First diaconate ordination for the Diocese of Sandakan

Sandakan 19/03/10 – It was a joyous and historical occasion for the faithful of the Diocese of Sandakan as they gathered to celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to witness the first diaconate ordination of seminarian David Aloysius Garaman at St Mary’s Cathedral.

The diaconate ordination marked a historical event for the Diocese, though just some two years of age, was blessed to have produced a deacon. 

His Lordship, Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom,  Bishop of the Diocese of Sandakan ordained Deacon David who hails from Lahad Datu after being proposed and recommended by the rector of St Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Father Thomas Makajil.

The Eucharistic Celebration was con celebrated by Bishop Julius and 17 other priests from all the three arch/dioceses of Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Keningau.

In his speech, the new Deacon took the opportunity to thank the Bishop, priests and religious, professors and fellow seminarians of St. Peter’s College, Kuching and all lay faithful for their prayers, support, advices, guidance and encouragement throughout his formation process to become a servant in Christ’s vineyard – sharing in Christ’s mission and grace in a special way.

As rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Father Thomas Makajil, gave thanks to the Lord that in the Year of the Priest, the Diocese has been blessed by the very first ordination of a deacon and hoped that many more ordination will happen in the future.

His Lordship Bishop Julius in relating to the solemnity of St. Joseph, encouraged the new deacon to emulate and follow the example of the said Saint and at the same time, the prelate urged the parishioners to continually pray for Deacon David to remain faithful in the apostolic ministry.

Deacon David, from now on, among his many tasks will assist the Bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating himself to the various ministries of charity.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, the faithful adjourned to the Parish Hall for a dinner fellowship.

Some sharings by the clergy, religious and laity;

 Msgr. Nicholas Ong,Vicar General/Rector of Holy Trinity Church Tawau

“I am very happy that there are so many vocation of priesthood in Sabah…so now even Sandakan diocese, even though we are only 2 years old, we have quite a number of aspirants and seminarians in the seminary already, so I am very hopeful for the future…I expect a lot more vocations coming from BECs and renewal communities…I am hopeful as long as we do the right thing according to the will of God, surely vocation will come. Vocation come from God but we have to do His will for example building BECs, renewal program…it takes time, but it will eventually come bah, very sure, it will come. I am very sure.”

Sister Liliana Gubod fsic

“Amat gembira, pertama kali berlaku di diosis Sandakan, acara ini diharap mendorong muda mudi menjadi paderi.”

John Baptist (Sandakan Parish Council Chairman / Chairman Organizing Committee)

“It is a privilege to be part of the working committee for the first diaconate ordination for this parish. What touches me is the generosity of the parishioners as well as the various church groups who had shown much enthusiasm to work together as a team. I give thanks to the Lord for the co-operation, the generosity and above all the right spirit in doing things as one body. May this first ordination bring forth more young people to respond to the call to serve in His vineyard.”

suzanna & dalius