Bishop Julius Celebrates 25 Years As a Priest

BY DS

Sandakan : About 200 parishioners gathered at St Joseph's Church to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bishop Julius and the 36th anniversary of Fr Thomas Makajil's ordination to the priesthood, Wednesday 19th November 2014 at St Joseph's Church.

Con-celebrating the Thanksgiving Mass were Bishop Cornelius Piong of Keningau, seven Diocesan Priests and five other priests, all former classmates of Bishop Julius at St Peter's College, Major Seminary, Kuching. 

Also present at the celebration were Sr Grace Deosing fsic, Superior General of FSIC, religious sisters of FSIC, RGS and religious brothers of SG.

The prelate attended St Peter's College, Kuching from April 1982 - May 1988. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Emeritus John Lee on 19th November 1989 at St Pius X Bundu Tuhan. He holds a licentiate in Moral Theology, a master degree in Spiritual Theology and a licentiate on Canon Law. He lectured on spirituality at St Peter's College from 2000-2003. He was elevated as Bishop of Sandakan in July 2007.

In his introductory note , Bishop Julius said, 'The priesthood is the gift of God to the community. It is a sign of God's love, a sign that He cares for us and a sign of His presence among us.'

Bishop Julius' family members

L-R : Fr Simon Poh of Kuching, Fr James Ting of Sibu, Bishop Julius, Fr Justin Dan of Miri, Fr Benedict of Keningau and Fr Boniface of Keningau (Bishop's former classmates)

Bishop Julius with Bishop Cornelius (3rd from left) and all diocesan priests and former classmates at SPC Kuching

In his homily, he shared that each of us has some religious experience where one feels the closeness of God.  He invited parishioners to recall on their personal religious experience, the precious moment encountering God. Those are special moments in life, giving us joy, hope and confidence.

Bishop Julius with Sr Grace fsic (3rd from right) and members of the congregation

As regards to the talents gifted us by God, he said, 'Use them or lose them.' He called on everyone to use all possible opportunities to use their time and talent for the service of others for the glory of God.

Bishop Cornelius (2nd left)

After the celebration, parishioners proceeded to Bishop's Residence, a short distant from the church for the Blessing of the new Home led by Bishop Cornelius of Keningau.

After seven years of its establishment, the Diocese of Sandakan has eventually acquired a permanent home for the Bishop. Bishop Julius was overwhelmed and extended his appreciation to all attendees for being present. 

Diocesan staff

He conveyed a special thank you to the good Samaritan who paid for the house and all renovation work. The diocese is deeply indebted to him for his generosity. He also thanked all those who were involved in ensuring that the house could be put in place according to schedule.