Fr Nelbart Peter welcomed into presbyterate of Keningau diocese

Mar 22, 2025

By Lynn Jipanis
The parish of the Holy Spirit in Sook made history for the fourth time in priestly vocations when Deacon Nelbart Peter was ordained as a priest on March 2, at the Church of the Holy Spirit.

This significant milestone follows the previous ordinations of Fr Bede Morti Lamutan in 2022; Fr Bonaventure Unting in 2001, and Fr David Gasikol in 2018.

Thousands of Catholics from across all dioceses gathered for the sacerdotal ordination of Deacon Nelbart, which was presided over by Rt Rev Cornelius Piong, Bishop of Keningau.

With the theme “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few” (Luke 10:2), the ordination ceremony began with the presentation of the candidate and concluded with the Sign of Peace. In this sacred tradition, Bishop Cornelius and the attending priests offered the kiss of peace to Fr Nelbart symbolising his admittance into the presbyterate. This moment marked his official role as a co-worker with the bishop and the priests, who work together in serving the diocese.

Fr Nelbart, originally from Kg Simbuan, Sook, completed his philosophical studies at College General in Penang from 2018 to 2019. He then pursued theological studies at St Peter’s College in Kuching, Sarawak, from 2020 to 2024.

In his speech, Fr Nelbart expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported his formation. He recalled a pivotal moment in 2013 when Bishop Cornelius visited his village, urging him, “If you don’t want to be a priest, then who will replace us? We, the priests, will grow old one day.” These words had a lasting impact on him, motivating his decision to follow the path to priesthood.

Bishop Cornelius warmly welcomed Fr Nelbart into the presbyterate of the Diocese of Keningau, thanking God for the gift of this new priest. The bishop also acknowledged the vital role of Fr Nelbart’s family in nurturing his vocation.

Reflecting on the significance of the ordination, Bishop Cornelius shared a personal memory from 47 years ago when he walked to Simbuan, a place that had no church at the time. He expressed his awe at the steady growth of God’s kingdom, now evident in the ordination of Fr Nelbart. The bishop also announced that Fr Nelbart would serve at the parish of St Theresa in Tambunan.