Category Archives: July 2018

KAINGARAN, Tambunan – The Congregation of the Putri Karmel here welcomed four new members into its fold on 16 July 2018, feast of Our Lady of Carmel.

Two novices – Lucyanne and Giselle – made their first religious profession of vows while another two, Sister Anastasia and Sister Andreanna, took their final vows.

The vows were accepted by Sister Marietta, Mother General of the congregation based in Indonesia.

Father Giovanni C Sugau, CSE, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration with the Rites of First and Final Profession.

Around 200 people – family members of the neo-professed, fellow Putri Karmel Sisters, CSE Brothers, Religious Brothers and Sisters, KTM members and other invited guests attended the event.

All adjourned to the hall below for the reception and entertainment programme.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

BELURAN – Around 77 people attended a study day on understanding the Sandakan Diocesan Vision-Mission organised by Our Lady of Fatima Parish here on 7 July 2018.

The study day was facilitated by Father Phillip Muji (Beluran pastor), Father David Garaman (Sandakan pastor), Pilis Malis (chairman, Sandakan Parish Pastoral Council), and Dalius Lobinjang (head, oSandakan Diocesan Social Communications Commission).

The event was aimed to deepen the understanding of the Vision (A Christ-centred community serving one another with Christ’s Love) spelled out in the six elements of the Mission Statement.

Lobinjang touched on The Way Forward while Malim gave the background of the Vision-Mission.

Fr Garaman’s session touched on “Leading Martrix.”

Inputs were followed by group sharing, Q&A, and working on the parish pastoral priorities in line with the Diocesan Vision and Mission.

The participants came from Beluran, Pelantong, Jaya Bakti, Ulu Dusun, Bukit Garam, Sukau, kinabatangan, and outstations under Beluran Parish.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Participants of a youth gathering were exhorted to be witnesses of the joy of the Gospel at its conclusion recently.

The 13th Archdiocesan Youth Festival (Pesta Belia Keuskupan Ke-13 or PBK-13) was hosted by St John Tuaran on 17-21 June 2018 at the Dewan Sri Sulaman here.

Franciscan Sister Dora Obod, PBK-13 coordinator, delivered her closing remarks to the 852  participants at the closing ceremony on June 21.

In her speech, she said: “We have been here for four nights and five days, and have celebrated our Catholic faith with the fullness of joy and gratitude through friendship, sharings, and especially in the Mass, where we experienced the seed of the Joy of the Gospel being planted in our heart.”

Sr Dora talked about dreams that surely exist in young hearts, and pointed to them an example they must follow, taking Mary as the model of the faithful follower of Christ who is not afraid to do God’s will.

She asked them to take good care of their hearts and give them to Jesus so that they “will lead a meaningful life.”

Sr Dora exhorted them not to give up in the face of challenges and reminded them to remember that Jesus has conquered the world (cf Jn 16:33).

“This camp is not the end but the beginning, therefore go and be witnesses of the Joy of the Gospel with courage!” she said.

One of the objectives of PBK-13 is that the youth be courageous witnesses of the Joy of the Gospel.

Sr Dora challenged them, “Are you courageous to be witnesses of the Joy of the Gospel in today’s world, in your family, schools, workplace and wherever you may be, and to be Catholic citizens of Sabah and Malaysia?”

The young people gave their resounding ‘Yes!’ to all of these questions.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Journey of Diocesan Youth: Youth Camp to Pesta Koir

In 1976, after the formation of Suruhanjaya Belia PAX (SBP), the first programme organised was the ‘Sabah Youth Camp’ in Kionsom, Inanam. The success of the camp prompted SBP to  organise a second camp at the same place in 1977.

The following year, the camp was again held for the third time in Tambunan, and fourth time in Penampang in 1979. These camps aimed at building leadership skills among youths, especially in spiritual leadership.

In the early 80’s, when SBP’s leadership changed  hands, the new line of committee introduced Pesta Koir (PK) to replace Sabah Youth Camp, as the main programme of SBP.

PK was a choir competition between choir groups of each zone under Kota Kinabalu Diocese, which was at that time divided into East Coast zone, North-West Coast, South-West Coast and the Interior.

The first PK was held in 1983 in KK, which was participated by several choir groups.

It was held yearly, and in 1987, the scope of its activities was broadened to include drawing and public speaking competitions. This led to a change in its name from Pesta Koir to Pesta Belia Keuskupan (PBK).

Pesta Koir to Pesta Belia Keuskupan

SBP leadership changed hands for the fourth time in 1989, and the new committee started to re-format its concept.

Their main programme, PBK, was nevertheless retained at that time and was organised only once in two years.

In 1997, SBP started to employ full-time staff and a Diocesan Youth Office was established. That year saw the name Suruhanjaya Belia PAX changed to Tim Pelayanan Belia Diosis (TPBD).

The 10th PBK was held in 1998, as the main programme of TPBD and saw significant changes in its format.

Several new sessions were included such as catechesis, para liturgy, thematic performances, Vigil and Eucharistic celebration with the Bishop.

TPBD succeeded in bringing the environment of ‘World Youth Day’ to the diocesan level. Close to 2,000 young people participated in PBK-10, held in Sandakan.

Two years later, Jubli Agung Tahun 2000 (JBT2000) was celebrated, which saw TPBD KK and Keningau combining  their efforts in organising it. Close to 5,000 Catholic youth participated from the whole of Sabah.

The success of JBT2000 prompted both dioceses to organise a combined Sabah Youth Day (SYD) in Keningau (2004), SYD-2 in Ranau (2008), SYD-3 in Tambunan (2012), and SYD-4 in Tawau (2016), with participation  from Sandakan Diocese also.

PBK-11 resumed in 2010 to give way to these other diocesan events.

After PBK-11, TPBD Agung has decided to hold PBK once in 4 years.

PBK-12 was held in 2014 in Penampang parish.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KENINGAU – St Francis Xavier Cathedral here celebrated Bible Sunday with renewal of service by its readers and commentators on 8 July 2018.

The renewal took place before Bishop Cornelius Piong after the homily.

In his homily the prelate reminded the congregation of the importance of faith in the Word of God in daily life and why they are observing Bible Sunday.

This can be deepened through the Holy Hour and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament in the church, the bishop added.

The day before, the readers and commentators had a day of recollection which began with a Holy Hour followed by a reflection given by Fredolin Umis.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KUALA LUMPUR – Richard Malanjum was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Malaysia effective on 11 July 2018.  He was the first Sabahan to be appointed to the post.

Malanjum, 65, received his letter of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V in a ceremony at the Bilik Singgahsana Kecil (Small Throne Room), Istana Negara, here on the night of July 11.

Also present were Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, Chief Secretary to the Government Ali Hamsa and Federal Court chief registrar Latifah Mohd Tahar.

Malanjum, who is former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, replaces Md Raus Sharif who will resign as the chief justice, effective July 31.

His appointment marks a new milestone in the country’s history as he is the first person from the Borneo states to be appointed to the top post in the judiciary.

Born on 13 Oct 1952 in Tuaran, Sabah, Malanjum received his early education at the Bukit Hill School, Putatan and Sacred Heart Primary School, Kota Kinabalu before completing his secondary education at the La Salle Secondary School, Kota Kinabalu.

The Kadazandusun lad then began his career as a clerk at the Education Department, Department of Agriculture, Television and Radio Department and as a welfare officer at the State Welfare Department.

In July 1972, he graduated from the Mara Institute of Technology in Shah Alam, Selangor (now known as Universiti Teknologi Mara) as an external student at the University of London and obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1975.

Upon graduation with a law degree, he was appointed as an administrative officer in the Chief Minister’s Department, Sabah, but he was assigned as a deputy public prosecutor in the Sabah State Attorney General’s Chambers.

In 1976, Malanjum furthered his studies in London and successfully completed his “Bar-at-Law” study within the same year.

He was admitted to the English Bar of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in London and upon returning, he continued his service as a deputy public prosecutor and senior legal counsel in the Sabah State Attorney General’s Chambers.

Malanjum then was admitted as a solicitor in the Malaysian Bar, Sabah, in 1977, and was also admitted to the Australian Capitol Territory (ACT) Bar in 1991.

In 1981, he resigned and proceeded to join a private legal firm in Kota Kinabalu until 1992. He was then appointed as a judicial commissioner in March 1992.

In 1993, he was elevated as a High Court judge in Kuching Sarawak. He was also placed in the High Court of Miri and Sandakan in 1994 and 1996 and he was transferred back to the Kuching High Court in May 2002.

In August 2002, he was appointed as judge of the Court of Appeal Malaysia and later in June 2005, he was appointed as Federal Court judge of Malaysia.

Malanjum is the first native of Sabah to be appointed as a High Court judge, judge of the Court of Appeal as well as the judge of the Federal Court.

At the age of 52, he was the youngest Federal Court Judge appointed to the post. On July 26, 2006, he was officially appointed as chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak until to date.

Married to Marina Tiu, the couple have three children, namely Jessica Eleanor, Edgar Richard and Carl Barnabas. – Bernama/FMT

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

CHIANG RAI, Thailand – All 12 boys and the football coach trapped in the Tham Luang cave on 23 June 2018 are out.

Confirming the completion of the rescue operation, the Thai Navy Seals, which coordinated the rescue operation, announced on Facebook: “All 12 Wild Boars and coach have been extracted from the cave. All are safe.”

The difficult manoeuvre started two days ago, when the first four boys were brought above ground.

Four others were saved yesterday and the last four boys arrived together with the coach a little while ago.

The operation will end, however, with the re-emergence of four rescuers, including a doctor, who remained with the football team when they were found.—Asia News

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Church leaders and the Government Immigration Bureau renew an agreement to assist foreign missionaries in the country, 2 July 2018, after 21 years.

MANILA – After 21 years, the Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Government Immigration Bureau (Bi) renewed an agreement to assist foreign missionaries in the country.

In a ceremony held in Manila on 2 July 2018, Bishop Antonio Javellana Ledesma, archbishop of Cagayan de Oro and head of the Commission for Mutual Relations (ECMR) of the CBC, signed the agreement with the Commissioner for Immigration Tobias Javier , Msgr Romulo Valles, Archbishop of Davao and president of the CBCP, and his deputy Msgr Pablo Virgilio David, bishop of Kalookan.

The government confirmed that the missionaries contributed “immensely to the moral and human development of the citizens; in particular the poor, the young, the disabled and the less privileged of society. ” The signature is a recognition of the dedication of those who have dedicated life and resources following their own vocation, for the moral and spiritual development of many Filipino communities.

The agreement comes after several missionaries expressed concerns about various issues related to issuing and extending their visas. They create “some difficulties in the pursuit of the mission.”  The ECMR manages the Visa Desk of the CBC, set up to maintain official relations with the Bi and to assist and support foreign priests, religious men and women in their visa application.

The first agreement between the bishops and the Philippine authorities was signed by the commissioner of Bi Edgar Mendonza and by Msgr Carlito Cenzon on 10 November 1997. – Asia News

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PENAMPANG – The Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang is set to launch its silver jubilee exhibition on 12 Aug 2018.

In addition to that, it will also unveil its plans for the extension of the church on the same day.

Built by the late Father Thomas Sham, the church was blessed by then Bishop John Lee on 31 Oct 1993.  The triangular shaped building has a unique 60-feet hands-clasped-in-prayer bell tower.

The exhibition will showcase the growth and development of the church through its various ministries and groups down the years.

Moreover, after a long delay, the plans for a church hall and rectory will finally push through with the approval from City Hall in March this year.

Aside from the exhibition, other activities include a pilgrimage to the Divine Mercy Church KKIP on Aug 22 and a triduum of prayer on Oct 24-26 at 7:30 pm.

For the movie buffs, a set of three Marian videos screening has been organised: two (Mary of Nazareth & Lourdes) have already been screened, and the last – Fatima – will be screened on July 22 at 7:30 pm at CMI.

The Thanksgiving Mass will be at 9 am on Oct 28 with the jubilee dinner at 6:30 pm at the Putera Theatre Ballroom Bukit Padang.

Among the souvenir items to be sold are a commemorative magazine, key-chains, mugs and T-shirts.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KENINGAU – The two-day annual meeting of the Regional Commission for Social Communications (RCSC) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, concluded on Thursday, 21 June 2018 with a 12-point plan of action for the coming year.

The meeting was attended by 23 members, representatives and observers from the Archdioceses of Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Singapore, and the Dioceses of Penang, Johor-Melaka, Sibu, Sandakan, Keningau as well as the Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei.

Bishop Cornelius Sim of the Vicariate of Brunei, who is also the RCSC president, was in attendance throughout the meeting, together with Father Robert Leong (Brunei), Father Thomas Madanan (Kota Kinabalu and RCSC Chairperson), and Father Peter Anthoney (Kuala Lumpur).

Among other RCSC delegates were Sister Anna Yap, fsp, Asst Chairperson, Ignatius Krishnan and Joyce Ting, RCSC Secretariat; and Adeline James, SIGNIS Malaysia representative.

Bishop Cornelius Piong of Diocese of Keningau presided the opening Mass, which was followed by the keynote address by Bishop Cornelius Sim. In his keynote address, Bishop Sim emphasised on Pope Francis’s 2018 World Communications Day Message – Fake news and journalism for peace. Bishop Sim reinforced the theme of the 52nd World Communications Day which focuses on the issue of truth. It is not the first time the Church addresses this issue, but in this current time, the rampant issue is ‘fake news,’  which runs counter to Church’s mission, which is to spread the Truth.

The bishop said that communicators and providers of information are custodians of truth. Social Communications of the Church at various levels can play an integral role in offering an alternate voice to the people of the world by practising and ensuring use of accurate sources. Accurate sources is a way of promoting goodness and generating truth which opens the way to communion and peace. Furthermore, in countering fake news, formation and information have to take place among the people.

In summary, Bishop Sim stated that the World Communications Day message centred on the dignity and beauty of the human person and its ability to communicate the truth of the human person living for the benefit of all. This is a crucial aspect of ‘Media Mindfulness.’  Preserving human dignity is the lens through which Catholics can engage this digital mediascape that is always changing and always developing.

Francis Andin, president of Keningau Journalist Association of Sabah continued on this subject in his sharing session “Sharing on Fake News,” speaking more on the spread through WhatsApp and edited photos depicting false impressions.

Ruben Sario, delegate from Kota Kinabalu, shared on fake news which tend to falsely quote or misquote the pope. On countering fake news which comes in the form of messages about the pope or the church, he advised that people should stop and think before forwarding the messages. The faithful in Archdiocese of KK are encouraged to check with the parish priest and if not available, people should check the authenticity of the information with mainstream credible media.

Representatives from various dioceses in the region had the opportunity to present a report on implementation of plans, programmes, and activities in their respective arch/diocese in the past year. It was from these reports that they saw the need for collaboration between social communication ministries in different dioceses mainly in the area of:

a) Bible Knowledge – to find a way to assist the Sabah/Sarawak dioceses with Bible Knowledge class that is conducted in English. Webinar session might be one possible delivery method.

b) Live Streaming/Broadcast –  to assist those Arch/dioceses that do have any broadcast of Mass especially for those who are homebound.

c) Webinars on formation programmes – to further instill learning among Catholics in various dioceses, in faith and spiritual subject, through webinars from those dioceses who has the webinar facilities.

d) Google for Non-Profit – to assist other dioceses with the adaptation of Google for Non Profit which can be used to create standardisation and to reduce operational issues within dioceses.

e) Kupi Rohani (Daily Reflection in the Malay language) – to assist Keningau diocese in circulating the Kupi Rohani to other dioceses, especially those who has large influx of East Malaysians in their dioceses.

In total there were 10 points for the plan for action in 2018-2019 by all the delegates including addressing all the possible area of collaboration between various arch/dioceses.

Bishop Cornelius Sim presided over the Closing Mass in thanksgiving for the conference. He also thanked all the members, representatives and observers for their attendance and participation.

The next Regional Meeting is scheduled to take place at Majodi, Johor which will be hosted by the Diocese of Melaka-Johor on 17-20 June 2019.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu