St Mary’s celebrates three sacerdotal anniversaries

Nov 27, 2014

SANDAKAN (Herald Malaysia): Around 600 parishioners of St Mary’s Cathedral and its sub-parishes joined in celebrating the anniversaries of their shepherds: Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom on his 25th anniversary on November 19 (1989 – 2014), Msgr. Nicholas Ong on his 36th anniversary on October 3 (1978 – 2014) and Fr Thomas Makajil on his 36th anniversary on November 11 (1978 – 2014).

This special occasion was marked with a Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner Fellowship organised by the Parish Pastoral Council on 16th November 2014 at the Parish Hall. The Chinese, Kadazandusun, Filipino and Timorese communities brought their traditional dishes to be shared in a family spirit.

The entrance of Bishop Julius and Fr Thomas was accompanied by the beating of the Kadazan gongs, followed by the song If We Hold on Together, presented by the two assistant rectors Fr Phillip Muji and Fr Sunny Chung with back-up singing from the four masters of ceremony.

In his thanksgiving address, Fr Thomas conveyed his appreciation to all who had taken the trouble to organize the event and thanked the Lord for the gift of priesthood bestowed upon the three of them. Unfortunately, Msgr Nicholas Ong was not able to attend the fellowship as he was in Singapore undergoing medical treatment. He asked the parishioners to pray for him.

In his sharing Fr Thomas said, “As I reflect on my 36 years as a priest, I did not realize the years had passed so quickly. It was just like yesterday that I was ordained a priest. With your continuous prayers, support and friendship, I have been strengthened in my service.”

In his address, Bishop Julius conveyed his gratitude to all the parishioners who pray, support, encourage and honour their clergy. He noted that the coming of the parishioners for the fellowship as a big and united family is a reflection of a Christian community without barriers of language, race and custom. He acknowledged that, at times, he faced trials and challenges in life; however, he overcame them because of God’s grace. He encouraged the youth who may have the calling for the priesthood or religious life not to be distracted by worldly things but to rely on God’s strength and grace. He advised the young people to be more attentive to the voice of God and to respond positively to follow Him.

A wide range of entertainment was presented during the occasion: choirs by the combined Basic Ecclesial Communities, dances from the Nurses Guild, traditional dance by the Timorese community, sketches from the Youth Apostolate, slide presentation of the ordination of Bishop Julius and Fr. Thomas by the Kadazan Community Committee and songs by talented individuals. Even the children of the Sunday school took part by reciting a poem in appreciation of the three priests.