK Mat Salleh Ranau (1972-73), St Martin Tambunan (1975) and Sabah College KK (1976-77).
After working for a while as a labourer in Beluran, an announcer in RTM (Dusun Section) and in business, she entered the FSIC in February 1979.
After her first profession in 1981, she has been assigned to Tuaran (1982), Keningau (1983) and Beaufort (1984-6).
After her final profession she was assigned in Tawau (1987-88) and Tenom (1989).
She took a course on guidance and counselling in the Philippines in 1990, after which she was assigned in Toboh Tambunan (1991-3).
In 1994 she took a formation course in SAIDI Philipppines, after which she was assigned as Postulant Directress (1994-5).
Following this she was reassigned in Beaufort (1996) and Keningau (1997-2000). From 2001-2005 she was in Sandakan and currently she is in Limbahau.
Born on 10 Aug 1958 at Kg Bundu Tuhan Ranau, Sr Caroline (Cecilia @Gontihan) Duli is the sixth child in a brood of eight.
She has her primary education at Don Bosco Bundu Tuhan and secondary education at SMK Mat Salleh Ranau (1973-77).
After a year of teaching in a kindergarten in Ranau she entered the congregation in February 1979.
After her first profession in 1981, she took a teaching course at Maktab Gaya in 1982-4. Following this she was assigned to Toboh Tambuan (1985), Sandakan (1986-90), Ranau (1991-97), Telupid (1997-2000), and to Ranau again since 2001.
Known as Urin @Lizah Bte Jidang, Sr Florence Jidang was born on 13 May 1958 in Labuan and is the third child in a brood of 11.
Her father was a policeman and as such he was quite mobile. Consequently, her primary education was held in various places such as Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Tawau, KK and Keningau while her secondary education was in SMK Bingkor (1973-75) and Maktab Sabah KK (1976-77).
She worked as a cashier in a hotel and as a helper in a kindergarten before she entered the convent in February 1979.
After her first profession in 1981, she was assigned to Sandaan (1982), Papar (6 months), Toboh Tambunan (1983), and Kuala Penyu (1984-86).
After her final profession she was assigned in Bundu Tuhan for four years (1986-90) before taking a course in Indonesia (1990-94).
After her studies she was assigned to the Campus Ministry Office (CMO) at the Catholic Diocesan Centre while staying at the Generalate, Dontozidon.
After her stint at the CMO, she was assigned to Keningau (2000), Binoang (2000-1), Kiulu (2003) and to Sandakan since 2004.
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Newly Appointed DPC Members Gather For First Meeting With Bishop
PENAMPANG(CS).- Newly appointed members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) met for the first time with Bishop John Lee Dec 9 at the Catholic Diocesan Centre here.
According to canon law # 512, a pastoral council is composed of members of Christ's faithful who are in full communion with the Catholic Church: clerics, members of institutes of consecrated life, and especially lay people.
The names of the lay nominees are sent to the bishop by the parishes who then appoints them while the priests and the religious nominate their own representatives.
For the year 2006-2008 the clerics appointed are: Msgr Primus Jouil (vicar general), Fr Cosmas Lee (Tawau), Fr Simon Kontou (Sandakan) and Fr Fundes Motiung (Tg Aru).
For the Religious the members are: Br Francis Chua sg, Sr Grace Deosing fsic and Sr Teresa Chye rgs.
For the laity the members are Anthony Lim (KK), Henry Solibun (Sandakan), Waky Taim (Tuaran), Willie Jikiun (Dontozidon), John Duasing (Tawau), Joseph Akiu (Bundu Tuhan), Jocelyn Yeo (Labuan) and Agatha Mokunjil (Penampang).
Dominic Lim and Neil Mah are ex-officio members being the diocesan executive secretary and Catholic Pastoral Centre (CPC) executive officer respectively.
The function of the DPC according to canon law, under the authority of the bishop, is to study and weigh those matters which concern the pastoral works in the diocese, and to propse practical conclusions concerning them (# 511).
The DPC has only a consultative vote. It is for the bishop alone to convene it, according to the needs of the apostolate and to preside over it. He alone has the right to make public the matters dealt with in the council. (# 514).
In this first meeting, the members met to share and comment on the gathering of DPC, Parish Pastoral Councils and Rectors with the bishop Oct 25 and to come up with suggestions for further action.
They also elected Anthony Lim as the chairman.
One of the outcome of this meeting is to form an ad hoc committee to spell out the role and functions of the DPC in concrete terms, according to a reliable source.
However, there was no full attendance as three of the members were absent: Fr Simon Kontou, Sr Grace Deosing and Waky Taim.
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Former Kung Ming/Shan Tao Teacher Passes Away At 82
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Former Kung Ming/Shan Tao Primary School teacher Peter Lung Yu Park passed away peacefully at home Nov 18. He was 82.
Lung came to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) from Hong Kong in 1956 as a teacher in Kung Ming (now Shan Tao) Primary School with his friend and colleage, Lai Ming Kap.
He graduated from the law faculty of Sun Yat-sen National University, Kwangchow, and taught for a few years at St Margaret Primary School Hong Kong before coming to Jesselton.
In 1956 Fr Thomas Sham invited him and Lai to come to Jesselton to teach at the primary school started by Thomas Lee (Bishop John Lee's father) and some members of the CCYMS in 1938 as a Catholic outreach work among the Chinese.
Lung married Alice Lee on 1 Jan 1959 at the Sacred Heart Church KK and the couple was blessed with five children.
The deceased was actively involved in church activities as a photographer and as one of the first members of the Chinese Legion of Mary set up on 23 June 1962 by Thomas Lee, he taught catechism on Sundays and visited families or patients in the hospital.
In 1970 he left teaching and went into business.
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SHC English Faith Educators Organise Confirmation Workshop
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- One hundred seventy-nine candidates for confirmation in 2007 attended a one-day workshop organised by the English Faith Formation Ministry 25 Oct 2006 at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre here.
The participants were from the English faith formation classes of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang, St Simon Likas and Montfort Youth Training Centre Penampang.
The workshop aimed to prepare the candidates to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year.
It also aimed to help them to understand the significance of the sacrament so that they would experience the power and joy of the Holy Spirit, and not to treat the ceremony merely as a ritual they had to undergo.
Bernard Kwan presented the first talk on the problems and challenges faced by the youths.
Peter Goh touched on the identity of the Church while Benny Lim dwelt on the Sacrament of Confirmation as the beginning of a new life.
After each talk, the participants went into small group discussion and later presented their views on the points raised by each speaker.
As all the topics were interrelated, the participants were exposed to the various issues affecting them.
They were encouraged to reflect on the presence of Jesus in their lives, to accept Him and to practise what they have learned so that they would be able to overcome whatever challenges they will encounter.
The workshop was very well received judging from the response and eager participation of the participants in all the programmes.
The session closed with a reminder to all the participants to really understand and accept Jesus so that the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation would be a most joyful and meaningful experience for them as followers of Christ.
The participants were also encouraged to join in the various ministries of the Church so that they will be united with others and thus be further strengthened in their faith.
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Know Your PPC Members
KOTA MARUDU PPC: Thomas Dani (chairman), Albert Norbert Gerik (vice chairman), Jerrel Soo (secretary), Jepirin Pinsin (treasurer), Martin Lihuan Guritom, Angelo Maikat Gindara, Victor Beting Lajawai, Damasus Simbih Hassan, Herman Urud, Thaddeus Beannes Gundarong, Alfred Tining Bunahai, Sylvester Sualin Tambur, Auberth Ading Panau, Benjamin Nulatin, Christina Bukin, Jinuin Victor, Rufinah Sudangka, Robert Rejuah Panau, Dominic Barid, Tony Kansulan, Juniah Majimil, John Simpul.
RANAU PPC: Denis J Sading (chairman), Anthony Ebin Di;o (vice chairman), Patricia Galitang (secretary), Musinah E Gosong (assistant secretary), Jimi Dalinting (treasurer) , Aloysius Labi, Simon Ansiu, Felicia Ambrose, Felicia Bidi, Jude Angku, Gadius Inggo, Paul Gambisir, Catherine Pondong, Joseph Tuatty, John Saigol, Andrew Koihod, Petrus Atin, Dallius Ubin, Sr Religious, John Sing, Jeffrey Ludin Yamou, Pius Miting Pakoi, Cosmas Subil, Cosmas Nikita Embun, Andrew John Ladsou
TUARAN PPC :Emmanuel Enson Angkanau (chairman), Catherine Tan (vice chairman), Marius Bungkoluh (secretary), Jenny Henry (assistant secretary), Jeffrey Dusing, Dominic Khamis, Matthew Gusar, Thomas Nanti, John Kinsu, Maximillian Antau, Michael Tangin, Maurice Hawang
KEPAYAN PPC: Stephen Poyong (chairman), P Johnny Juinis (secretary), Freddy James Malis, Martin Idang, Alexius Anjimeh, Peter Primus, Sr Doris Abiu, Joe Lajutan, Alphonsus Tendahal, Milim Lianus, David Ho, Elsie Michael, Gerald Raison Juroh, Ernest Kan, Noel Kevin James
KEPAYAN PASTORAL FINANCE COUNCIL: Luvita Koisun (chairperson), Bonnie Lobijin (treasurer), Maria Palait, Gerard Ho, Ignatius Pudin
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Vocation Seminar 2007 At Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre
To be held from January 19 to 21. The main objectives are:
* To help young men discern their vocation and to encourage them to answer God's calling to the diocesan priesthood;
* To meet those who have the potential to become "aspirants" for the year 2007
Strongly Recommended for the Seminar are young men:
* Who have passed their SPM or other equivalent academic qualifications and are working;
* Who have completed their STPM and awaiting results or are now working.
Interested young men may get the form from their parish office and return the completed form to their parish priest before January 08.
Each participant will contribute a minimum amount of RM10.00 upon arrival at the BTRC.
For more information, please contact Fr John Wong (KK) at Tel: 088-712297 / 715017 Fax: 088-711222, or Fr Bonaventure Unting (Keningau) at Tel: 087-331154 / 339506 Fax: 087-335348.
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