FR. SUNNY CHUNG'S 4TH SACERDOTAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

DaliusLL, SOCCOM Sandakan

Photos by G. Bell and Franco

Sandakan: Rev. Sunny Chung, the assistant rector of the Cathedral Parish, celebrated his 4th Sacerdotal Anniversary, Friday August 01, 2014 at St. Mary's Cathedral. This special day was marked with him accompanying the Rector in blessing and officiating the Marian Bookshop located at the ground floor of the Parish Building before proceeding to the Cathedral for the Thanksgiving Mass. 

Fr. Sunny presided over the 6:30pm mass  with Fr. Thomas Makajil, the rector and Fr. Phillip Muji, the assistant rector as co-celebrants. 

During his homily, Fr Sunny shared on God’s calling of him to the ministry of priesthood. Firstly, he recalled how at  the tender age of some 8 years old, his pious grandaunt had foresaw him to be a priest one day during mass. Secondly during his youth ministry day in St. Joseph's Church, Papar, he was touched by the late Fr. Amandus. Though advanced in age, he kept serving the church diligently. He came to realize then, that the Church was in dire need of younger priests. 

At that time, he was hoping and praying that God would call his friends in the youth ministry to the priesthood. However, as times went by, his friends were getting further and further away from the church due to other commitment. One day, an announcement was made in the Church about a vocation seminar. He responded with the intention of just to get the feel of it.  Instead, he was the one God revealed of his calling and he felt in love with this sacred vocation. 

Fr Sunny (4th right) with family members

Although he faced many trials and challenges during his formation journey towards the ministry of priesthood, he never gave up because he always rely and draw strength from God. 

After mass, the Rector, Fr. Thomas thanked the family members of Fr. Sunny Chung who came all the way from Papar, religious Brothers of St. Gabriel, the Franciscan Sisters, the Good Shepherd Sisters and all parishioners who came in support of Fr Sunny. He thanked the Lord for the gift of Fr. Sunny to the ministerial priesthood. He prayed that Fr Sunny will continue to serve in the Diocese of Sandakan and particularly in St. Mary's Cathedral Parish for many more years to come.   

In honour of Fr. Sunny's 4^th anniversary to the priesthood and consecration to the service to the Lord, St. Mary's Cathedral Parish organised a pot luck dinner reception right after Mass with Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom as guest of honour. 

Father Sunny with his beloved mother on his right

During the dinner, parishioners were entertained with a slide show of Fr. Sunny’s ordination to the priesthood by the Cathedral Parish SOCCOM and presentations from the Youth, the Chinese and Indonesian community. The event concluded at 10.00pm with a closing prayer led by Bishop Julius.

“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ”. – St. John Marie Vianney.