A fond farewell and a warm welcome

Mar 05, 2015

TAWAU (Herald Malaysia): Some 300 parishioners gathered at Holy Trinity Parish Hall on Sunday, February 15 to bid Sr Aquinas Voon fsic a fond farewell and to extend a warm welcome to Sr Martha Jonik fsic and seminarian Walter Milter Mario.

Andrew Kiat, the PPC Chairman extended his warm welcome to Sr Martha fsic and seminarian Walter to Holy Trinity Parish. He expressed confidence that both will journey in unity and collaborate with the groups in Holy Trinity to build a stronger community in the Church.

He thanked God for the gift of Sr Aquinas fsic and for her wonderful service to the community in Tawau. Fr Johnny Raju, the assistant rector of Holy Trinity Parish also expressed his gratitude to Sr Aquinas fsic. He said, “Age is not an obstacle in serving the Lord. No matter what we do, as long as we do it for the Lord, it shall always have an impact on others. Sr Aquinas fsic is soft spoken and gentle. Her character has inspired all of us. Let us continue to pray that God will shower His choicest blessings upon her wherever she may be assigned.”

Sr Aquinas Voon fsic was assigned to Holy Trinity Parish in 2008. Her seven-year stint at HTC has inspired many parishioners who were impressed by her gentleness, friendliness, caring and kind-hearted attitude. She has been most active in the Legion of Mary, both Chinese and English (LOM), Chinese Special Liturgy, Intercessory Group, the Pastoral Care Ministry and the Chinese Pastoral Community. Besides attending to the home bound for Holy Communion, Sr Aquinas fsic was actively involved in the Senior Citizens Bible Sharing. She will be missed by many group members and close friends, including the youth who came to her for comfort and advice. In her brief sharing during the dinner, she said, “I really treasure the time in this Parish. I have experienced genuine love from all of you. That has made me part of your family. I will always remember your support, prayers and care towards me. I thank Sr. Liza fsic and all the sisters in St. Clare for your concern and care.”

Sr Aquinas, at 78, will be living at the FSIC Retirement House at Stella Maris, Kota Kinabalu.

Sr Martha Jonik fsic, from Papar, was the animator for the Convent of the Immaculate Conception, Toboh, Tambunan. Thanking everyone, she said, “Each time we are allocated to a new place, we always hope for acceptance. I have been here for well over a month. I have experienced your warm welcome and friendship. Hopefully, we will journey together as a family of God towards spiritual maturity.” Sr Martha fsic is assigned as the local animator for St. Clare’s Convent and pastoral service in the parish.

Seminarian Walter Milter Mario, a second year theology student in St Peter’s College, Kuching is assigned to HTC for a four-month pastoral exposure. He hails from Telupid and is into his 6th year of priestly formation. He is most grateful to the people in Tawau, especially the priest and religious, for welcoming him to be part of the parish family. He said, “I hope that I can gain from this exposure, to enrich me in my own spiritual life. I need your prayers and guidance, especially in my vocation journey. I will try my very best for I believe the rest will depend on God and His providence.”

The simple and meaningful gathering ended at 9.00pm with a Closing Prayer led by Fr Johnny Raju