Need To Witness To The Risen Christ Amidst Current Woes, Says Bishop
SANDAKAN(CS Online).- In his Easter message for this year, Bishop Julius Gitom focuses on the need to be witnesses of the Risen Christ in the midst of the world's current woes.
The message released March 13, highlights three main concerns: economic uncertainty, environmental and human exploitation.
"The world is now in a serious economic crisis and the effects are expected to be felt by our country for a period which no one can really foretell," he writes.
He elaborates on the effects: "...workers had been laid off in many countries including our own...We can imagine the turmoil of life they have to go through in meeting their daily livelihood, the immediate effect on the family and the eventual consequences on society at large."
Those badly affected by the current recession, he says, those who had 'lost their way' will realign their focus on things that should really matter.
In the final analysis, he continues, our human dignity, values and virtues have diminished as a consequence of lives "consumed by over-indulgence and greed."
We need to rely on the "value" the Lord has set for us, namely, "moderation in everything"; the "stimulus package" from the Lord to restore us to himself, the bishop adds.
"We - the Church - face the economic crisis by speaking out against avarice on a large scale, and forming justice in the hearts of all people," he quotes Benedict XVI.
The bishop points out three issues that are connected to human greed: environmental exploitation, human trafficking and deprivation of the natives of their "customary right to own land."
In our age, he says, we are witnessing "excessive and unabated" exploitation of nature by men for economic gain.
"While the Church needs to defend the earth, water, air as gifts of the creation that belong to all of us [...], it must also protect the human being from his own destruction," he quotes the pope again.
An example of human exploitation the bishop points out is human trafficking which is "a form of modern-day slavery."
"Malaysia is not only a destination country but a source and transit country for trafficked persons including those forced into prostitution, sex slavery, sex vacations, labour, drug 'mule,' domestic servitude and illegal adoption," he explains.
He points out that Sabah youth are "being duped" by promises of jobs with lucrative and attractive wages in West Malaysia and Singapore but ended up in jobs least expected in labour and commercial sexual exploitation due to "their own poverty, dislocation and vulnerability."
Another area, he says, is deprivation of the weak of their only means of livelihood by those who are "economically strong."
He illustrates this with the cases in Sabah where "owners of inherited properties handed down for generations with houses existed in specific areas for years were not given land titles with a claim that their abodes were in forest reserves."
He encourges the faithful to know and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour for the risen Lord "came not only to give courage to the confused and disillusioned disciples but also to commission them to bring peace."
The celebration of Easter reminds us of the mission given by the Lord to the Church...which is particularly challenging in our world today, he says.
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Clergy Go Mum During Annual Retreat
BUNDU TUHAN(CS Online).- For almost a week the 58 clergy (arch/bishops, priests and seminarians in pastoral immersion) of the three arch/dioceses went on the silent mode as they made their annual retreat at the Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre here in early March.
The retreat held March 2-6 was facilitated by Fr Jose (Chito) Bernardo Jr from the Galilee Centre Philippines.
It was a kind of follow up from last year's retreat which emphasised the theme of the call to holiness.
The theme of this year's retreat was The Call to Apostolic Ministry.
Bernardo touched on four main topics:
1) Call to Priestly Ministry - following Jesus and together with him, to put out into the deep;
2) Call to Apostolic Ministry: the priest is called (i) to be with Jesus (intimacy with Jesus); (ii) to work with Jesus (in solidarity with Jesus) and (iii) to work like Jesus - the way of the Cross (dying to self in order to serve others).
3) Realities in the Apostolic Ministry based on Mt 10:5ff; and
4) Put out into the deep - working with Jesus as a) a shepherd: discerning the will of God for the people, listening to the people, accepting and healing them, reconciling them with God; b) a teacher: clarifying values for the people, strengthening them, building community and teaching the value of belongingness; and c) a friend: affirming and trusting people, to be open with them and to witness to them.
Bernardo illustrated his talks with many real-life experiences encountered.
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Multi-lingual MCS Officially Launched In Kuching
KUCHING(UCAN, CS Online).- The Malaysian Catechetical Series (MCS) has been completed in several languages after a decade of planning, trial and fine-tuning.
The series, comprising catechism material for children aged 7-16, grades one to 10, was officially launched Feb 11 at St Peter's College (SPC) in Kuching.
Catechists first started using the series in 2005. The syllabuses for all 10 educational levels were completed this year and are in use.
At the launching and presentation ceremony, Sister Maria Chan fmm and Steven Selvaraju, the authors, showed a short video to introduce the series to the participants.
They included Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, the Bangkok-based apostolic delegate to Malaysia, members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, superiors of all major Religious institutes, seminarians of SPC and catechists of Kuching Archdiocese.
Afterwards, Chan spoke on how the series developed.
She said at the first National Conference of Catechists, held in 1998 in Johor, participants from every language group underlined the urgent need for formation of catechists and development of a local catechism for the country's multi-lingual and multi-cultural Church.
The following year, Archbishop Soter Fernandez, president of the Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC), who was then also Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, set up the National Catechetical Office to take up this project.
The English edition was the first to be published.
Later came editions in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language, as well as in Mandarin, Iban and Tamil.
The Franciscan Missionary of Mary Sister admitted that the Church has faced many constraints in developing the series in the various languages.
She cited the lack of full-time Catholic translators and editors.
Nevertheless, use of the series expanded rapidly, starting with the first books for levels one and seven in 2005.
The series is now used in all nine dioceses in Malaysia.
Moreover, two parishes outside the country - one in Singapore and one in Hong Kong - have shown interest.
Chan said catechists have told her the series is systematic and comprehensive, yet simple and easy to use.
At the Feb 11 launch, Fernandez commented that the series is the result of much toil and labour by many people.
He thanked retired Archbishop Peter Chung of Kuching for assisting in the Chinese edition.
He also acknowledged catechists who wrote sample lesson plans and carried out trial lessons in schools.
Archbishop Fernandez, the outgoing MCC president, then announced Bishop Cornelius Piong of Keningau as the new MCC president.
As a sign of the end of his tenure, Fernandez presented a complete set of the series to Archbishop Murphy Pakiam of Kuala Lumpur, president to the Bishops' Conference.
Pakiam expressed his thanks to Fernandez, whom he said, was the right person to bring the series to fruition.
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MCC Holds Annual Meet In Johor
JOHOR BARU(CS Online).- Nineteen members of the Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC) gathered at MAJODI Centre here Feb 2-4 for their annual meeting.
Four new diocesan representatives were present: Friar Arul Mariadass (Melaka-Johor), Sr Veronica Kandaung (Sandakan), Roy Chua and Anita D'Cruz (Kuala Lumpur).
Archbishop Emeritus Soter Fernandez attended the meeting for the last time as MCC episcopal president, a position he has held since 1980.
Father Boniface Kimsin, spiritual director of the Keningau Catechetical Commission, chaired the meeting.
During the meeting, Sr Maria Chan from the National Catechetical Office presented a report on the completion of the Malaysian Catechetical Series (MCS) project.
The members thanked the retired archbishop, the writers, principal consultants and all involved in the series project.
Among the matters discussed was the theme for Catechetical Sunday: Giving the Young a Voice through the Word. Fr Michael William agreed to prepare the reflection paper. Catechetical Sunday falls on Sept 20 this year.
The KL team presented a revised version of the existing RCIA syllabus for review with a view towards a standardised implementation of the programme.
The commission recommended that all diocesan-level RCIA coordinators study the proposal and provide input for further action.
A certificate level catechetical course is one future project of the MCC. Under the guidance of Fernandez, a few amendments to the MCC Constitution were made, subject to approval by the Bishops' Conference.
The MCC would also issue a statement to the Herald regarding the government's prohibition on the use of the term Allah in Christian worship.
On behalf of the commission, the chairman thanked the retired archbishop for his guidance and support over the years, and especially for overseeing the successful completion of the MCS project.
Then the members welcomed Bishop Cornelius Piong as the incoming president.
Being an election year, the following were elected for a term of two years: Fr Boniface Kimsin (chairman), Fr William Michael (vice-chairman), Sr Marian Jimos (secretary), Paul Voon (asst secretary), Roy Chua (treasurer) and Fr Arul Mariadass and Susan Tay (internal auditors).
Next meeting is scheduled for 18-20 Jan 2010 in Sibu.
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New Appointments In The Archdiocese
KOTA KINABALU(CS Online).- In a circular released Feb 27, Archbishop John Lee appointed the following with immediate effect until 31 Dec 2010:
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
Msgr Primus Jouil (ex-officio), Fr Bruno Yasun, Fr Cosmas Lee, Fr Nicholas Stephen, Sr Grace Deosing fsic, Sr Teresa Chye rgs, Br Peter Kolandaisamy sg, Mr Albert Lim (Telipok), Mr Anthony Lim (KK), Mdm Anne Wong (Likas), Mdm Betty Mokunjil (Penampang), Mr Edward Kimsin (Limbahau), Mdm Jocelyn Yeo (Labuan), Mr Joseph Akiu (Bundu Tuhan), Dr Felix Tongkul (Penampang).
Archdiocesan Commission on Catechetics
Sp Adviser: Fr Nicholas Stephen
Head: Sr Dariah Ajap fsic
Archdiocesan Commission on Women
Head: Mdm Anita Tunggolou
Archdiocesan Commission on Family Life
Sp Adviser: Fr Fundes Motiung
Head: Mdm Susan Shee
Archdiocesan Social Communication Commission
Head: Sr Anna Yap fsp
Archdiocesan Commission on Youth (Archdiocesan Youth Pastoral Team)
Sp Director: Fr John Wong
Head: Sr Terry Loukang fsic
Archdiocesan Commission on Worship (Liturgy)
Head: Fr Cosmas Lee
Archdiocesan Education Commission
Head: Sr Rita Chew fsic
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Mission Schools Receive Federal Allocations
PENAMPANG(CS).- Thirty-four mission schools received financial allocations from the Federal Government Feb 24 at the Catholic Diocesan Centre here.
Under the list of 34 schools, there were three schools under the Anglican Church and three schools under the Protestant Church of Sabah (PCS) as a goodwill gesture on the part of the Catholic Church by helping to provide details to the ministry so that they, too, can benefit from the funding.
In her speech before the representatives of the schools, Archdiocesan Education Commision Head Sr Rita Chew said this was the first time the Education Ministry is entrusting the funds to the Boards of Governors or School Boards.
The allocations given under the economic stimulus package for government-aided schools were to ensure the infrastructure at the schools remain at optimum level for conducive learning.
Chew said when she went to Kuching together with five zone representatives to receive the mock cheques from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Feb 12, she expressed her concern over the proper implementation of the school projects to Tuan Haji Mohd Ismail Bin Harun.
The Assistant Chief Secretary of the Development Section of the Federal Education Ministry immediately assured her that he would be coming to Sabah to give the briefing on the use of the funds.
Chew then quoted what Najib said in his speech in Kuching:
"The government is empowering school management boards by giving them the trust and confidence to implement the upgrading projects of their schools under the government stimulus package.
"Don't keep the money in the fixed deposit. Spend the allocation this year to ensure that businessmen, contractors and labourers have work and income."
The appeal was reiterated by the assistant chief secretary in his speech to the representatives in Sabah.
However, he warned them that the ministry will do spot checks on the schools concerned to make sure that the funds are spent wisely.
He said each school has to make a monthly progress report to the ministry.
Chew also reminded the representatives to consult their parish priests and to work closely with the principals or headmasters so that the money can be well spent and thus avoid wastage.
In his address, Archbishop John Lee expressed his thanks to the assistant chief secretary for coming to present the checks personally and his hope that the schools will utilise the funds wisely.
Under the stimulus package, a total of RM7.114 million was allocated to the misson schools in Sabah.
The schools that received the allocations were:
A. Kudat Zone (PCS)
1. SRK Lodung
2. SRK Tinagol
3. SRK Lajung
B. West Coast Zone
1. SK St Benedict Ranau
2. SK St Paul Kolopis
3. SK St Francis Convent
4. SM St Peter Telipok
5. SM Stella Maris Tg Aru
6. SMK St Francis Convent
7. SM La Salle
8. SJK (C) St Peter Telipok
9. SRK St Agnes Likas (Anglican)
10. SM St Mary Limbahau
11. SM St John Tuaran
12. SJK(C) St Philip Tamparuli
13. SK St Catherine Inanam
C. Interior Zone
1. SK St Francis Xavier Keningau
2. SR St James Apin-Apin
3. SM St John Beaufort
4. SM St Paul Beaufort (Anglican)
5. SM St Martin Tambunan
6. SM St Peter Bundu Kuala Penyu
7. SK St Stephen Kiaru
8. SK St Augustine Kiambor
9. SK St Peter Bundu Kuala Penyu
10. SK St Joseph Kabunau
11. SRK St Pius Pamilaan Tenom
D. Sandakan Zone
1. SM St Mary
2. SMK Konven St Cecilia
3. SK St Gabriel (Anglican)
E. Tawau Zone
1. SM Holy Trinity
2. SM Konven St Ursula
3. SRK St Dominic Lahad Datu
4. SM St Dominic Lahad Datu
The schools concerned had applied for funds through the State Education Department.
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Archbishop Lee Blesses Rural Training Centre And Hostel
PUKAK(CS, DE).- After being operational for a year, the Good Shepherd Rural Training Centre (GSRTC) and the Asrama Desa Pukak (ADP) in Kg Pukak Kiulu were blessed by Archbishop John Lee Feb 21.
In her speech, Province Leader Sr Susan Chia of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Malaysia-Singapore acknowledged with deep gratitude the construction of the centre made possible by "the works and sacrifices of many, given without counting the cost."
The land, she said, was "gifted" by Mr and Mrs Madais, the Masilang Family and the people of Pukak Village.
It was given, she continued, "with the vision and hope that this will be a community centre for faith and human development."
She acknowledged the efforts of the girls in Asrama St James Tenghilan (run by the sisters since 1998 under the Pusat Kebajikan Good Shepherd [PKGS]) and the staff and volunteers for their charity performance in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in 2007, which raised an extraordinary amount of RM300,000 to build the training centre and the Asrama Desa Pukak, located above the centre and SK Pukak, behind the St Yohannes Chapel, for 18 primary school children from Kg Liposu and Kg Kelobaan.
In his address during the blessing ceremony, Archbishop Lee commended the Good Shepherd Sisters and their collaborators in making their vision a reality.
He stressed on the importance of building up the community.
"While having a building is necessary, the people's well-being is more important. It's time to work now and devote your energy towards building up the capacity of the people in the immediate community, especially the children," he said.
He said he hoped the training centre will emphasise character formation, among other aspects, with the aim of nurturing the young to become "salt of the earth and light of the world" - pointing to the children sitting side front.
Spokesperson Theresa Symons, PKGS executive director, told Catholic Sabah that the building's entire roofing and trusses system valued at about RM70,000 was donated by Bluescope Lysaght (Sabah) Sdn Bhd and its local partners.
Other donors included the Lee Brothers Enterprise and Lawrence Siaw who donated the tiles.
Fronting the Kiulu River (starting point of the whitewater rafting), the GSRTC comprises a hall (for about 100 people) and chalet-type bedrooms, sits on a one-acre land donated by villager Madais Masilang (brother of Good Shepherd Sr Sandra Masilang) and the village community.
The land was given on 8 April 2007 to Sr Elaine Basinger of the Congregational Leadership Team Rome.
Completed in December 2007, the centre opened in January 2008. It offers hostel facilities for retreats and seminars and where community projects and programmes are held.
Some of the programmes offered include first aid for beginners, youth leadership, holiday camp for students, IT camp, family building and reconciliation, PMR Students Camp, micro-enterprise for women and an environmental project for the Pukak children.
The ADP also commenced operations in January 2008 with 18 children.
In her speech, PKGS Sabah Director Chin Poh Choo said the centre was made possible by many "hearts and hands" in the community.
Among the guests present were Fr John Wong, PKGS Board of Governors Chairman Phoon Soon Keong, Board Members Lau Ban Long and Rajeswari Karupiah, PKGS Sabah Management Team Chairperson Janet Chee and Board Member Cecilia Ee from Marymount Centre Singapore.
The sisters welcome any group who would like to make use of the centre's facilities and they can be contacted at 088-435171 or 088-435575 for further details.
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AHDC Organises Awareness Workshops On Human Trafficking
PENAMPANG(CS, Various Agencies).- In an all-out effort to promote public awareness on human trafficking, the Archdiocesan Human Development Committee (AHDC) organised five workshops in Sabah in January and February.
This came about when the committee signed an agreement with International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) last Oct 15 to undertake a year's project entitled Indonesia-Malaysia Cross-Border Counter Trafficking Project 2008-2009.
The workshop was targetted for not more than 40 participants in Tawau (Jan 13-14), Sandakan (Feb 3-4), Lahad Datu (Feb10-11), Kota Kinabalu (Feb 17-18) and Keningau (Feb 24-25).
The participants came from the government, non-governmental organisations (NGO), faith-based organisations and community service organisations.
Organising chairman Dominic Lim told a local journalist at the conclusion of the KK workshop that a study is being conducted in the above mentioned areas to get a clearer picture of human trafficking in Sabah.
"The study is part of the project. Tenaganita's field surveyors have gone down to the ground to interview migrants from neighbouring countries," he said.
He said the project is funded by the US State Department Grant in Trafficking of Persons.
The organisers, Lim added, have the full support of the Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Hjh Azizah Mohd Dun, Acting Indonesian Consul General Bapak Rudhito Widagdo and State Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid.
He said the project is an NGO contribution to "complement the government's effort in raising awareness among the people of Sabah on the issue of human trafficking."
Proposals coming from the KK workshop such as the call for the setting up of a speical department to look into human trafficking activities will be forwarded to the relevant authorities, according to Lim.
Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Jahid Jahim said many people in Sabah are still unaware of the existence of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act 2007.
"However, in order to better address the problem of human trafficking along the east coast of Sabah, I propose a monitoring body to look into this matter specifically," he said.
Jahid said this when opening the workshop at the Likas Square Feb 17.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Act 2007
Jahid said Malaysia is no exception when it comes to the problem of human trafficking.
For this reason, the Anti-Human Trafficking Bill was tabled and passed by Parliament in 2007.
The Act was gazetted in July 2007 and enforced in February 2008.
Under the law, those convicted are liable to a minimum three years' jail, not exceeding 20 years' jail and may be fined a minimum RM50,000 and maximum RM500,000.
Jahid added that the effectiveness of the Act would depend on the level of awareness, feedback and cooperation of employers, employees, NGOs and the enforcement agencies.
At international level, Jahid noted, the United Nations (UN) in 2000 accepted the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, where Malaysia is among the countries that supported and ratified it.
He said the UN convention has two protocols.
One is the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children and the other is the protocol against smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air, he explained.
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90 Receive Confirmation At Stella Maris After One-and-a-half- Year Preparation
TANJUNG ARU(CS).- After one and a half years of preparation 90 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation Feb 22 at Stella Maris Parish here.
Archbishop John Lee, assisted by parish priest Fr Fundes Motiung and assistant parish priest Fr Tony Mojiwat, administered the sacrament to the candidates.
In his homily, the archbishop explained about the day's readings and stressed the need for personal conversion.
He related it to St Paul's conversion and told the congregation that "without conversion there is no mission."
The Women's League took care of the liturgy while the Joyful Weekend Gathering Secondary (aka Sunday School) facilitators organised the fellowship breakfast after Mass at the parish hall.
JWGS Spokesman Richard Teo told Catholic Sabah that the catechetical ministry has devised a longer programme for the candidates: one-and-a-half-year preparatory classes as well as a year-and-a-half post-confirmation classes.
This is to help the candidates to understand their faith deeper.
He said he was glad to note that many of the confirmands returned voluntarily to attend the post-confirmation classes.
Just before the Eucharistic Prayer, the presider announced the death of Franciscan Sister Angela Chung at the Stella Maris Home just across the road. She passed away peacefully at 8:00 am at age 87.
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FSIC Srs Angela And Euphrasia Pass Away
TANJUNG ARU(CS).- It was a shock to the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) when two of their members passed away within two days apart.
Sister M Euphrasia Manson died Feb 20 while Sister M Angela Chung Nyuk Thai died Feb 22.
Both the funeral service for Manson Feb 22 at St Michael Penampang and the funeral Mass for Chung Feb 24 at Stella Maris Tg Aru were presided by Msgr Primus Jouil.
Born on 12 Dec 1935 in Kg Maang Penampang, Anastasia Manson was the third child in a brood of eight born to Gerard Manson and Agnes Matanjun.
She entered the FSIC congregation in 1955. But due to her sickness she was given one-year leave. She re-entered the congregation in 1957.
Manson made her first profession on 15 Aug 1959 and took as her profession name Sr Mary Euphrasia of the Good Shepherd.
After her first profession she was assigned to teach at St Mary's Primary School Limbahau (1959-1965).
Manson made her final profession on 15 Aug 1964.
She was posted to Kuala Penyu twice and to Bundu Tuhan for more than 10 years.
As a teacher, Manson was very strict with her students but she took a great interest in them.
Upon retirement from teaching, she was posted to Tenom where she was fully involved in parish activities.
She celebrated her silver jubilee in Tenom on 15 Aug 1984 and was to celebrate her golden jubilee this year but God called her home instead.
The deceased's last posting was in Beaufort where she suffered a minor stroke on 10 Oct 2007.
She was admitted to Damai Specialist Centre in Kota Kinabalu.
When she was discharged she was sent to St Joseph's Convent Penampang for recuperation where she breathed her last on Feb 20.
During her stay in Penampang she used to receive Holy Communion daily.
When Sr Dariah Ajap came to her room that fateful day to prepare her for Holy Communion at 6:40 am, she found her motionless but still warm.
So Fr Alex Sipanul gave her the last Sacrament instead of Holy Communion.
Two days later God called her fellow sister home.
Martha Chung was born on 13 Dec 1918 in Kota Kinabalu, the seventh child in a brood of nine born to John Chung and Monica Chong.
She was educated at St Francis' Convent KK and St Mary's Convent Sandakan.
Chung entered the congregation on 11 Feb 1950 and took the name of Sr Mary Angela of St Francis when she made her first profession on 11 Feb 1953.
After her first profession, Chung was assigned to teach at St Anthony's Primary Penampang until 1957.
In 1958, she attended a one-year teachers' training course at Kent College Tuaran.
After the course Chung taught in Holy Trinity Primary School Tawau.
In 1962 she was transferred back to St Anthony Penampang as a principal until 1969.
In 1970 the deceased was posted to Kuala Penyu as the sister-in-charge as well as the principal of St Peter's Primary School there.
After her retirement from teaching in 1980, Chung was sent to Tawau (1981-1982), Kudat (1983-1984), Tanjung Aru (1986-1993) and to Penampang (1993-1994).
After 1994, she stayed at the Stella Maris Home for Retired Sisters until her death.
During her retirement years, Chung was deeply involved in catechetical work especially in preparing children for their First Holy Communion.
A dedicated teacher, Chung had time for recreation, music, gardening and cooking.
Chung celebrated her silver jubilee on 1 Aug 1978 and her golden jubilee on 11 Feb 2003.
She had suffered much physical pain in the last few years and the community often reminded her to offer them for the congregation.
She died peacefully Feb 22 at 8:00 am.
Both sisters were buried at the Catholic cemetery at Mile 4.5 Jalan Penampang Lama.
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Veteran Diocesan Centre Staff Called To Eternal Rest
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Members of the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocesan Centre staff were surprised at the swift passing away of Paul Chang Kwan Teck who had been serving the centre for almost 25 years. He was 79.
Born on 23 May 1929 in Pontianak, Kalimantan, Chang came to North Borneo (as Sabah was known then) after graduating from the Foreign Language Faculty of Taiwan Teachers Training University in the late 1950s.
He taught at Kung Ming Primary School (now Shan Tao Primary) until 1970.
He was the principal of Kota Kinabalu High School until his retirement in 1984.
Upon his retirement Bishop Simon Fung invited him to serve in the diocesan office as his general secretary.
Selflessly he responded and continued his service under Msgr John Lee who was appointed bishop in 1987 after the death of Fung in 1985.
Aside from serving in the diocesan (and later archdiocesan) office, he had also served as choir master of the Sacred Heart Chinese Choir, and was an active member of the Sacred Heart Neo-catechumenal Community, serving as a Chinese RCIA facilitator for more than 20 years.
He was admitted to hospital early February for pneumonia and died Feb 13 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
He is survived by his wife Bernadette Lee (daughter of the late Catechist Thomas Lee Yen Chiang), three sons , one daughter and eight grandchildren (five boys, three girls).
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Archbishop Lee Opens IY Academic Year
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Archbishop John Lee opened the academic year for the Initiation Year (IY) students at the newly renovated IY Formation House Feb 16.
In his homily at the opening Mass which was concelebrated with IY Director Fr Michael Modoit and Aspirants Director Fr John Wong, the archbishop stressed the need for the students (including the aspirants) to cultivate a listening attitude and the value of obedience.
Later in his address to them before the fellowship meal, he emphasised the need for the students to take seriously their English lessons as this will help them in their formative studies in the major seminary later on.
Also present were some of the teaching and non-teaching staff with their families.
Below are the names of the nine IY students:
1. Albis Justin, 23, of St Thomas Kepayan;
2. Christi Rames Liew, 36, of Good Shepherd Menggatal;
3. Jonathan Ginunggil, 26, of St Michael Penampang;
4. Herman Menjuan, 28, of St Michael Penampang;
5. Russel Lawrine, 22, of St James Tenghilan;
6. Fransiskus Sufi, 26, of St Francis Xavier Keningau;
7. Kenny Warren Fabian, 27, of St Francis Xavier Keningau;
8. Martinus Ando, 21, of St Valentine Beaufort; and
9. Christopher Ireneus, 27, of St Martin Telupid.
The 12 aspirants are:
1. Alexander Edmund, 34, of Telupid;
2. Alphonsus John, 24, of Toboh Tambunan;
3. Belonny Lawrence, 25, of Keningau;
4. Dafrinn Diwol, 28, of Sandakan;
5. Heronay Sulorin, 25, of Papar;
6. Hilary Rovellin, 22, of Penampang;
7. Rayner Primus Umar, 21, of Kota Belud;
8. Rockefeller J Guanbee, 20, of Kuala Penyu;
9. Stanley Chew, 27, of Papar;
10. Sulpicius Jikun Simon, 21, of Sandakan;
11. Walter Ginsayu, 29, of Sandakan; and
12. Warren Pierre, 19, of Telupid.
The focus in IY is on cultivating a living relationship with the Lord (spirituality) and with each other (community life).
The courses offered are: prayer (lectio divina, divine office and other practices of piety), psycho-spiritual integration, Mark's Gospel, human sexuality, priesthood, catechetics, languages (English, Mandarin), and music.
Spiritual reading and community life (working, studying, praying and living together) are also emphasised.
The main focus of the aspirancy held at the Catholic Diocesan Centre Penampang is on learning basic English (as all the students have their formal education in BM) but they are also taught the basics of prayer and community living.
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Liturgical Commission Holds Formation Talk For SHC/CMI Lectors And Commentators
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- The Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission held formation talk on the roles of lectors and commentators at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Feb 10-11.
Over 100 participants involved in the ministry at the cathedral and Church of Mary Immaculate turned up for the talk.
The formation was aimed at standardising the practices in both churches.
Msgr Primus Jouil gave a short address after the welcoming/introductory speech by Ignatius Matayun.
Neil Mah of the Liturgical Commission facilitated the sessions based on the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM).
He told the participants that the necessary adaptations proposed by the Malaysian-Singapore-Brunei Region have been approved by the Vatican Congregation for Worship on 5 June 2008.
The first night dealt with the general principles, functions and spirituality of lectors/readers and commentators.
The second night focused on the practical aspects of the ministry with a Question and Answer session.
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Bible Commission Organises 2nd Module Of Bible Course For Laity (BCL)
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- The Archdiocesan Bible Commission organised the second round of the Bible Course for the Laity (BCL) Feb 6-17 at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre.
Msgr Eugene Vaz of Singapore conducted the module 2 on Salvation History (40 hrs).
In his sessions, Vaz took the 50 participants through God's plan of salvation as found in the Bible.
He told the participants that he would not be able to go into details in the study of the different books as this is reserved for later modules.
Jesus Christ, whom the participants encountered in Mark's Gospel, which was conducted by Fr John Wong from 15 Sept 2008 to 19 Jan 2009, is the summit and total fulfillment of God's plan of salvation.
A genuine encounter with Christ yields a thirst for knowledge of this history of salvation.
The BCL is a three-year course drawn up by the Regional Biblical Commission of the Bishops' Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei.
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Tawau Celebrates Fr Muji's First Ordination Anniversary
TAWAU(CS).- Holy Trinity Tawau celebrated the first ordination anniversary of Fr Phillip Muji Feb 2, feast of the Lord's Presentation in a Mass presided over by Msgr Nicholas Ong.
In his homily, Muji urged the parishioners to be like Jesus, to present themselves ever ready to do the will of God.
Likewise, he himself as an assistant pastor, will strive to present himself to God in his quest for holiness in his duties.
In his welcoming speech at the dinner at St Clare's Convent, Ong expressed his thankfulness and relief to have an assistant at last.
Muji transferred to Tawau from Beaufort Jan 5.
The honoree thanked the parishioners for celebrating his anniversary.
He said that in the very short period of three weeks since his arrival in Tawau, he was already overwhelmed by the parishioners' hospitality.
The honoree requested those present to pray for him so that he will be in communion with them all.
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Catholic Municipal Council President Has His Residence Blessed
SANDAKAN(CS).- Sandakan Municipal Council President James Wong had his residence blessed Feb 9.
Wong, who hails from Penampang, had his official residence at Jalan Istana Sandakan blessed by Fr Thomas Makajil of St Mary's Cathedral.
The event was attended by assistant pastor of the cathedral, Fr Paul Lo, the religious sisters and lay leaders.
House blessing is one of the many liturgical blessings whereby the pastor or his assistant, in sprinkling a house and the family living therein, begs God to sanctify the place and them.
A time of fellowship followed after the blessing.
Prior to his appointment, effective Feb 6, Wong was the general manager of the State Railway Department, Kota Kinabalu.
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Labuanites Look Forward To Completion Of Multipurpose Hall
LABUAN(CS).- A communique from the island parish stated early February that the parishioners are eagerly looking forward to the completion of the construction of the Blessed Sacrament Church Multi Purpose Hall (MPH).
The construction started in March 2007 and is now 90 percent completed.
The estimated cost of the project, which will have a conference hall, office, meeting rooms, was RM3.8 million and to date RM2.7 m had been raised.
However, funds are still short of RM1.1m and the MPH Committee is putting efforts to raise the remaining balance through numerous fundraising activities.
For more information please contact Ir Friddy Fu (019-8704851), Leonard Foo (012-8022337), Francis Wong (013-8818887), Jenny Chong (019-8820535), George Elias (016-5981610), Nicholas Panjangou (019-2208645).
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