Episcopal Ordination of Fr. John Wong
October 1, 2010
Address of Archbishop John Lee
Today is a day of celebration for the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu. We celebrate because we have a Coadjutor Archbishop in the person of John Wong to assist me in the office of the bishop. We celebrate because Archbishop Coadjutor John has accepted the appointment. And we celebrate through the Eucharist because we want to express our thanks and gratitude to God who never fails to respond to our needs.
Indeed this is a historical moment. For the first time in our journey as local Church, we have two bishops pastoring together and residing in the same ecclesial territory, though one may only be a Coadjutor.
It would be good for the people because now they do not have to wait too long "to meet a bishop". But this situation will not be long, because Archbishop Coadjutor John will gradually be taking over full responsibility of this Archdiocese.
For this I would like to congratulate and affirm him for his courage and willingness to take up a bigger responsibility in the governance of the Church. I pray that the Holy Spirit will endow him with the necessary gifts to be a shepherd. I believe he would able to shoulder the task with support and collaboration from the clergy, religious and laity of this Archdiocese.
At this juncture, it would be appropriate for us to assure him of our constant prayer and moral support as he begins his new mission through the office of the bishop.
Today is also historical because we have someone young and energetic to be a bishop. I think not many bishops in the world are below the age of 45.
On this special day, I would like to express my thanks to Msgr. Marek, the first Secretary of the Apostolic Delegation in Bangkok for coming all the way to witness this historical moment, and for helping to acquire the Episcopal regalia for Bishop John. Your presence, Msgr.Marek, signifies the closeness of our Holy Father to the local Church here.
And to all my brother archbishops and bishops who are here to support me in ordaining Archbishop Coadjutor John, thank you for making time to be with us.
To my fellow priests, religious and laity, especially those of you who come from outside of Sabah, thank you for taking time off to participate in this celebration.
To our government dignitaries, heads of Churches in Sabah and their spouses, invited guests, lay leaders from all parishes, and each and everyone of you who are here: thank you for celebrating this occasion with your presence and prayers.
Lastly, l wish to also thank the work of the Organizing Committee headed by Msgr Primus for looking into all the details of this celebration.
After this, we are all invited to go over to the parish complex to share our joy through meals and stage presentations. May this celebration bring us closer in faith, hope and love, as brothers and sisters in the Lord. Thank you and God bless us all.