If you don’t want to be a priest, who will replace us?
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2) was the theme chosen by seminarian Nelbart Peter for his diaconate ordination on November 10.
Nov 22, 2024
KENINGAU: The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2) was the theme chosen by seminarian Nelbart Peter for his diaconate ordination on November 10.
Bishop Cornelius Piong presided over the Eucharistic Celebration held at the Keningau Diocesan Square.
During the ordination rite, the candidate was presented as a candidate for ordination to the bishop by Msgr Gilbert Lasius. After reviewing his suitability, Bishop Cornelius accepted him for the diaconate.
The bishop then outlined the responsibilities of the diaconate, asking the candidate if he was willing to carry out these duties. The candidate was asked whether he would believe in and proclaim the mystery of faith, remain celibate, pray daily for the people of God and the world, and model his life on the example of Christ.
In his speech, Deacon Nelbart expressed deep gratitude to all who had been part of his formation. He recalled an inspiring moment in 2013 when Bishop Cornelius visited his village, saying, “If you don’t want to be a priest, then who will replace us? We, the priests, will grow old one day.” These words left a lasting impact on him, motivating him to pursue the priesthood.
Bishop Cornelius, reflecting on the significance of the ordination, shared a personal memory from 46 years ago, when, as a young man, he walked to Simbuan — a place without a church at the time. He marvelled at the slow but steady growth of God’s kingdom, now evident in the ordination of Deacon Nelbart. The bishop also thanked Nelbart’s father and late mother for “giving” their son to God’s service.
Bishop Cornelius announced that before his priestly ordination, Deacon Nelbart would serve at the Cathedral of St Francis Xavier, assisting the bishop and the priests.
Deacon Nelbart Peter hails from Kg Simbuan, Sook. He completed his ecclesiastical studies in philosophy at College General in Penang from 2018 to 2019, and then pursued his theological studies at St Peter’s College in Kuching, Sarawak, from 2020 to 2024.
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