Jubilarians celebrated at Mass

“Jubilees and anniversaries are special moments of joy and thanksgiving to be celebrated and shared in a community. This is more so if these events are related to one’s relationship with God in the form of a religious profession.

Nov 22, 2024

The jubilarians with Archbishop John Wong and the clergy.


LIMBAHAU, Papar, Sabah: “Jubilees and anniversaries are special moments of joy and thanksgiving to be celebrated and shared in a community. This is more so if these events are related to one’s relationship with God in the form of a religious profession.

Archbishop John Wong said this during the jubilee celebration of six Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Limbahau, November 9.

“Today, I wish to join the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Sr Emily William Tangah, Sr Felicity Moduying and Sr Leonie Jokinin and also the Silver Jubilee of Sr Juliana Jalius, Sr Julianah Bating and Sr Maria Thomas Pusing. Together they have offered a combined service of 225 years to the FSIC and the local church!”

Archbishop John Wong presided over the Mass, with Bishop Cornelius Piong from the Diocese of Keningau, and various priests who had journeyed alongside the jubilarians concelebrating. Friar Joe OFM from the Philippines and Fr John Cheong from the Archdiocese of Kuching, were also present.

Nearly 1,000 people attended the event, including members of Papar and Limbahau Pastoral Councils, family members and relatives of the jubilarians, Superior General Sr Francisca Wong and members of the Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Conception

The jubilarians chose the theme of the celebration from psalm 103, Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy Name.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow jubilarians, Sr Julianah Bating thanked all those who had helped in their journey of faith in the religious life.

Superior General of the FSIC, Sr Francisca said in her speech, “Coincidently, the six of you have been, or are, educators! We are also celebrating today your lifelong fulfillment of the call of God that has taken each of you from the comforts of your homes into positions of leadership as principles or ordinary teachers, as well as actively immersed in the parochial life of the parish you were sent to. Praise the Lord for yourself- giving in the church, congregation and the people you serve.”

After the Mass, all adjourned to the parish hall for a simple reception and entertainment by various groups.
Born in Limbahau Papar, Valilia William Tangah, the daughter of William Tangah and Julitah Bustan Khan, entered the congregation in 1972, took her first vow in 1974 and became known as Sr Mary Emily W. Tangah of the Infant Jesus. She advised all young girls to “Come forward to serve the Lord Jesus, take courage, do not be afraid, Jesus is always with us till the end of time.”

Born in Penampang, Johana Oswin Moduying, the daughter of Oswin Moduying and Flora Sipulah, entered the congregation in 1972, took her first vow in 1974 and became known as Sr Mary Felicity of the Blessed Sacrament. Looking back over the past 50 years, Sr Felicity said, “Celebrating my Golden Jubilee is the happiest moment, but what is gold? A stone to be shaped in the furnace of ore which then becomes precious gold in the eyes of God. A deep reflection for me.”

Born in Penampang, Helen S Jokinin, the daughter of Julse Jokinin and Loura Lojinggu, entered the congregation in 1972, took her first vow in 1974 and became known as Sr Leonie. In her short reflection, she shared, “As I look back over the past 50 years, I cannot help but marvel in truth God’s goodness and blessings. His constant love and graces sustained me during these years and enabled me to preserve my love for religious life.”

Born in Kg Pamilaan, Tenom, Sr Julianah J Bating, the daughter of Jonas Bating Kilam and Beatrice@Saitim Ajiloh, entered the congregation in 1996, took her first vow in 1999 and made her perpetual vows in 2004. She shared, “I can see the love of God when I look back at my journey: love that is known to be unbreakable, unshakable, unconditional and infinite.”

Born in Kg Kalanggan, Bosusung, Kuala Penyu, Sr Maria Thomas Pusing, the daughter of Thomas Pusing Engah and Winnie Ninih Ajau, entered the congregation in 1996, took her first vow in 1999 and her final vows in 2000. She reflected on her 25 years as a religious, “I thank God for His unconditional love. I praise Him for the opportunity to serve Him, particularly in the parish work and education. All these wonderful experiences have helped me mature.”

Born in Kg Purak, Papar, Sr Juliana Julius, the daughter of Jalius Nandu and Maria Santioi Lampayung, entered the congregation in 1996 took her first vow in 2000 and made her final vows in 2004. “After 25 years of religious life, I would like to once again honour and praise God the Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is only Him and in Him that all things were made possible for me,” said Sr Juliana

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