HTC Celebrates 12th Anniversary of Fr. Johnny Raju's Priestly Ordination

BY JULITA, SOCCOM TAWAU

Fr Johnny Raju

Tawau : Some 300 parishioners gathered at Holy Trinity Parish Hall to celebrate the 12th Sacerdotal Ordination Anniversary of  Fr. Johnny Raju on Sunday 20^th July 2014. Their presence is an indication of friendship, companionship and support to the priest, committed to serving us in the vineyard of the Lord.  

After his ordination on 20th July 2002, Fr. Raju has served in a few parishes under the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese, including Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. John Tuaran, and St. Edmund Kota Belud before assigned to Holy Trinity Parish in the Sandakan Diocese early January this year.

The PPC Vice-Chairman, Philip Lee in his welcoming speech congratulated Fr. Johnny Raju on his 12th Sacerdotal Ordination Anniversary.  He said, "It is always wonderful to be called to the priesthood. As priests people look up to you as their model of spiritual life. We believe that through your guidance, care and concern - you are an inspiration to all of us, motivating and giving us hope to live our lives as true Children of God."

Msgr Nicholas Ong, the rector in his address shared that proclaiming the Good News is and shall remain the core duty of a priest. He said, "I shall remain a priest because that's what I have been called for. I never regretted a single moment in my life to be called to the priesthood. Indeed, being a priest is always being renewed and remain spiritually young."

Fr. Johnny Raju has served Holy Trinity Parish for the last seven months. He is a firm, young and energetic priest.  He is always outstations serving mass. He expressed his gratitude and thanks to everyone for their support and prayer.
He said, "I thank the Lord for calling me to serve Him through the Neo-Catechumenal Way. As priests we are to live in simplicity and humility. I believe that every word that comes from a priest is a word of blessing . So I take this opportunity to bless you all. Please continue to pray for me in my sacred ministry."

The celebration was filled with a number of presentations from members of the various groups and communities. The event is also a moment of unity among the communities while giving thanks and praise to God for the great gift of priest in the person of Fr Johnny Raju. It is also the duty of the parishioners to give due recognition and appreciation to the priest for his witness and courage. To dear Fr Johnny Raju, we wish you, Ad Multos Annos!