Celebrating Fr Loi’s first sacerdotal anniversary

About 300 parishioners of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) and Sts Chastan and Imbert (SCIC) marked the first sacerdotal anniversary of

Jun 21, 2019

By Anne Marie Yap & Sheila Rose Darmaraj
About 300 parishioners of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) and Sts Chastan and Imbert (SCIC) marked the first sacerdotal anniversary of their Assistant Parish Priest, Fr Louis Loi on May 31, 2019, the feast of the Visitation, with the recitation of the rosary, special prayers for priests, a Eucharistic celebration and a buffet dinner.

In his homily, Fr Loi shared that the feast of the Visitation calls all of us to follow the example of one of Mary’s virtues — selflessness. As soon as Mary heard that her cousin Elizabeth was with child in her old age, she set out to visit the latter and to offer her services. Likewise, Fr Loi shared that during his first year in NBVM and SCIC, he had to struggle with being at the service of others.

He thanked Fr Dominic Santhiyagu, the parish priest for his good counsel and help, to strike a happy balance between selflessness and ministry so as not to get ‘burnt out’. He is also thankful to God for being posted to NBVM and SCIC as an assistant parish priest where he was always challenged, encouraged and supported in his ministerial priesthood. NBVM is also close to his home from where he gets additional support. He prays the ‘Magnificat’ as he acknowledges God’s blessings on him and God’s presence in his ups and downs as an instrument of God’s love. Deep down, in this first year of his priesthood, he has experienced much of God’s peace and joy. He urged all present to have the heart of Mary — selflessness.

After the Eucharistic celebration, all the parishioners were feted to dinner. During the dinner, both priests mingled among the people. There was an air of festivity as many paid tribute to Fr Loi for what he did during his first milestone at the Butterworth Parish. Fr Loi is remembered for staging the High Praise 1 and 2 where many of the parishioners were moved by the meaningful praise and worship.

Mavis, the emcee, shared how it was the little acts of kindness and humility that endeared this young priest to many of the parishioners. She recounted how Fr Loi hugged a sick person after anointing and praying for him. The poor and the sick have a special place in Fr Loi’s heart. She expressed her hope that Fr Loi would always remain simple, caring and humble.

The evening ended on a high note with a blessing and the two priests and parishioners sharing the floor in a dance led by our Indonesian friends.

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