Farewell and welcome at St Mary’s Cathedral

Mar 14, 2025

SANDAKAN: The Cathedral of St Mary witnessed a reshuffling of its clergy recently.

Fr Raymond Lee Seng Huat, who has served as assistant parish priest since his ordination in May 2022, has been reassigned to the Church of the Holy Trinity in Tawau. He will now serve the large Chinese community there. Fr Raymond, known for his humble and jovial nature, has been a beloved figure at the Cathedral of St Mary. His fluency in Bahasa Malaysia and English has helped foster a sense of belonging among the Chinese community in Sandakan. His contributions have ranged from pastoral care and community outreach to organising activities for the elderly, such as singing, reading, and puzzles.

Fr Raymond expressed his gratitude to Bishop Dusin Gitom, the clergy, religious members, and the people of Sandakan for their unwavering support during his time in the parish. He requested continued prayers for him and for the community as he embarks on this new assignment.

Replacing Fr Raymond as assistant parish priest is Fr Mitchelly Kiun, a 45-year-old priest from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu. Fr Mitchelly, who was ordained in February 2014, joins the Cathedral of St Mary on a temporary assignment. He hails from a non-Catholic family in Kota Kinabalu and has a diverse background in education and work, having studied accounts and worked as a fish ball seller and part-time driver before pursuing the priesthood. Fr Mitchelly has previously served in various parishes, including St Theresa in Kota Marudu and St Peter in Kudat. Fluent in multiple languages, including Hakka, Cantonese, Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Dusun, he is excited to return to Sandakan after a 10-year absence, viewing the new assignment as a calling from the Lord.

Additionally, Deacon Ricki Boy Hasim, who was ordained on November 24, 2024, continues his spiritual journey in assisting the priests of the Cathedral of St Mary. Previously posted to Lahad Datu to serve at the Church of St Dominic, Deacon Ricki has embraced his vocation with growing responsibility and is eager to contribute to the Diocese of Sandakan.

The community of the Cathedral of St Mary celebrated these transitions during a potluck fellowship on February 23. The parish acknowledged Fr Raymond’s positive impact and wished him success in his new role. At the same time, the community warmly welcomed Fr Mitchelly Kiun and Deacon Ricki Boy Hasim, looking forward to working together in faith.