'Shepherds Living With The Smell of the Sheep' ~ Pope Francis and The 7 Pillars of Priesthood

BY JULITA, SOCCOM TAWAU
Tawau : The Chinese community of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau experienced double blessings for the Year of the Goat. Rt. Rev. Datuk Julius Dusin Gitom, the Bishop of Sandakan presided over the CNY Thanksgiving Mass on 19th February 2015 and thereafter visited homes of a few Chinese parishioners. 

Bishop Julius seated centre

It was indeed a privilege and a great cause for joy for the Chinese community to be visited by Bishop Julius D. Gitom, accompanied by Fr. Johnny Raju, the Religious Sisters, PPC Chairman, Seminarian Walter and lay leaders. The visit is a gift of love and care, a way of reaching out to members of the church, building communion and above all enhancing solidarity.   

The prelate's presence together with his entourage is a sign of staying close to the people he serves, likened to 'shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.' - (Pope Francis and the Seven Pillars of Priesthood). The visitation is a source of blessing for the people and is an integral part of the church's evangelical mission.

The families were inspired and touched by Bishop Julius' humility, concern and openness. They felt the fragrance of Christ has come upon them with unconditional love, concern and care.

A parishioner took the opportunity to kindly request Bishop Julius to bless his residence and thereafter adjourned to a dinner fellowship on the last day of his pastoral visit to Tawau, 22nd February 2015.