First Sacerdotal Anniversary of Fr David and Farewell to Sr Marysia

by Soccom Tawau

Tawau – Some 300 parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish, Tawau celebrated the first Sacerdotal Anniversary of Fr. David Aloysius Garaman, the assistant rector on Friday, 30th December 2011 at the Parish Hall.

Fr David's ordination on 31^st December 2010, at St. Dominic's Church, Lahad Datu is the first priestly ordination in the Diocese. During his address on that event, he said, 'The priestly vocation is a call by the Almighty. It’s a gift from God that I should share with others. As a priest, life ahead is full of challenges. I believe that through your prayers I will sustain and will be a good priest. Your prayers are my strength and your support, my encouragement to live a life of holiness and of continual service to others.'

He went on to say, 'Working together with the parishioners through the various ministries in Holy Trinity, allowed me to grow in faith and sharpened my skill in connecting to people. Continue to pray for me that I will be a model to others specifically in my spiritual life.'
He also urged the parishioners to journey and to be faithful to God’s call till the end.  

Msgr. Nicholas Ong, the rector expressed his gratitude and joy to have Fr. David serving in the parish. He said, 'It's a blessing to have a young priest around for he is full of energy and enthusiasm. He can conveniently serve the outstations and take good care of the youth.' 
He added, 'We make up a good team, an excellent combination of the old and the young.'

Apart from the Sacerdotal Anniversary of Fr David, was also the farewell for Sr. M. Marysia Malating who had served Holy Trinity for some two years. She will be going on transfer to St. Dominic's Parish Lahad Datu early February .

The event was filled with renditions of Christmas Carols by the various BECs, the anniversary cake cutting ceremony and presentation of gifts to Fr David and Sr Marysia.