OLL ordains its tenth son

The parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLL), could not have asked for a better way to commemorate the year’s Labour Day celebrations, with the solemnisation of the sacerdotal ordination of its tenth son, Fr Vincent Thomas.

May 12, 2017

Fr Vincent Thomas with his family members.

By Bernadette Anne Fernandez
The parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLL), could not have asked for a better way to commemorate the year’s Labour Day celebrations, with the solemnisation of the sacerdotal ordination of its tenth son, Fr Vincent Thomas.

The ordination ceremony which began at 10.00am, under the guidance of its parish priest, Fr Frederick Joseph, had approximately 2,000 attendees, coming from as far as Penang, Johore and Singapore. Among those who had attended the ordination, were two members of public office, Y. B. Charles Santiago (MP Klang), Y. B. Theresa Kok (MP Seputeh), and members of the clergy, consisting of one cardinal, four bishops, 75 priests, two deacons, 24 seminarians and 16 nuns. The ordination ceremony was presided by His Grace Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim.

Fr Vincent Thomas began his discernment process to the priesthood at the tender age of 10, back in 1988, with the encouragement of the parish priest of OLL then, the late Fr Benedict Savarimuthu. A professional young man in his late 20s, Fr Vincent began his vocation studies, by enrolling himself in the major seminaries of College General, Penang (2005 - 2012) and St Francis Xavier, Singapore (2013 – 2016). During his formative years into the priesthood, Fr Vincent had served in various parishes within Malaysia and Singapore. Among the parishes he served in Malaysia were the Church of the Immaculate Conception BVM, Port Dickson, the Church of Divine Mercy, Shah Alam, the Church of St Jude, Rawang and the Church of the Holy Family Kajang. Fr Vincent also served in the Singaporean parishes of the Church of St Francis Xavier (Chartwell Drive), the Church of Divine Mercy (Pasir Ris Street) and the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (Ophir Road).

In his inaugural speech, Fr Vincent told the congregation how his journey to the priesthood was not a solo excursion, but a voyage that was filled with family members, bishops, priests and individuals, who had helped to support, guide, shape, mould and empower him to be a priest. Fr Vincent also cited his devotion to Our Lady, Star of the Sea (Latin title: Stella Maris) as the primary source of his strength, with her constant intercession on his behalf, throughout his priestly expedition. Fr Vincent then thanked all those who were present from near and far, and asked for their continued prayers, as he began his priestly life.

Archbishop Leow told the congregation of how the ordination would also be a memorable one for him, given that Fr Vincent Thomas is also his first consecrated born son, as the incumbent archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. His Grace then went on to extend his heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the family of Fr Vincent, for their support and generosity, in giving their son to the priestly vocation. His Grace also encouraged more families to pray and encourage their sons and daughters to respond to the religious life. He also emphasised the need for ongoing formations among Catholics. The church must remain relevant, and thus produce good citizens for healthy societal development.

All the attendees were then treated to a luncheon hosted by the parishioners of OLL.

Together, as one Catholic community, let us continue to pray for Fr Vincent as he embarks on his vocation, actualising his sacerdotal ordination theme, For Nothing is Impossible to God, Luke 1:37.

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