Tenom Offers Its First Priest To Interior Diocese
TENOM(CS Online).- Never say die. After almost 80 years since the first efforts of evangelisation in 1929 by Msgr Augustine Wachter, Tenom was able to offer its first fruit to the Interior Diocese in the person of Father David Edward Mamat.
January 26, memorial of Sts Timothy and Titus, dawned fair and bright with around 2,500 people from both the Kota Kinabalu and Keningau Dioceses present to witness the historic event of the first presbyteral ordination held at St Anthony Tenom.
Among the 22 concelebrants were representatives from Kuching and Sibu arch/dioceses.
In his address to the congregation Presider Bishop Cornelius Piong reminded the faithful that vocations come from families...It is in the family that the potential candidates to the priestly and religious life first hear and are enabled to answer the call.
He paid tribute to the ordinand's father, Edward Mamat Angkas, who was one of Tenom's earliest catechists.
In an unprecedented move, the ordinand's parents accompanied him to be presented to the bishop during the Calling at the beginning of the Rite of Ordination.
In his speech after Communion, the newly ordained thanked all those who had accompanied him on his 'long' journey (11 years) towards the priesthood.
The event was enhanced by the singing of the choir and the slow, graceful Murut (entrance) and Kadazandusun (presentation of gifts) dances.
A simple lunch was served at the adjacent kindergarten and outside in the church compound.
Tenom is a small town in the Interior District of Sabah, about 150 km from Kota Kinabalu and around three hours' ride by road.
It is the centre of the Murut, a group of hill tribes (Murut means "Men of the Hills") who have lived in this region since time immemorial.
Mamat, 35, however, is a Dusun from Tambunan whose family has settled down in Tenom where he was born.
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Keningau Presbyterium Welcomes Two More New Members
TAMBUNAN(CS Online).- The interior diocese of Keningau welcomed two more new members into its presbyterium Feb 2 with the ordinations of Deacons Phillip Muji and Gilbert Lasius at Sts Theresa and Maria here.
Earlier on Jan 26 it has welcomed neo-ordained Father David Mamat who was ordained at St Anthony Tenom into its fold.
At 10:00 am the bells of Sts Theresa and Maria began ringing to announce the beginning of the event.
Two rows of young sumazau dancers in traditional Kadazan costume led the procession from the church entrance to the sound of the beating of gongs as they brought the two deacons, the concelebrating clergy including Archbishop Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez of Kuala Lumpur, and the ordaining prelate, Bishop Cornelius Piong into the church.
The church was packed with people - about 1,500 from all walks of life - to overflowing to the corridors within (mezzanine) and outside the church.
As the procession entered the church, a well-trained choir began singing the gathering song, supported by a strong combo.
With many songs in BM, Kadazan and English, a homily from the bishop in BM, the Rite of Presbyteral Ordination took more than two hours.
After the Mass the neo-ordained blessed the two prelates, fellow clergy and family members and relatives.
This was followed by speeches from the organising committee chairman David Benedict, Rector Father Bede Anthonius, the two neo-ordained and the bishop.
After the photography sessions lunch was served outside and at the formation centre.
The cake-cutting ceremony, giving of gifts and a cultural programme took place at the parish hall after lunch.
This double ordination was actually the third time hosted by Sts Theresa and Maria and it came after a hiatus of five years.
The first was in 1978 (Father Alex Induku of Nambayan), the second in 2003 (Father Valentine Gompok ofmCap).
The historic triple ordination of Fathers Bede Anthonius, Joseph Gapitang and Joseph Liansim in 1980 took place at the Tambunan Community Hall.
With these ordinations, Keningau Diocese has one diocesan bishop and 16 diocesan priests to serve a Catholic population of 102,777 in eight parishes,two missions and 181 outstations.
Tambunan is a town located situated within the parliamentary constituency of Keningau, about 81 km from Kota Kinabalu, at an altitude of around 1,000 m in the Crocker Range.
It has two main parishes: Sts Theresa and Maria and Holy Cross Toboh (three miles further up).
When Father Augustine Wachter was the parish priest of Penampang in 1917, his parish included Tambunan.
In 1919 he sent Fathers Staal and Dynes to Tambunan accompanied by Louis Majapul, a catechist from Penampang.
They built a school where the old Tambunan Hospital was situated and left Majapul to take charge of both mission and school.
In 1925 Father John Quinn became the first resident priest of Tambunan. He set up a mission behind the old hospital and built a bamboo chapel.
In Dec 1927 Father Martin Connolly became his assistant.
In 1932 Quinn left left Tambunan and started the Toboh Mission. Between 1996 and 2007 Holy Cross Church in Toboh has hosted three ordination events.
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Vote Wisely In 2008 General Elections (March 8)
KOTA KINABALU(CS Online).- Christians! Be responsible and good citizens! Pray for the general elections! Cast your votes!
What to consider?
- Future for you and the generations to come
- Political parties manifestos and track record on
- Citizens' rights on freedom of religion, conscience and speech
- Economic agenda and development
- Protection of environment
- Welfare of the poor, sick and disabled
- Integrity, honesty and efficiency
- Justice and fair play
Are the manifestos consistent with the actual track record?
Do they reflect God's standards and Christ-like values?
Candidates:
- Standard of accountability, integrity and honesty
- Leadership skills
- Values
- Accessibility and availability
Do they walk the talk?
May God's Spirit guide each and every one of you!
from the CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
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OCDS Holds First East Asian Congress
TAGAYTAY, PHILIPPINES(CS).- Members of the Discalced Order of Carmelite Seculars (OCDS) held their first East Asian Congress in Tagaytay 21-25 Nov 2007.
Around 220 participants (including support staff) from eight nations - Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines - took part in the congress.
The idea came when OCDS Delegate Father Aloysius Deeney was invited by the Filipino OCDS to review with them the formation programme they were developing.
This review occurred in July 2006 when Deeney went to the Philippines to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the OCDS community in Manila.
During the course of the review it occurred to Deeney that their formation programme would be of great service to their sister communities in Asia.
Deeney has visited many of the East Asian communities over the past years and knew that a great preoccupation of these communities was a formation programme.
During the meeting in Manila, Deeney asked the president of OCDS Philippines if his community would be willing to offer their formation programme to the other communities.
Without hesitancy, Mrs Thelma Antonio, the president, agreed.
OCDS Philippines quickly formed the Ad Hoc committee for the congress, assigned tasks and began the work of communication.
They worked hard and despite other responsibilities, were able to provide a venue and time for the congress at an affordable cost to those coming for the congress.
The programme format was Seculars talking to Seculars about how to be Seculars.
The presentation of the formation programme was done by the members during the day.
There is one general syllabus containing the programme for the six initial years of formation and one support volume for each of the six years.
The support volumes contain readings and citations from various sources that accompany each of the themes suggested in the various years of initial formation (seven volumes in all).
Deeney said the price of books is relatively affordable in the Philippines.
In the evenings, each nation present took turns in presenting cultural programmes to the assembly.
Three significant decisions came out of the congress.
First, each nation would adopt (and adapt according to needs) the formation programme presented during the congress.
Second, the participants decided to establish an East Asian Secretariat with one representative from the Philippines (Teresa Tunay), Hong Kong (John "Danny" Wong) and Malaysia (Stephen Tai).
Third, the participants also decided to establish a programme of formation for OCDS formators in the Philippines.
The assembly addressed a letter to Father General, which all participants signed.
In that letter, the participants expressed what they thought to be the challenges to the OCDS in Asia (formation, inculturation and the lack of affordable materials in Asian languages).
They also expressed their hopes for the future and their desires for the present.
The participants left the congress Nov 25 with a renewed sense of identity and hope for the future of Carmel in Asia.
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KK Comitium Organises First Marian Song Writing Competition
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- For the first time, the Legion of Mary Kota Kinabalu Comitium (LOM-KKC) organised a song writing competition opened to all legionaries Dec 8 at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre here.
The criteria for the competition were originality and in praise of Mary in any of the four languages: English, BM, Chinese or Kadazandusun.
The judges were Father Wilfred Atin, Neil Mah and music lecturer Agnes Khoo.
Participants were from Kota Kinabalu (Chinese and BM), Inanam, Penampang, Tambunan, Keningau and Beaufort.
Two Junior groups also took part: Kota Kinabalu (Chinese) and Inanam (BM).
Inanam Curia's composition, Maria Ratu Pelindung, won the competition.
More than 300 legionaries, including auxiliary members, attended the event.
KK Comitium Spiritual Director Father Alex Sipanul was also present.
This event will be held once every two years, so the next competition will be in 2009.
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Golden Couple Celebrates Anniversary In Another Style
PENAMPANG(CS).- Unlike some couples who celebrate their wedding anniversaries by holding parties similar to their actual wedding, Peter Lidadun, 69, and wife, Lidwina Liansong, 68, decided to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary by visiting and attending thanksgiving Masses in nearby parishes.
They will also visit and have retreats in nearby retreat centres such as Bundu Tuhan and Kiulu.
Depending on the distances, health, weather and transport, the couple will also tour some places of interest in Sabah, including historical places.
In the past they had toured some towns and cities in Malaysia, including Penang, Langkawi and Kuching where their children were either studying or working.
Being good Sabahans, they had already visited almost all the big and small towns in Sabah.
They have also toured some cities and places outside Malaysia, such as the Middle East, China, Thailand and Indonesia.
Asked why they like to celebrate their anniversary in this way, Lidadun said: "We think it is a good style."
Asked why they don't go abroad, he said: "We have already done so. We are old now, but not too old. It may not be advisable to go to faraway places." They had visited those faraway places with tourist groups.
The couple married on 12 April 1958 in St Michael Penampang with Father Willibrord Smit as the minister. They have been blessed with 11 children and numerous grandchildren.
The Lidaduns intend to celebrate their golden anniversary during the whole month of April.
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The Daims Celebrate Their 50th Wedding Anniversary
TUARAN(CS).- Ignatius and Rosaleen P Daim, formerly of Kg Bambangan Inanam, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last Dec 29.
The couple renewed their marriage vows before Father Jalius Sading at St John' s Chapel.
It was witnessed by the same bestman, Anthony van Straatem, while the bridesmaid was Janet Wong-Dainal, who replaced her mother, the late Martha Roman.
A luncheon reception was held at the couple's residence at Kg Dungun Tuaran.
Among the invited guests were Deputy Speaker of Sabah State Legislative Assembly, Datuk James A Vitales and his wife, Datin Emmaculate.
Daim, 72, a retired journalist, was a former Chief Editor of the Kinabalu Sabah Times (KST). He started work there in 1966.
After six years, Daim left KST to work for a while in Borneo Bulletin and for the Reuters and United Press International (UPI) news agencies.
The couple's marriage was solemnised by the Father Arnold Verhoeven at then Sacred Heart Church Jesselton on 28 Dec 1957.
"We are grateful to the Lord that we have reached 50 years of married life, and have been blessed with seven children, 22 grandchildren and four great grandchildren," Daim told Catholic Sabah Jan 30.
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111 Attend Vocation Seminar
BUNDU TUHAN(CS).- A record of 111 participants from the three dioceses of Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Sandakan took part in the vocation seminar Jan 18-20 at the Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre here.
In his homily during the Opening Mass, Bishop John Lee stressed on the need of doing God's will.
This can only be achieved, he said, when one has an intimate relationship, the fruit of a prayerful life.
When one does the will of God, the bishop continued, even though one goes through hard times, one will be happy.
The three-day seminar consisted of talks on vocation and on the priesthood, slide shows, sing-along, action songs, games and making friends.
Father Bonaventure Unting introduced the priesthood through the life and ministry of Jesus while Father Michael Modoit touched on vocation awareness and the functions of the priest.
After each talk the participants were given ample time to reflect on the input given.
The seminarians shared on how they responded to the calling and on their life in St Peter's College, Kuching, the formation house for diocesan priests in East Malaysia.
On the second and third day, each participant was interviewed by the priests on their readiness to undergo the one-year intensive English course at the Catholic Diocesan Centre in Penampang.
After careful consideration, 13 participants declared their readiness to undergo the English course. The date of the entrance will be Feb 3.
Father John Wong urged the participants to give themselves a chance to give God a chance to work in them in his homily at the closing Mass. He also asked them to share what they have learnt and experienced there with others.
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Two Tambunanites To Be Ordained Priests
PENAMPANG(CS).- Come February 2, feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Deacons Philip Anthony Muji, 37, and Gilbert Lasius, 29, will be ordained priests for the Diocese of Keningau by Bishop Cornelius Piong at St Theresa Tambunan at 10:00 am.
Born on 22 March 1970 in Tambunan, Muji is one of the 11 children of Anthony Muji and Tirimba Gintuk.
He had his primary education at SRJK St Theresa Tambunan (1976-1981) and his secondary education at SM St Martin Tambunan (1982-1986).
After working for almost 10 years, Muji entered the aspirancy at the Catholic Diocesan Centre in 1999.
"I first had the interest to become a priest in 1995 when I experienced spiritual renewal. That was when the struggle started and it took me three or four years to finally decide to enter the seminary," Muji wrote in The Key, the yearbook of St Peter's College Kuching.
"The struggle that I faced was the thought of having to give up this material world and its luxuries. But slowly with God's grace, I started to see priesthood as a call and gift from God," he continued.
He was ordained deacon together with David Mamat and Gilbert Lasius last Sept 23.
Lasius, on the other hand, was born on 3 May 1978 in Nambayan Tambunan, the first in a brood of five boys and two girls of Eugenius Duuk @ Lasius and Susanna Jubia Ajon.
He had his primary education at St Frances Cabrini Nambayan and his secondary education at SMK Nambayan and Nabawan Pensiangan.
After working for two years in Labuan Lasius entered the aspirancy in 1999.
"I liked to see the work of the religious sisters and brothers in their service to the church and I loved so much to look at the priest whenever he celebrated Mass. Sometimes, it crossed my mind that one day I would like to be a priest," Lasius said when asked about his vocation.
"Every vocation is great if greatly pursued. Vocation can be described as the road crafted by our vision. It calls us to a radical commitment and a conscious willingness to pay the price of our vision," he explained.
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KK Diocese Moves Ash Wednesday Fast And Abstinence To Saturday
PENAMPANG(CS).- In a circular dated January 17 to the clergy and parish pastoral councils, Bishop John Lee explained the reason why the diocese has decided to move the Ash Wednesday Fast and Abstinence to another day.
The document says:
Ash Wednesday this year (February 6) falls on Chinese New Year's eve. Thus it would be difficult to begin Lenten observances and the distribution of ashes on that day.
The diocese has some discussions on this matter and has reached the following decisions:
1. The blessing and distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday will be moved to Friday evening (February 8).
2. Fasting and abstinence will be on Saturday (February 9).
3. Since Friday (February 8) is the second day of Chinese New Year, abstinence of meat is dispensed.
4.Lenten observance is expected to begin after the distribution of ashes on Friday evening (February 8).
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Former Missionary Sister Passes Away At 96
PENAMPANG(CS).- Sister Francis Mary (Esther) Farrelly fmsj passed away on 31 Dec 2007 at the Franciscan Convent Blackburn England.
Born in Leyland Preston on 10 March 1911, Farrelly was the eldest in a brood of three of Mary and Richard Farrelly.
She entered the Franciscan Missionaries of St Joseph (FMSJ) on 3 Oct 1936. She received the habit on 15 Aug 1937 and was given the name Sister Francis Mary. She made her first profession on 15 Aug 1938 and took her final vows on 15 Aug 1944 in Kuching, Sarawak.
She was sent to Borneo immediately after her first profession in 1938 where she stayed for 37 years.
Her first mission was in Sandakan. In 1942 she was taken prisoner by the Japanese, along with many other Sisters and British and Dutch residents.
After her release in 1945 she spent some time in a convalescent camp. On leaving the camp she remained in Borneo, serving and teaching in Penampang, Labuan, Sandakan and Jesselton.
Always a teacher she enjoyed music, established choirs and encouraged people to sing.
She returned to England in 1975, where she was appointed to Broughton Hall. Later she was sent to Market Drayton to be involved in Pastoral Ministry.
On leaving Market Drayton she retired to the Franciscan Convent Blackburn where she remained until her death.
She died peacefully on 31 Dec 2007 and was buried at Pleasington Cemetery on January 8.
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Sabah Hosts National Christmas Open House For The Second Time
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- More than 10,000 people of diverse races and religions from all walks of life attended the Sixth National Christmas Open House held at Padang Merdeka here Dec 29.
The event marked the second time Sabah hosted the Open House, the first was held in 2003 at the Likas Sports Complex.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and the state government, the event was attended by federal and state leaders as well as the leaders of the local Christian Churches.
Officiating the event, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said:
"The message of peace, love and forgiveness illustrated through Christmas is not only relevant to Christians but to people across the world."
Without it, he continued, the nation could end up in turmoil.
A seven-hour programme, which began at 10:00 am, it was packed with a whole range of activities.
These included an exhibition of local delicacies and costumes, handicraft, cultural performances and singing by local and Kuala Lumpur artistes.
Choir members from Stella Maris Tg Aru and St Michael Penampang formed a choir representing the Christian Churches sang Christmas carols during the event.
They were joined by a popular local singing group, Suara Bayu, to form the main choir that led in the singing of the national and state anthems on stage.
Later on, this 60-strong combined choir presented a rendition of We Wish You A Merry Christmas in four languages.
The choir members were also involved in mass choreographed movements to add colour to the various stage performances.
In line with the spirit of sharing and giving, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage gave out presents to children and donations to 30 welfare homes and deserving poor Christian families.
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MSB Clergy Attends Formation Seminar
PLENTONG, JOHOR(CS).- Around 11 bishops and 18 priests from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei attended the annual seminar given to seminary formators Jan 7-19 at the Majodi Centre here.
The seminar was facilitated by Father Giuseppe Magrin of Propaganda Fide Rome.
The participants consisted of formation staff, spiritual fathers and spiritual directors of the three major seminaries in the region: St Peter's College Kuching, Penang College General and St Francis Xavier Major Seminary Singapore.
According to Father John Wong, rector of the Catholic Diocesan Centre Penampang, there were eight topics given during the first week.
The topics covered were Church and Communion, Church and Mission, Ordained Ministry and Its Foundation, Ordained Ministry: Specific Identity of Each Degree, Diocesan Spirituality, the Apostolic Vision of the Clergy, The Eucharistic Processions and Reconciliation.
Unfortunately, Bishop John Lee, Wong, Father Michael Modoit and Father Edward Raymond had to leave after the first week to prepare for the Vocation Seminar to be held in Bundu Tuhan Jan 18-20.
Father Erik Jerome was able to attend the full seminar, being attached to SPC Kuching.
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Seminarians In Pastoral Immersion
Sacred Heart Cathedral
1. Rayner Bisius of Penampang (completed SPC Formation 2007)
2. Mattheus Augustine Luta of Penampang (4th year Theology): Jan - May 2008
St Peter Claver Ranau
1. Theodore Kait of Tuaran (completed SPC Formation 2005)
2. Wiandigool Runsab of Tuaran (4th year Theology): Jan - May 2008
St Edmund Kota Belud
1. Isidore Gilbert of Tuaran (completed SPC Formation 2007)
2. Postinus Kurup of Ranau (3rd year Theology): Jan - May 2008
St John Tuaran
1. Sunny Chung of Papar (4th year Theology): Jan - May 2008
2. Florian Marcus of Penampang (3rd year Theology): Jan - May 2008
St Joseph Papar
1. Jeffri Gumu of Telipok (2nd year Theology): Jan - May 2008
2. Maxmilliano Benhur (2nd year Theology): Jan - May 2008
St Peter Kudat
1. Daniel Jomilong of Penampang (2nd year Theology): Jan - May 2008
2. Elvise Morris of Papar (2nd year Theology): Jan - May 2008
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