Let me be content one day at a time
On January 8, 2024, we commemorate the 100th day since the Bishop of Penang’s elevation to cardinal. In celebration, HERALD reconnects with the cardinal, engaging in an insightful conversation revisiting his appointment. Unaware of the grand designs that God had for him, Cardinal Sebastian Francis discovered that the Lord had been quietly orchestrating events, equipping him for his new role, and he embraced these developments with grace, accepting everything as part of God’s plan.
Feb 02, 2024
When a young Fr Sebastian Francis embraced Fiat Voluntas Tua (Thy will be done) for his priestly ordination on July 28, 1977, little did he envision that this vow would echo through his life in the years that followed. This commitment led to significant shifts, including leaving his home diocese of Malacca Johore, establishing new roots within the Diocese of Penang, and ultimately charting a course toward Rome.
On August 20, 2012, the then Msgr Sebastian Francis assumed the mantle as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Penang, reiterating Fiat Voluntas Tua as his episcopal motto, enriched with the verse ‘A Shepherd I Pray I’ll Be.’
Eleven years into his episcopate, contemplating retirement at the customary age of 75, the Lord unveiled yet another calling for this faithful steward. Thus, on September 30, 2023, Right Reverend Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, was elevated to the esteemed rank of Cardinal, bestowed upon him by Pope Francis at the consistory in Rome.
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