Five Sisters celebrate their jubilee

Nov 01, 2024

KUCHING: A Mass was held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament (BSC) to celebrate the anniversary of perpetual profession for five Franciscan Sisters from the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS).

Family, friends, and fellow Sisters gathered to celebrate the remarkable milestones of Sr Sylvia Cheong and Sr Paula Foo, who marked their 60th Diamond Jubilee, Sr Lidwina Choo and Sr Maria Goretti with 50 years of faithful service (Golden Jubilee), and Sr Diana Butau, celebrating her 25th Silver Jubilee. The theme of the celebration was inspired by St Francis of Assisi: All praise be to You, my Lord, through all You have made.

Archbishop Simon Poh presided over the Mass, with Archbishop Emeritus John Ha, BSC rector Fr Leonard Yap, and various priests who have journeyed alongside the Jubilarians concelebrating. Friar Mathew Purayidathil OFM from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, was also present. He conducted a retreat for the Sisters.

In his homily, Archbishop Simon expressed gratitude to the families of the Jubilarians for their dedication in offering their loved ones to religious life. He echoed the sentiments of Bishop Joseph Hii of Sibu, who described the Sisters’ lives as “radical discipleship,” highlighting their visibility in communities as a testament to their commitment to faith.

The Archbishop emphasised the authority of servanthood that comes with their vocation, encouraging the Sisters to renew their vows with humility and a spirit of service. He urged the congregation to pray for the Sisters and for the growth of religious vocations.

The celebration concluded with entertainment and dinner at a local restaurant, where Archbishop Simon reflected on the event as a testament to God’s blessings for the Archdiocese of Kuching and the Dioceses of Sibu and Miri.

He also thanked Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung for his role in establishing SSFS and expressed appreciation for the invaluable gift the Sisters represent to the Christian community. --Today’s Catholic