Celebrating two anniversaries in Tawau

Oct 24, 2015

By Julita Kantod
Around 1,000 parishioners converged at the Holy Trinity Church parish hall to celebrate the 37th sacerdotal anniversary of Msgr Nicholas Ong and the 43rd anniversary of the Catholic Women’s Apostolate on Sunday, Oct 4. The double celebration was held after the Bahasa Malaysia Eucharistic celebration.

It was indeed heartening to see the parishioners gathered as one big family, for such a meaningful occasion. Parish priest, Msgr Ong, was ordained on Oct 3, 1978 and had served in various churches throughout Sabah, and eight years in the Holy Trinity Parish. He is actively involved in the implementation and promotion of BECs.

Msgr Ong expressed his appreciation to the parishioners for their support and prayers when he was under medical treatment. He thanked everyone for their support to Fr Johnny Raju, his assistant while he was not around. He said, “I am blessed, truly blessed for being called to serve in the Lord’s vineyard. As a priest, it is my duty to be obedient to His will and share the promised salvation that God has guaranteed to all of us. For the past 37 years, God has shown His unceasing guidance, comfort, protection and wisdom to me. I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to experience His mercy and love, and in return, I must share with you what has been granted me. Continue to pray for me and my vocation, that God will always give me the perseverance to serve Him.

He congratulated the Catholic Women’s Apostolate members for their commitment and dedication in serving the Church. He said, “Forty-three years is quite a long time and I am glad that CWA is an integral part of Holy Trinity Church.... Render your service to the Church, but know also that your first priority is always as a wife and a mother. Look after your family and ensure that your family is built on solid rock. Serve first your family, then your ministry.”

Ernie Stephanie, the newly elected chairlady of the Catholic Women’s Apostolate, thanked and commended all CWA members for their unfailing effort in supporting all Church activities and programmes. She hoped that CWA members would continue to contribute their services in building up the Church.