Terawi Commemorates Archbishop's Visit With Tree Planting, Commemorative Plaque
TERAWI(CS Online).- It wasn't in his schedule but Archbishop John Lee decided to pay a pastoral visit to the Terawi community to administer Confirmation, assisted by Parish Priest Fr Alex Sipnaul, to 104 candidates from Inobong (48), Sugud (16), Talang Taun (9) and Terawi (31) Oct 11.
In return, the Terawi community welcomed his first visit as archbishop with tree planting and unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the church entrance before the Mass.
In his address to a congregation of around 600 faithful, the archbishop exhorted them to look into the challenges affecting family life such as gambling and alcoholism and to strengthen family life through being rooted in the Word of God and the Sacraments.
He explained briefly about the ongoing Synod of Bishops on the Bible (Oct 5-26).
He said he was pleased that the community had decided to commemorate the elevation of the diocese to archdiocese with tree planting and a commemorative plaque.
The archbishop then gave a brief explanation why the pope decided to erect a new ecclesiastical province.
After the Mass and speeches, the community adjourned to the parish hall where the archbishop and invited guests were given a tour of the pastoral committee/finance & property committee/documentation offices on the first floor.
pastoral committee chairman Wildy D Moujing then briefed the archbishop on the organisational plan of the community.
Dinner was served after the cake-cutting ceremony. The chairman also presented a memento to the archbishop before the final blessing.
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One To Be Ordained Deacon For Keningau Diocese
KENINGAU(CS Online).- Ronnie Luni, 31, of Kg Tondulu Tambunan, has been accepted to be ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Cornelius Piong on November 23 at 4:00 pm at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral Keningau. All are welcome to witness the ceremony.
At the diaconate ordination, the candidate commits himself to celibacy and daily recitation of the Divine Office. His sign of office is the stole, which hangs from his left shoulder and across his chest; on solemn occasions he also wears the dalmatic.
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KK Archdiocese To Have New Church In Putatan
PENAMPANG(CS Online).- Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese will soon be having a new church in Putatan.
How did this come about?
Catholic Sabah had an interview Sept 19 with the former District Officer (DO) of Penampang, Stephen Sondoh, who is also the church building committee chairman and Dimbaan Home adviser, on this.
Sondoh said the new church, to be named St Catherine of Siena, was conceptualised by him, Stella Maris Parish Priest Fr Fundes Motiung, Dr Marcus Mojigoh, Tony Mojigoh and Gregory Juin some time ago.
"We were motivated by an urgent need to construct a church for the growing number of Catholics in Putatan and Lok Kawi which is currently around 4,000," Sondoh said.
He said the group was "initially nervous" as they didn't have anything to start with - no funds and no land - so they prayed to the Lord for help.
"After a series of meeting among the protem church building committee, a lady, Madam Catherine Moinin, approached us and unhesitatingly offered her piece of land in Kg Dimbaan for the church site. She asked for no charge. In return for her generosity, we decided to name the church St Catherine of Siena," Sondoh continued.
Regarding the church in Putatan, Sondoh related that the church started some time in 1885 when two missionaries, Fathers Prenger and Ignazio, who were then stationed in Bundu Kuala Penyu, rowed along the Putatan River and reached Stramp Port.
During their visit and subsequent visits, they stayed with one Aki Lokubal at Kg Dimbaan, Sondoh said.
Aki Lokubal, Sondoh continued, was Catherine's great grandfather. The house became a transit point for other missionaries who came after them.
Catherine's grandfather, Tuyo, was adopted and taught by one of the missionaries. He went on to propagate the faith to the people, the former DO related.
"From this piece of history, I see an interesting link of God's work that goes all the way down to Catherine. The proposed site is where her ancestral house once stood," he said.
Aside from the church building, the committee also intends to build a transit home for the needy, Sondoh told CS.
"We intend to build a transit home for young people who come from the rural areas to urban centres in search of jobs... This home will serve to prepare them to face the challenges by providing them with information, knowledge and skills. It will also serve as a transit point for those who wish to return to their villages from the cities," the chairman continued.
He said the home will also serve people from rural areas who come to the city for medical reasons but have no place to stay.
"We may provide a stay-in programme for the hardcore poor and provide training for them...the home will be called Dimbaan Home," he elaborated.
Like Aki Lokubal's house, this is a transit point in the physical and spiritual sense, Sondoh observed.
The chairman said they have secured a generous fund from an anonymous donor for this project.
He said they have also received some generous funds from another anonymous donor to develop what is to be called the Dimbaan Recreational Park that sets a beautiful and serene landscape for the church.
Sondoh said they have started the campaign by asking for donations of just "five bricks and a bag of cement."
"It's forty cents per brick and RM18.00 per bag of cement," he added.
He said in that way anyone can participate:
"The church is the people of God. By participating in the process of building this church we will experience the true meaning of being a local church in many ways," he said.
The chairman said the proposed church will be able to accommodate around 800 faithful.
The groundbreaking, fundraising programme and website launching ceremony is scheduled on December 15 at 9:30 am on site.
Further details can be obtained from Sondoh at 013-8658333. Anyone who wishes to contribute can do so by channeling donations through the appointed members or bank in to their bank account at Maybank payable to "RTDKK St Catherine of Siena Church, Putatan." The account number is 510189007514.
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Sandakan Diocese To Open Pilgrimage Centre In Ulu Dusun
SANDAKAN(CS Online).- In conjunction with the Pauline Year, the Sandakan Diocese, at its recent priests' meeting, has identified St Paul Ulu Dusun as a pilgrimage centre.
"St Paul journeyed to many places as we know through his letters found in the New Testament, worked tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel. He was indeed a great missionary. By going on pilgrimage, we emulate the missionary spirit of St Paul," Bishop Julius D Gitom said.
He added that "going on pilgrimage is one of the activities throughout the year of St Paul."
The bishop urged all church groups to take advantage of the ancient practice of going on pilgrimage by going to St Paul's Church Ulu Dusun in the hope and desire of finding spiritual benefits.
St Paul's Church will be officially declared open as pilgrimage centre for the Diocese of Sandakan by the bishop on Oct 19. Mass will be held at 10:00 am to mark the occasion. All the faithful are invited to attend.
Those who wish to make a pilgrimage to St Paul Ulu Dusun and intend to stay overnight can book the following at minimum rate:
a) Group not exceeding 40 persons: Diocesan Retreat Centre, Mile 28 North Road (about 3 km from St Paul's Church). Contact Sharon Ho at 089-224623, Fax: 089-218623
b) Big group (40 persons and more): Pertanian Rest House (hostel), Ulu Dusun Sandakan. Contact Margaret David at 089-511832 (O), 089-511850 (H)
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East Coast Diocese To Celebrate Its First Anniversary
SANDAKAN(CS Online).- The one-year-young Diocese of Sandakan will be celebrating its first anniversary at diocesan level Oct 27 at St Mary's Cathedral Sandakan.
The exact anniversary, Oct 15, will be celebrated on a low-keyed scale with a Mass at St Mary's Cathedral at 7:00 pm followed by a pot-luck dinner with Bishop Julius Gitom at the parish hall.
The main celebration at diocesan level will be on Oct 27 at 9:00 am at the cathedral.
At the first Diocesan Pastoral Working Committee, the bishop said:
"In order to better serve our faithful, we need to have an effective pastoral strategy. I believe that the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) is our answer. In order to reach our dream we need to start by having a demographic survey of our diocese."
Sandakan has four parishes: St Mary Sandakan, St Dominic Lahad Datu, Holy Trinity Tawau and St Martin Telupid and one mission station at Paitan, which has more than 10 outstations.
The estimated Catholic population of the diocese is about 60,000, served by six priests and one bishop.
The organising committee cordially extends its invitation to all the faithful in the province to come and join in the celebration on Oct 27.
After the Mass, there will be a community celebration at the parish hall.
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Two To Be Ordained Deacons In KK Archdiocese
KOTA KINABALU(CS Online).- Rayner Nigel Bisius of St Michael Penampang and Isidore Gilbert Gondilou M of St Joseph Kiulu have been accepted by Archbishop John Lee to be ordained by him to the diaconate on December 6 at Sacred Heart Cathedral Karamunsing at 9:00 am. All are welcome to witness the ceremony.
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Double Celebration For Franciscan Sisters
PURAK, PAPAR(CS).- October 4 was a red-letter day for the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) as it was the first time they combined the celebration of the silver and ruby jubilees of profession of six of their members with the feastday of St Francis of Assisi itself.
Sisters Cabrini Mobilik of and Celestine Nandu celebrated their ruby jubilees (40 years) while Sisters Rosario Aligro, Dolores Siganul, Hilary Laudi and Lawrencia Gompuk celebrated their silver jubilees.
Together they have rendered 180 years of service to the local Church.
More than 1,000 faithful, including family members and relatives, thronged Pace Bene, the FSIC Centre for Spiritual Formation & Retreat in Purak Papar for the celebration.
Eight priests from both KK Archdiocese and Keningau Diocese concelebrated the Mass with Msgr Primus Jouil.
The jubilarians renewed their vows before Mother General Sr Grace Deosing after the homily.
Archbishop John Lee was able to join in the reception held at the dining hall after the Mass.
The two ruby jubilarians, Mobilik and Nandu, were accepted to postulancy on 5 Jan 1966 at Loreto Novitiate Dontozidon.
They made their first profession on 15 Aug 1968 and took their final vows on 22 Dec 1973, both events held at the Loreto Novitiate Dontozidon.
The four silver jubilarians, Aligro, Siganul, Laudi and Gompuk entered aspirancy in December 1980 at St Francis Convent.
They made their first profession on 26 Nov 1983 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Karamunsing and took their final vows on 10 Dec 1988 at St Michael Penampang.
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CWL Organises Leadership Skills Seminar
TANJUNG ARU(CS).- About 100 Catholic Women's League (CWL) officials from West Coast 1 attended a one-day leadership seminar at the St Thomas Catechetical Centre, Stella Maris Parish, Tanjung Aru Sept 20.
The day began with the enthronement of the Bible followed by a talk on The Role of the Catholic Women's League in the Parish and the Archdiocese by Franciscan Sr Dariah Ajap, chairperson of the KK Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission.
She also gave a talk on the Liturgy in the afternoon.
Other talks included CWL Guidelines in KK Archdiocese by CWL Commission Chairperson Anita Tunggolou, Ethics and Conduct of Meetings and Financial Management of CWL Fund by Susan Shee, chairperson of Christian Family Life Commission.
After the talks, there was a Questions & Answers Session with Ajap, Shee, Tunggolou and Anastasia Mojilis as panelists.
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Penampang Launches Raffle Draw
PENAMPANG(CS).- St Michael Penampang launched its Raffle Draw Sept 7 in a simple ceremony officiated by Parish Priest Fr Alex Sipanul, witnessed by its pastoral/finance councils and representatives of the different zones.
In his welcoming speech, Organising Committee Chairman Dr Felix Tongkul thanked those who attended the launching and stressed that the purpose of the Raffle Draw is to raise funds for church building maintenance and for carrying out pastoral activities.
The main prizes to be won are motorbikes (first and second prizes), 32" LCD TV screen, laptop computer, video camera while the consolation prizes are ovens (2), washing machines (2), digital cameras (3), blenders (5), rice cookers (5), DVD players (5), bicycles (5), table fans (10) and mini-compos (10).
Tongkul said he hoped that other parishes will also support this project when approached by the parish representatives as St Michael has been supportive of their parish projects in the past.
The date of draw will be on Dec 28 at the parish hall.
Before Sipanul officiated the launching, he also urged all the parishioners to give their full support to the project as the proceeds will eventually be distributed to the respective zones for their building maintenance.
The event ended with high tea.
Further details can be obtained from Tongkul (019-8208411), Ernest Mojikon (019-8306200), Justine Lim (013-8548181) and Nora Jikuil (088-712032).
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Fr Gillespie Dead At 77
KILKENNY, IRELAND(CS).- The Mill Hill Secretariat in England announced the death of Father Martin Gillespie Sept 20 in Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny, Ireland. He was 77.
Gillespie was born on 15 May 1931 in Cloondaff, Ireland, to James Gillespie and Annie McManamon.
He had two brothers. He was educated at St Joseph's College, Freshford between 1945 and 1951. He began his philosophical studies in Roosendaal in 1951 and his theological studies in Mill Hill in 1953.
He took his perpetual oath on 7 May 1956 and was ordained on 7 July 1957 at St Joseph's College, Mill Hill.
After his ordination, Gillespie was appointed to teach at St Peter's College, Freshfield.
After three years, he was appointed to St Joseph's College, Freshford, Ireland, where he taught between 1 Aug 1960 and 31 July 1961.
Between 1961 and 1964, he followed a bachelor's degree programme in English, History and Archaeology at the National University in Dublin.
After his graduation, he was appointed to teach at Freshford.
Towards the end of 1965, he received an appointment to Sabah. After arriving there in February 1966, he taught at St Francis Xavier's School in Keningau and later at St Joseph's School in Papar.
On 29 July 1968, he was withdrawn from Sabah and appointed as Director of Philosophy at Dartry, Dublin.
He began his new appointment in Dartry, Dublin, in February 1969 but not long after, in June, he found himself appointed as Headmaster of St Joseph's College, Freshford.
On 23 April 1977, Gillespie received an appointment to join the newly formed Vocations Team in Ireland.
On 5 June 1979, he was asked once again to teach at Freshford for a year due to a shortage of teaching staff. This temporary appointment became permanent on 20 April 1980 when he was appointed to the teaching staff.
On 3 June 1983, Gillespie was appointed as Rector of Freshford House and acted as chaplain to Freshford College after it was handed over to the local community.
He relinquished this role in June 1986 and after a three-month renewal course in Dublin, he was reappointed as Rector of Freshford House for three years.
On 1 Oct 1989, he was appointed to the organising staff in Kilkenny to do mission promotion work in parishes. He remained in this work until about five years ago. Over the past few years he resided with Marie and Billy Hogan in Freshford.
Gillespie's health had been declining and during the last six to seven weeks, he had been in and out of Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny.
He seemed to be recovering but passed away unexpectedly at 7:30 am Sept 20.
His body was taken from Kennedy's Funeral Home to St Lacthan's Church in Freshford Sept 21. He was buried at the Mill Hill plot at Freshford Cemetery after the Requiem Mass Sept 22.
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PUKAT 8: Celebrating The Faith Together, Says Bishop
TATAL, KENINGAU(CS).- For two days, delegates from the different parishes - clergy, religious and lay leaders - came together with their bishop to celebrate their faith at the Rumah Retret Keuskupan Keningau (RRKK) in their once-in-three-year diocesan synod.
"The synod is a time to celebrate our faith together because we have been called and chosen by Jesus (Mt 28:19-20) and guided by the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26)," Bishop Cornelius Piong stressed in his homily at the Opening Mass.
He said the presence of the delegates from the different parishes, missions, commissions, ministries and communities of the diocese is a manifestation of the implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
However, the bishop also reminded the delegates of the realities of our times: negative cultural values, losing faith, drug addiction, pornography, etc.
After Communion, Msgr Gilbert Engan read out the greetings of the Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio.
"It is providential that this synod falls in the Pauline Jubilee Year. Pope Benedict XVI reminded us about the Eucharistic character of our existence through St Paul's teaching and mission," the apostolic delegate wrote.
PUKAT 8, as it was called, took place Sept 12-14. Its theme was the diocesan theme: The Eucharist as the source of strength for the family to live in a culture that is God-fearing, faith-filled and socially responsible.
Around 200 delegates from the nine parishes and missions came together for a time of prayer, reflection, catechesis, open forum and fellowship after months of preparation at parish/mission level which started in June.
The sense of prayer and reflection was deepened through the Eucharistic celebrations participated in by the different parishes/missions, morning prayer (Lauds), Eucharistic Adoration, Stations of the Cross and Liturgy of the Word combined with rosary recitation.
In his catechesis presentation, Fr Charles Chiew dwelt on three aspects of life based on Scriptures:
i) stage of discouragement and weariness: seen in the lives of Elijah (1 Kgs 19) and Jesus (Lk 22:43) and how they were comforted and strengthened by an angel.
We are called, Chiew said, to be "angels" to one another in times of discouragement and weariness.
ii) faith formation through the three practices of piety during Lent (Mt 6:1-18): prayer (worship), fasting (faith formation) and almsgiving (social responsibility)
iii) Emmaus journey (Lk 24: 13-35) - how Jesus journeys with the discouraged disciples and enables them to return to the community as his witnesses:
- Scripture - Jesus opens their minds to understand the Scriptures;
- Eucharist (breaking of the bread) - their eyes are opened to recognise Jesus;
- Return to Jerusalem - as renewed witnesses of Jesus.
Chiew closed his catechesis with a vision of the early Christian community as described in Acts 2 and 4.
In the open forum, Msgr Engan explained through Familiaris Consortio why the Eucharist is the source of marital love and family life.
Lawyer Martin Idang explained clearly Article 3 and 11 of the Malaysian Constitution and why it is easy for some people to change their religion and how hard it is ("no open door") to revert back to one's original religion.
Franciscan Sr Maria Magdalena Kopong talked on the challenges and hopes of the youth while Fr Charles Chiew presented the different stages of human and spiritual growth and development.
One of the delegates brought up the case of wives not given enough money to live on.
Idang responded and said this can be brought to the attention of the local civil authorities as it is provided for in civil law.
On the final day, Msgr Engan summarised the whole process of the synod and remarked that many of the delegates felt this assembly was "relaxing" (not heavy), with much time for prayer and a supportive atmosphere.
He ended it with a spontaneous poem.
On his part, Bishop Cornelius gave six final recommendations:
a) reminded outgoing parish pastoral council members to share their experiences with the incoming ones;
b) pastoral leaders to give more attention to challenges and problems facing the youths;
c) all to deepen their relationship with Jesus and be rooted in His word;
d) in all things be united and cooperate with one another so as to give corporate witness to Chirst and to be aware that any division/dissension is a tactic of the devil;
e) the open forum has opened up many possibilities in tackling problems together; and
f) to make full use or maximise of our spiritual activities to strengthen our faith and family life.
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Tawau Organises BEC Seminar
TAWAU(CS).- Holy Trinity Parish organised a seminar on Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) August 9-10 at the parish hall.
John Lainsin of Keningau Diocese facilitated the seminar.
One hundred and thirty people comprising Parish Pastoral Councillors, parish leaders, cluster coordinators and outstation leaders attended the bilingual seminar.
The seminar started with the enthronment of the Bible and gospel reading facilitated by Franciscan Sr Tauria.
In his welcoming address, Parish Priest Msgr Nicholas Ong thanked all the participants for coming as the BEC is essential in the building up of the Kingdom of God.
The vicar general also said that the BEC is the pastoral thrust of the diocese.
In the first session, Lainsin explained what BEC is about, illustrating it with his personal experiences.
In the second session on the essentiality of the BEC, Lainsin focused on the four characteristics of the BEC:
1. House rotation is to build intimacy within the community.
2. Reading and sharing the Word of God is the heart and soul of the BEC.
3. Taking action together as a community based on a common decision is a sign of togetherness.
4. Being united with the Church is closely related to working with the leaders of the church.
In the following sessions, Lainsin explained the difference between a BEC and church ministries, its activities and how to start a BEC.
To illustrate this, he gave a powerpoint presentation on how BEC was started and conducted in other parishes.
The participants were divided into groups for a one-and-a-half hour guided workshop.
In the plenary assembly, most of the groups shared that the system of BEC already exists but they don't have the term for it.
But now after the seminar, the participants are more aware of the importance and need of BEC not only to the community but to the whole Church.
In conclusion, Lainsin stressed that the BEC is the heart and soul of the Church as it can produce more priestly and religious vocations, as well as catechists, and also to bring back lapsed Catholics into the Church.
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Labuan Youths Take Active Part In Sabah Youth Day 2
LABUAN(CS).- Thirty-two youths from Labuan were among the 2,300 who participated in the Sabah Youth Day 2 (SYD2) in Ranau Aug 19-23.
The theme of the event was You will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witness (Acts 1:8).
Among the activities held were catechesis (six topics: vocation, boy-girl relationship, family relationship, globalisation, religious issues, environment); debate on three issues: Sabah youths are easily influenced by the ways of the world; the faith of Sabah youths is built on sand and Catholic youths are not interested in current issues.
The Labuan youths were involved in the debate on "Are Sabah youths easily influenced by the world's trends?"
"For this, a preparation with studies and research was started in May, in order to equip our debaters with skills and knowledge," said Eddy, coordinator of the youth group.
Other activities were thematic concerts and the Way of the Cross shown from the movie Passion of the Christ.
Many cried upon seeing the Passion, leading many to go to confession and counselling.
"The homily from the archbishop deepened my understanding in confession. He said confession is not focusing on my sins but more on receiving the mercy of God," said Eddy, one of the participants.
Two exhibits were held: one on the World Youth Day in Sydney and another on vocation.
The Labuan youths had a reunion and a sharing of SYD2 Aug 30, a week after the SYD2.
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