Double sacerdotal anniversary celebration in Sandakan

Fr David A. Garaman and Fr Christopher Ireneus celebrated their eighth and second Sacerdotal Anniversary on Dec 30, 2018. A joyful and auspicious dinner, organised by the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), was held at a local restaurant for priests, religious and parishioners.

In his opening speech, the PPC Chairman, Pilis Malim, recalled that Fr David was the first seminarian in the newly erected Sandakan Diocese to be ordained as Deacon on March 19, 2010 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan.

In the same year, he was ordained as priest on December 31, 2010, at St Dominic’s Church, Lahad Datu. Fr Christopher’s deaconate ordination was on July 18, 2016 and priesthood ordination on December 28, 2016 at St Martin’s Church, Telupid.

The help and support of the community paved the way for the priests to serve in our parish and our church. They strengthened their vocation as they served continuously in and outside the parish, Bishop Julius Gitom said. Fr David thanked the community of St Mary’s Cathedral for giving him their support. The eight years of priesthood were indeed a blessing.

He thanked God for giving him a good family, a good bishop in the diocese, and good parishioners of St Mary’s Cathedral. He commended the cooperation and commitment of every community. With the new Vision and Mission of the diocese, he hopes that the community could continue to work together and do their best to achieve their desired church of the future.

Fr Christopher shared his two years priestly service in the church. He welcomed and enjoyed working together with all the communities. He humbly acknowledged that he was not exempted from having to face numerous challenges, either physically or mentally.

Fr Christopher is convinced that there will be new challenges which he may never have seen or encountered before.

The priests asked for the community’s support and guidance so that they can serve them according to God’s will and work together in building the parish. Without help from the community, they wouldn’t be able to make the parish a success. The dinner ended at 9.30pm with a closing prayer led by Fr David.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online