GLAD YOU WERE HERE ~ SEMINARIAN CHRISTOPHER IRENIUS

By Julita, SOCCOM Tawau

Tawau : Four months have come and gone. It's time for seminarian Christopher Irenius to return to St. Peter's College, Major Seminary, Kuching to further his study in Theology for two more years. He was assigned to Holy Trinity Church for a four-month pastoral exposure since January 2013. 

Born in 1981, now 32 years old, he completed his Form Five education in Telupid.  He did two years in Form Six in Sandakan. According to him, "I did not engage in any activity in the Church, but I believe that God  has called me according to His way and in His time." After completing his studies in Sandakan, he worked for awhile. He then entered college and earned a Diploma in Sports Science in 2007. 

After which, he left for the Catholic Diocesan Centre, Kota Kinabalu as an aspirant in 2008 and continued with the Initiation Year in 2009. In 2010, he entered St. Peter's College to do a two year study in philosophy and as he returns to SPC, he will be in second year theology.

Some 60 parishioners, mainly group and community leaders gathered at the Parish Canteen on 16th May 2013 to bid farewell to seminarian Christopher. In his farewell note, he said "I take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to each and all, especially to Msgr Nicholas and Fr David for your support and  guidance throughout my pastoral exposure here. It has been a joyful and fruitful experience which is helpful in my spiritual growth. Thank you for your acceptance, sharing, support and most of all your prayers. I am now more confident, strengthened and affirmed. I will miss you all."

Seminarian Christopher was involved in many activities carried out in Holy Trinity Parish. He journeyed with the Parish Youth Apostolate, participating and giving in puts during the Youth Monthly Gathering. He also helped to conduct seminars and retreats for the Parish Catechetical Committee, Liturgical Committee, the CCR Groups and giving formation talks to the altar servers.

Mario Domingo, the PPC Chairman touched on the need of priests and religious and openly encouraged each parent to support and pray that their children will take time to reflect on their call. He said, “I am sure that it would be a joyful moment for the parents of seminarian Christopher knowing that their son is going to be a priest in the very near future. I wish that my children too will discern on their call and respond positively." He concluded by extending his gratitude to all for their support and urge everyone to pray for seminarian Christopher in his vocation to the priesthood.

Msgr. Nicholas expressed his pleasure to have seminarian Christopher serving in Holy Trinity Church, though for just four months but had left a strong impact upon the youths. He hoped and prayed that seminarian Christopher will be a good priest in the next few years to come.