KK archbishop acknowledges role of religious in the archdiocese

Feb 14, 2025

KOTA KINABALU: “Religious life or consecrated life is a gift from God, enabling us to witness His presence among His people. Imagine if there were no religious brothers or sisters serving in schools, missions, or rural areas. There would be confusion. For this, I want to thank you for your service and love for the People of God,” said Archbishop John Wong during his speech after Mass to the religious representatives from various congregations serving in the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.

The World Day of Consecrated Life was celebrated on February 2 at the Carmelite Monastery of Our Lady of Mt Carmel and St Therese of the Child Jesus. Around two hundred people gathered to join in the celebration.

The Mass began at 7.00am, with Archbishop John blessing the candles. A short procession of the religious, carrying lighted candles, moved from the entrance to the altar of the chapel, symbolising the light of Christ.

The Sisters from different congregations took part in the liturgy – commentating and reading while a Carmelite Brother led the prayer of the faithful. The choir was led by the cloistered Carmelite Sisters.

During the homily, Archbishop John invited the congregation to reflect on their first encounter with the Lord. He pointed out that the Presentation of the Lord was the first time God’s people encountered the Messiah, represented by two elderly figures, Simeon and Anna, who longed to meet the Saviour. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, both Simeon and Anna recognised Jesus as the Messiah and the Light of the world. Archbishop John reminded the faithful that through Baptism and Confirmation, we too receive the Holy Spirit, enabling us to recognise God’s presence in our lives and in the lives of others. Following the homily, the religious renewed their vows.

After the Mass, the Religious Council Chairperson, Mother Francisca Wong, delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the Carmelite Sisters for hosting the celebration at the Carmelite Chapel and to the OCDS (Secular Carmelites) for organising the breakfast fellowship, which was held after Mass.

During the fellowship, a simple cake-cutting ceremony was held to mark the 26th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Archbishop John, coinciding with the celebration of the World Day of Consecrated Life.

After the fellowship, the religious gathered in the parlour for a half-hour meeting with the Carmelite nuns. A fruit hamper was presented as a gift to the nuns. Their joyful interaction concluded with a song, I Found a Treasure in the Field.

The religious serving in the archdiocese include the following congregations: the Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Conception (FSIC), Religious of the Good Shepherd (RGS), Daughters of St Paul (FSP), Brothers of St. Gabriel (SG), Marist Brothers of the Schools (FMS), the Clerical Society of the Most Holy Trinity (SST), represented by Bro Miquel, Order of Friars Minor (OFM), and the Carmelite Sisters of Our Lady of Mt Carmel and St Therese of the Child Jesus (OCD).