Three new Priests for Malacca Johore Diocese

“The Church celebrates! The people celebrate!” were part of the opening words of the main presider, Bishop Bernard Paul, at the Sacerdotal Ordination of Deacons Alexuchelvam, Paul Sia and Martinian Lee on Tuesday, November 6 at St Theresa’s Church. He added that “we are disciples of hope. We bring hope and make a difference in the world.”

There was much rejoicing and expectations of something new as the people waited for the ordination of these three Deacons. It was truly wonderful to see about 60 priests present, including Archbishop Julian, Bishop Sebastian and Bishops Emeriti James Chan and Paul Tan. The ordination celebration was joyful, smooth, solemn and spirit-filled — a blessing as the three Deacons were about to begin their journey anew as priests of God’s people, witnessed by their families, friends and many parishioners from the parishes in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor. The church, adjacent hall and space beneath the sky-roof were packed with close to 2,500 people. LCD screens were provided so that everyone could participate fully in the rhythm of the liturgy.

In his homily, Bishop Bernard Paul said ,“priests come from the people and they are given back to the people. As Priests, they pray, as Prophets, they listen to the Word and, as Pastors, they serve with love. They are sent as shepherds to the people. They have passion for God and His people. The priesthood is linked to servanthood, not to lord it over people. (Jn 13:1-15) God is giving the gift of priesthood but, much more than that, He is entrusting His people to us, Priests.”

He shared 3Ts for priests:

(i) TRUST: People trust their children, youths, married …please don’t take advantage of the people’s trust.

(ii) TEACH: People listen to priests and the people have plenty to teach us: practical things, common sense, sense of right and wrong…people say ‘please don’t terrorise us.’

(iii) THANK: People thank us and are grateful to us. A little kindness takes the people a long way… Don’t take anything for granted, ignore or make fun of the people’s gratitude.

He further quoted the words from John 21: “If we say we love Jesus, then the word of Jesus to us, priests, is “feed my lamb, feed my sheep.” Priests must be after the heart of Jesus Christ.”

At the end of the Eucharist, Fr Alexuchelvam said that among many priests, persons and friends from Assumption Church and St Francis Xavier, P.J., it was Fr Simon Labrooy who confronted him and said that he was running away from the priesthood. Fr Simon Yong, SJ had accompanied and encouraged him. His priesthood motto is, ‘For your love is better than life.’ (Ps 63:3). He will continue to be in St Louis Church, Kluang (posted as Deacon there on October 1, 2018).

For Fr Paul Sia, the support and encouragement of the late Fr Francis NG, CDD, the prayers of the parishioners of St Ignatius PJ and BEC SS19 were contributing factors that encouraged him to become a priest today. His priesthood motto, ‘For God loves a cheerful giver’ (2 Cor 9:7a). He also told the young people, “The Church in Malaysia needs you.” He will continue to be in St Theresa Church, Masai. (posted as Deacon there on October 1, 2018).

As for Fr Martinian Lee, a chance encounter with Bishop Paul Tan gave him the courage to take the leap of faith to respond to the call to the priesthood. His priesthood motto is expressed in a prayer that he had composed ‘The Gaze of Christ.’ (…I see all this, in the penetrating Gaze of Christ. His gaze draws me in, closer, nearer, until I reach out and place my life into His hands). He will continue to be in St Theresa Church (posted as Deacon there on October 1, 2018).

The parish priest of St Theresa, Fr. Thomas Chong SJ, expressed that this was indeed a grace-filled occasion. We continue to offer our prayers and support for the newly ordained priests. He thanked the organising committee for a job well done.

Bishop Bernard Paul, in his speech, thanked the parish organising committee and the families for giving their sons to serve the Church. He also thanked the KL Archdiocese for live-streaming the event. In addition, he said, “If you love your priests, please do not spoil them. But expect ‘F’ from them, i.e. to be — men of Faith, Friends to all and Fit.”

After the Eucharist, many queued up to be blessed by the three newly ordained priests. Others met up with priests whom they had not seen for some time. The celebrations ended with lunch and fellowship at the Catholic Secondary School Hall, behind the Church. It was truly a memorable occasion of blessings, joy and thanksgiving for the Diocese of Malacca Johor to welcome the three newly ordained priests.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online