New Labour Quarters for Diocese of Sandakan and St Mary's Cathedral

The new labour quarters

Sandakan : The newly-completed 2 storey semi permanent structure labour quarters shared by the Diocese and the St Mary's Cathedral Parish was solemnly blessed by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, Monday 25th April 2011. The building, sited adjacent to the former St Mary's Primary School basketball court has six self-contained units, each with two bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. 

Mass held in front of the quarters

The event began with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, concelebrated by Fr Thomas Makajil, the rector of St Mary's Cathedral, Fr Phillip Muji, the assistant rector and Fr Thomas Chong SJ, visiting priest from the Melaka-Johor Diocese. More than 50 people, Church leaders, Diocesan and Parish staff attended the celebration. 

In his homily the prelate said that we are still overjoyed as we revisit the scene of Easter night where Christ rose from the dead. He saved us through His love and mercy. We are called to rise with Him and help others to rise as well, denouncing our past sins. We have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). 

In relating the construction of the premise to that of Easter, the prelate said that it was built using materials from the taken-down old St Mary's Convent Primary School. 'You see nothing old. It is being resurrected. Everything looks new. It looks elegant. Old things are made new'.

Blessing of the quarters

He went on to say that church workers should be accorded the dignity and rights - to productive work, to decent living wages, to adequate benefits and living conditions in line with the Catholic Social Teaching. 

He said,'Today we are happy that the Church could provide the workers a decent residence to rest and stay.'

Grace before meal by Fr Thomas

He expressed his sincere appreciation to all those involved in making the project a success - those who had contributed financially, those tasked to implement, and monitor the project.

He said, 'It is the community spirit with the risen Lord at heart that make things happen in our Church.'

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