THE ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE - DIOCESE OF SANDAKAN SEMINARIANS ANDY BORINE TINGADON AND ARTHUR JOHN

Article by Evelyn Jock
Photos by Soccom/Marian Live Streaming Crew

Sandakan - A significant occasion took place at the St Mary’s Cathedral, the mother Church of the Diocese of Sandakan, on 24 January 2021 at 9.30 am. That day we celebrated the Ordination of two seminarians to the Diaconate. The transition to the Diaconate is a journey a seminarian takes towards priesthood. The young men who were ordained are Andy Borine Tingadon and Arthur John.

The Sandakan Diocese under the leadership of Rt Rev Datuk Julius Dusin Gitom, DD, celebrated the 6th Diaconate Ordination on 24 January 2021, when two young men from the local community were ordained as Deacons. Since the establishment of the Diocese of Sandakan in 2007, there have been 5 Diaconate ordination; 1st in 2010, and again in 2015, 2016, 2019 (twice) and now in 2021.

Due to the pandemic, the Ordination Mass was celebrated on a much lower scale. According to the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) on church celebration during lockdown, the Diaconate Ordination mass can only be viewed by the families and parishioners via live-streaming.

A week prior to the Ordination, on 17 January 2021, the two seminarians were given the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders.

Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders.

Rt Rev Datuk Julius Dusin Gitom, DD, celebrated the Ordination to the Diaconate on 24 January 2021assisted by Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. David A. Garaman and Deacon Stephen Esguerra.

During the Ordination rite, the young seminarians, Andy and Arthur, were called by their name, to which they confirmed their attendance. Rev. Fr. David addressed Bishop Julius confirming to him that the young men had been found worthy to be ordained. Bishop Julius then said that relying on the hope of the Lord God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, the two men were chosen for the order of the diaconate. 

The two men then sat in front of Bishop Julius who listed out the responsibilities of Deacon. There were then questioned whether they will carry out the responsibilities of a deacon, believe in and proclaim the mystery of faith, remain celibate, pray every day for the people of God and for the whole world and finally, if they will conformed their lives to the example of Christ. 

Bishop Julius then puts his hands together and placed them on the men’s hand, asking them if they promise to respect and obey him and his successors. 

Andy and Arthur then prostrated to show their willingness in offering their lives for service to the church and that they abandon their lives to Christ.

The Litany of the Saints was chanted by Deacon Stephen Esguerra, calling upon the saints to help these men to live the promises they had just made. After the litany, Bishop again laid hands on Andy and Arthur, and offered the prayer of Ordination.

Once ordained, the two men are then vested as Deacons, and they again approached Bishop Julius, kneeling before him and laid their hands on the Book of Gospels. Bishop Julius then uttered these words, 'Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become, believe what you read, preach what you believe, and practice what you teach.’

Deacons Andy and Arthur then went up the sanctuary and assisted Bishop Julius at the altar.

By God’s grace, the Diaconate Ordination was so meaningful and a great success with everything running smoothly. The live streamed mass was viewed by parishioners from various parishes within and outside of the Diocese of Sandakan. The respective families and friends of Deacons Andy and Arthur from Keningau, Beluran and Telupid also viewed this event via live streaming.

Congratulations to the newly ordained Deacons, Andy and Arthur. We thank them for their services for they are witnesses to us of how we are called to draw closer to Jesus and to be servants of the poor. We appreciate their families who have given their approval and fully supported their ‘YES’ to God’s calling. We wish them all the best and may our good Lord use them to reach many in the Diocese and the world.

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ (Matthew 22:37)

Seminarian Andy Borine Tingadon, 39, comes from the town of Beluran. He was born in Kampung Bingkor, Keningau on 6 April 1982 and is the 3rd child in a family of 8, his parents and 6 siblings. His father, a retiree was a Supervisor for trainee nurse in Beluran in 2011 while his mother is a housewife. Most of Andy’s childhood days were spent in Beluran. He studied at Sekolah Rendah Pekan Beluran (1989-1994), Sekolah Menengah Pekan Beluran (1995-1999) and completed Form 6 at the Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Tamparuli (2002-2003).

Andy has the same ambitions and needs as everyone, however, the need to answer God’s call was strong. He noticed that there was less priest coming from Beluran as not many youths were brave enough to take up this vocation and moreover, the parishioners were not frequent mass goers. He finally decided to follow up on his vocation in 2012. His family and friends strongly supported his vocation and he felt his strength comes from God himself.

Andy underwent 8 years of priesthood formation in Kota Kinabalu (2 years), and St Peter’s College in Kuching, Sarawak (6 years). During his formation years, he studied sacred scripture, philosophy and theology. His days in the seminary were memorable and he embraced his formation which was full of surprises. It has brought him to places he would never have dreamt of and met with many new friends. He recalled the day he stood in front of the CAC building in Kota Kinabalu, when he entered the seminary for the first time as an aspirant, and asked himself if the steps he had taken was enough. However, he believes that what he had done was for all concerned and not only for him.

His pastoral immersion in various parishes had shaped him in understanding matters of the priesthood. It was necessary to prepare him to serve in the Sandakan Diocese. He felt elated that he was more knowledgeable about pastoral work now. During his visits to each parish in the Sandakan Diocese, he observed its strengths and weaknesses. The diocese comprises of a variety of ethnic groups with different cultures and migrants from other countries. Therefore, there is a great need for more priests, religious sisters, catechists and church leaders to help in the spiritual administration of the church.

Andy felt that the ordination during the pandemic lockdown was indeed a blessing because even in these times of hardship and fear, our Lord God has not abandoned His people. Indeed, we see God answering His people’s hopes and prayers by providing the Sandakan Diocese with 2 more men to be ordained to the Diaconate. His expectations for the future, would be the church reaching out to its parishioners through various media platforms such as, youtube, facebook, twitter, etc. The church should plan to get the parishioners to return to the church after the pandemic, for the parishioners may become too complacent and rely too much on the live streaming of masses.

He encouraged Catholic youths to be open to God’s movement in their lives with a clear mind and open heart. He advised the youth to be committed because of their love for God and not be distracted by worldly materials. He agrees that God’s calling is scary but he recalled that the Apostles of Jesus were afraid and tried to run away, but they were the chosen ones of God to be His witnesses. For the youths, he quoted: 1 Peter 5:6-7 ‘Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him because he cares for you.’ Finally, Andy prayed and hoped that more youths from the Diocese of Sandakan would be brave to come forward to response to this special calling from God. Amen.

‘But Yahweh replied, ‘Do not say, “I am only a child”, for you must go to all to whom I send you and say whatever I command you’ (Jeremiah 1:7)

Seminarian Arthur John, 30, was born on 20 July 1991 in Telupid. Arthur is the 4th child in his family is made up of his parents and 5 siblings. His father, John Kisong of Kuala Sapi is a retiree, while his mother, Nuini Tangkim, a housewife is from Beaufort. He studied at Sekolah Rendah SK Pekan Telupid (1997-2002) and Sekolah Menengah SMK Pekan Telupid (2003-2009).

Arthur has always been active in church activities in his hometown and it was here that he decided to respond to God’s call to serve in the priesthood. He entered the seminary from January 2012 to May 2020, where he studied English, philosophy, theology and sacred scripture at the Catholic Archdiocesan Centre, St Peter’s College, Kota Kinabalu and St Peter’s College Major Seminary, Kuching, Sarawak. He was appointed lector on 3 November 2016 and Acolyte on 3 November 2017. 

Arthur reiterated that his experience during his formative years at the seminary was very valuable. Activities and programmes that were presented challenged him to develop his spiritual, human and intellectual being which was essential so that he remain steadfast firm in his vocation. He learnt to appreciate the hands of God in all his spiritual activities and academic life. 

He shared that during his training and pastoral immersion, he was attached to several parishes in Sabah and Sarawak from 2014 to 2020. The pastoral immersion has helped him to be more aware of all daily pastoral issues. He joined, amongst other ministries, the Charismatic Renewal Movement, Legion of Mary, RCIA, Sarawak Mental house, Cheshire Home for the Disabled, Home for the aged, Youth Ministry Apostolate, Migrant Ministry and was attached to Paitan church. Arthur felt great pride and joy with the Catholic communities who are so united and empowered to help in the growth of the church.

His thoughts on the Ordination during the pandemic were that it is important to comply to the government’s SOP and to always observe cleanliness for the safety of all persons. Although the attendance of parishioners is limited, he felt that the church can still reach out to the people through live streaming. 

Arthur encouraged all Catholic youths to be holy and not be afraid but be inspired by Jesus Christ who is their shepherd. He also advised these youths who are receiving their call to the priesthood to come out of their comfort zone and meet with their parish priest for further counselling. Becoming a priest puts you at a crossroad and is a serious decision and should they feel God's calling, this may be the path they are meant to take.

Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders~ Seminarian Arthur John and Andy Borine Tingadon.

 By Soccom 

Seminarian Arthur John and Andy Borine Tingadon publicly declared their intention to pursue Holy Orders and was officially accepted as candidates for the ordination during the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders at St. Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan on 17th January 2021, Sunday during Bahasa Malaysia Mass by His Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom. Assisting the prelate was Father David Garaman (Rector). The both Seminarians Diaconate Ordination will be held on 24th January 2021, 9.30am at St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic and to ensure the public safety, participation from the laity in this celebration is subject to the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). A live-streamed Mass will be available for greater virtual participation from the laity. May they always be faithful to the Diaconal Ministry of Service of Word, Liturgy and Charity to which they are about to be ordained. Please keep them in prayer to prepare for their entering in this sacred ministry.

Catholic Campus Students' Gathering ke 4

Di kala umat manusia sedang berusaha memerangi penularan wabak Covid - 19, pihak Gereja juga berusaha mencari jalan untuk menjangkau umat-umatnya. Inilah yang sedang dilakukan oleh Kerasulan Belia Keukupan Sandakan. Kebaikan yang dapat di lihat dari situasi pandemik ini adalah dorongan untuk berfikir di luar kotak. Salah satunya adalah penggunaan media dan teknologi yang semakin menjadi trend dalam menghubungkan antara sesama manusia. Kebanyakan program - program penjangkauan juga dilakukan melalui medium media yang dijalankan secara maya dan kreatif.

Kerasulan Belia Keuskupan Sandakan melalui Pelayanan Kampus telah menganjurkan program Catholic Campus Students' Gathering (CCSG) kali ke 4. Program ini sepatutnya dijadualkan pada bulan Oktober tahun ini namun keadaan pandemik Covid - 19 ini tidak mengizinkan ianya diadakan secara fizikal. 

Maka dengan itu program ini telah diadakan secara maya selama tiga hari iaitu dari 4 sehingga 6 Disember 2020. Seramai 50 pelajar kampus Katolik telah mengikuti program yang bertemakan 'ARISE'. Turut serta dalam program alam maya ini adalah para belia bekerja dan lepasan pelajar Universiti serta pelajar form 6.

Belakang tabir persiapan Misa Pembukaan CCSG 4

Rev. Fr. Dafrinn Diwol

Program CCSG 4 hari pertama telah dimulakan dengan Misa pembukaan oleh Rev. Fr. Dafrinn Diwol yang juga merupakan Penasihat Rohani bagi Kerasulan Belia Keuskupan. Dalam homilinya, beliau mengingatkan kepada semua yang mengikuti Misa secara langsung ini untuk menghidupi iman melalui pelayanan kepada diri sendiri, keluarga dan masyarakat. Fr. Dafrinn juga mengajak semua belia kampus untuk bangkit bukan secara fizikal tetapi bangkit secara iman kepada Tuhan.

Sejurus selepas Misa, peserta program CCSG 4 ini telah diberikan satu pautan bagi aplikasi Zoom agar dapat memasuki ruangan maya program CCSG 4. Pengacara program, Philippa Phillip dan Maxine telah mengalu - alukan kehadiran semua orang dengan memberikan pengenalan kepada program CCSG 4. Para peserta kemudiannya di bawa dalam Time of Life untuk nyanyian dan ice-breaking. 

Pengacara yang ceria: Maxine dan Philippa Phillip

Time of Life: Lagu - lagu yang dinyanyikan semasa program CCSG 4

Ice Breaking yang dikendalikan oleh Voney dan Edelisa

Intipati hari pertama adalah renungan kepada tema 'ARISE' yang telah di sampaikan oleh Raynold Thomas. Formula untuk 'Arise' telah dikongsikan kepada para peserta iaitu bermula dengan panggilan Tuhan yang memerlukan respon atau sahutan peribadi agar dapat 'bangkit' bersama dengan Yesus Kristus. Renungan tema ini diakhiri dengan video 'Pulihkan' yang dinyanyikan oleh pelajar - pelajar Katolik dari Keuskupan Kota Kinabalu. 

Intipati hari kedua adalah sesi Hubungan dengan Tuhan yang disampaikan oleh Sr. Rusiah Garuk, fsic. Sesi ini dimulakan dengan mengajak para peserta mengenali keperibadian Yesus. Dengan pengenalan ini maka semua orang dapat menjalinkan persahabatan yang asli dengan Yesus. Dokumen hasil tulisan Bapa Suci Fransiskus iaitu Christus Vivit juga dikongsikan terutama sekali yang menyentuh berkenaan hal - hal persahabatan dengan Yesus dalam nota 150 sehingga 157. Persahabatan dengan Yesus tidak dapat dipatahkan. Meskipun berulang kali manusia memutuskan persahabatan ini, Yesus tetap setia menanti 'kepulangan' mereka dan memperbaharui persahabatan itu.

Sesi Hubungan dengan Tuhan oleh Sr. Rusiah Garuk, fsic

Ramai orang telah terkesan dengan keadaan terkini sejak bermulanya pandemik Covid - 19 dan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan yang di arah oleh pihak kerajaan, termasuklah para pelajar kampus. Hal yang berlaku ini merupakan satu perkara yang sangat baru dan ramai yang 'terhenti' seketika dalam menjalankan kehidupan biasa masing - masing. Ada yang mengalami gangguan emosi dan mental sehingga menyebabkan keadaan menjadi tekanan dan seterus mengalami kemurungan diri.

Maka pada hari yang ketiga, pihak penganjur telah mengetangahkan sesi Kesihatan Mental yang disampaikan oleh Puan Daria  P. Joseph K. seorang kaunselor yang berdaftar dan juga seorang pensyarah di Sidma College Sabah/UNIRAZAK, Sabah.

Sesi Kesihatan Mental oleh Puan Daria P. Joseph. K

Sesi ini sangat membantu para pelajar untuk mengenali keadaaan atau apabila berada dalam tekanan dan bagaimana untuk mengatasi sekiranya ia berlaku. Selesai sahaja sesi ini, ramai pelajar, memenuhi ruang chat dengan soalan - soalan kepada Puan Daria. Selain menjawab pertanyaan para pelajar, Puan Daria juga mengongsikan talian dan badan - badan yang menawarkan khidmat kaunseling.

Setiap kali selepas sesi, Tim Para Liturgi akan membawa para peserta untuk renungan dan perkongsian berdasarkan kepada sesi - sesi yang disampaikan. Ini membantu para peserta untuk mendalami sesi yang disampaikan serta mengekspreskan perasaan dan pemikiran secara mereka peribadi.

Tim Para Liturgi meminpin dalam doa pembukaan dan doa pentup di bagi program CCSG 4

Di akhir program pada hari ketiga, para peserta dibawa dalams sesi peneguhan yang dikendalikan oleh Tim Para Liturgi. Dalam sesi ini setiap peserta dibawa mengimbasi tema yang telah dikupas pada hari pertama dan disusuli dengan video bertajuk 'Arise'. Para peserta kemudian diminta untuk menulis perkataan atau gambar yang menunjukkan mereka telah 'bangkit' dan meletakkannya dalam Page Facebook Temasya Belia Keuskupan Sandakan.

Sesi pada hari terakhir diteruskan dengan ucapan dari Anna Teresa selaku Kordinator Kerasulan Belia Keuskupan Sandakan dan Corey Felino Henry selaku Kordinator Program CCSG kali ke -4 ini. Corey, dalam ucapannya mengucap berbanyak terima kasih di atas kehadiran para pelajar dalam program ini dan kepada para penganjur yang bertungkus lumus di belakang tabir untuk menjayakan program CCSG kali ke 4 ini.

Kordinator Program CCSG ke 4: Corey Felino Henry

Program CSSG 4 diakhiri dengan 'group photo' secara maya

Sebahagian daripada para penganjur program CCSG 4 2020

'HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS' - PERTEMUAN SEMULA PARA GRADUAN YOUTHPREPLINK KEUSKUPAN SANDAKAN

Pada 28 November yang lalu, pertemuan semula graduan - graduan YPL telah diadakan secara maya melalui penggunaan aplikasi ZOOM. Seramai 90 graduan dari batch 1 sehingga batch 9 telah mengikuti pertemuan ini. Turut serta dalam pertemuan ini adalah para pendamping dan para sahabat YPL yang telah terlibat secara langsung dan tidak langsung dalam penganjuran YPL sejak tahun 2011 sehingga 2019.

Penganjuran pertemuan semula YPL telah dijadualkan berlangsung pada bulan Mei 2020. Namun keadaan pandemik Covid - 19 yang amat serius ketika itu telah melumpuhkan penganjuran daripada diteruskan. Lebih - lebih lagi Perintah Kawalan Pergerakkan (PKP) yang telah diarahkan oleh pihak Kerajaan menjadikan pertemuan secara fizikal tidak dapat dilaksanakan. 

Namun keadaan ini juga telah memaksa semua orang untuk membiasakan diri menjalankan hidup dalam keadaan norma baharu termasuklah cara bermesyuarat dan pengendalian program melalui atas talian. Melalui platform ini, pertemuan semula graduan YPL dapat dilakukan secara maya. 

Pertemuan semula para graduan pernah diadakan pada tahun 2014 dan 2016. Pertemuan kali ini merupakan yang kali ke -3 bagi peringkat Keuskupan Sandakan. Tema yang diberi adalah "Memories bring back Memories bring back YOU"

Tujuan utama penganjuran ini selain daripada mengumpulkan para graduan, adalah untuk bertanyakan khabar antara sesama dan memberi ruang untuk menyegarkan serta membaharui iman.

Pertemuan semula atau lebih mesra di sebut sebagai reunion di dalam Bahasa Inggeris telah dimulakan dengan mengalu - alukan semua graduan dan jemputan apabila mereka mulai memasuki ruang maya ini. Pengacara program kemudiannya menyampaikan orentasi ringkas berkenaan penggunaan aplikasi ZOOM sepanjang program dijalankan.

Pengacara program Virtual YPL Reunion: Ferdy@Cacai Amigo dan Girald@Akkai Palipus

Sesi diteruskan dengan pembacaan serta renungan Injil dan disusuli dengan doa pembukaan oleh Tim Para Liturgi. Program kemudiannya diteruskan dengan video ucapan pendek dari pendamping - pendamping YPL. Antaranya ialah Sr. Jossie Sili, rgs, Jell Joseph, Evelyn Doikin, Sharon Tan, Wilfred Frederick (Boy) dan Seminarian Andy Borine Tingadon. 

Meskipun tidak dapat dilakukan secara fizikal, namun Time of Life tetap diadakan dalam bentuk yang lebih kreatif. Dalam sesi ini, para graduan dibawa menyanyikan lagu - lagu aksi dan lagu penyembahan yang sering dinyanyikan semasa penganjuran YPL yang lalu. Setiap lagu yang dimainkan telah membawa para graduan mengamit kenangan lalu. Seterusnya ice breaking yang dikendalikan oleh tim Time of Life (TOL). Antara games yang di ketengahkan adalah meneka gambar dan 'true or lie'. 

Time of Life

Para graduan kemudiannya dibawa untuk mengimbas kenangan lalu di dalam tayangan video 'YPL's Yesteryears' bagi batch 1 sehingga 5. Kotak chat dalam aplikasi ZOOM dihujani dengan mesej para graduan yang menyatakan kerinduan mereka.

Reunion ini diteruskan dengan sesi perkongsian dari Esther Albert Alim, seorang ibu yang mempunyai seorang anak, bekerja sebagai seorang dietitian di Hospital Tawau dan melayani dalam belia sebagai ahli Kerasulan Belia Paroki Holy Trinity, Tawau dan Kerasulan Belia Keuskupan Sandakan. Beliau juga telah mendampingi peserta - peserta YPL sejak 2013.

Esther Albert Alim mengongsikan pengalamannya berdasarkan kepada tema: Memories bring back memories, bring back you.

Dalam sesi ini, Esther telah mengongsikan realiti hidup yang berlaku dengan dirinya terutama sekali dalam situasi pandamik covid - 19 yang telah hampir menyebabkan dirinya 'hanyut' dan membawa kepada membuat keputusan yang salah. Maka keadaan ini telah membuatkan dirinya rasa tidak layak. Namun Tuhan itu maha pengasih, semua hal di dunia akan berubah namun kasih Yesus tetap sama baik hari kelmarin, hari ini dan esok, dan Dia senantiasa menanti kepulangan anak - anak-Nya. Setiap orang tidak dapat lari daripada cabaran hidup, namun setiap cabaran mempunyai ilmu yang boleh dipelajari dan membawa kepada pertumbuhan diri untuk menjadi lebih matang dan bijak. Sama soalnya dengan kesilapan dan kegagalan hidup kerana ia merupakan 'pengajar' terbaik dalam kehidupan untuk menjadi seorang individu yang baik.

Di akhir perkongsian, Esther mengingatkan tentang misi panggilan. Semua Katolik dipanggil untuk menghidupi misi untuk menjadi versi terbaik diri mereka dan memberikan yang terbaik di dalam setiap panggilan tidak kira sebagai seorang yang bekerja, seorang anak, seorang isteri atau suami dan sebagai diri mereka sendiri dan paling utama menjadi pembawa cahaya Yesus Kristus kepada semua orang.

Video 'Just one You' dan 'Memories' (versi YPL Keuskupan Sandakan) yang  telah dinyanyikan oleh beberapa para graduan YPL menjadi pengakhir bagi sesi perkongsian Esther. Inilah kebaikan untuk bertemu semula (reunion), membawa para graduan kembali melihat kenangan YPL agar mereka dapat menemui diri mereka semula.

Lagu 'Just One You' merupakan lagu yang wajib dinyanyikan setiap kali penganjuran YPL dan ini telah dilakukan sejak penganjuran YPL 2013.

Video 'YPL's Yesteryears' bagi batch 6 sehingga 9 ditayangkan dan diikuti dengan perkongsian kumpulan melalui 'breakout room'. Ramai graduan mengongsikan bahawa perkongsian Esther sangat di fahami kerana ia amat berkaitan rapat dengan kehidupan yang mereka sedang alami. Ini membuatkan mereka merasakan tidak bersendirian dalam pergolakan yang mereka alami. 

Perkongsian Esther sedikit sebanyak telah membantu para graduan untuk melihat semula diri mereka dan ekpresi ini dapat dilihat dalam sesi 'The Colour of My Memories.' Setiap graduan YPL menyatakan perasaan masing - masing dalam satu aplikasi Mentimeter dimana satu pautan khas diberikan untuk setiap graduan isi berdasarkan kepada soalan 'How do you feel about your memories today?'. Expresi mereka secara langsung keluar di permukaan skrin dengan pelbagai warna. Setiap warna melambangkan kenangan - kenangan tidak kira baik dan tidak baik yang telah membentuk keperibadian setiap individu menjadi diri mereka pada hari ini.

Setelah selesai sesi tersebut, Tim Para Liturgi mengambil ahli ruangan program dalam sesi peneguhan. Dalam sesi ini semua yang hadir di minta untuk menyalakan lilin sebagai lambang diri mereka dan cahaya Kristus. Sesi ini sangat memberi kesan kepada para graduan kerana setiap kata - kata peneguhan yang disampaikan memberikan semangat kepada mereka di dalam hidup masing - masing. Masa Tuhan sentiasa tepat dan indah. 

Di akhir sesi peneguhan, satu video 'Insan Tadau (Suatu Hari nanti)' versi YPL Keuskupan Sandakan telah ditayangkan. Video ini memperlihatkan kekuatan kasih yang di alami semasa penganjuran YPL yang terdahulu. Satu persahabatan yang di anggap satu keluarga yang menyokong, mendukung dan menerima antara sesama tanpa melihat warna kulit, bangsa dan status.

Jason Alexander Degullacion: Kordinator Pengajuran Virtual YPl Reunion

Sebelum mengakhiri reunion ini, Jason Alexander Degullacion, kordinator bagi penganjuran Virtual YPL Reunion ini menyatakan rasa terharu,gembira dan syukur kerana program berjalan dengan baik dan terjadi melintasi ekpektasinya. Dia juga mengambil kesempatan untuk berterima kasih kepada ahli tim penganjur di atas dedikasi dan komitmen dalam merealisasikan program secara maya ini. Jason juga berharap agar, pandemik ini akan berlalu agar YPL batch 10 dapat dijalankan tahun hadapan. Beliau sangat menghargai setiap yang hadir dan memohon agar semua orang akan terus 'keep in touch'.

Anna Teresa, selaku Kordinator komisi Kerasulan Belia Keuskupan Sandakan juga menyampaikan rasa gembira dan syukur. Beliau telah berjalan bersama dengan YPL sejak 2011 sehingga ke hari ini dan apabila melihat semua para graduan, Anna menyatakan bahawa generasi YPL akan datang 'will be in good hands' kerana mempunyai graduan - graduan yang akan meneruskan program dan semangat YPL ini. 

Program pada malam yang indah itu di akhiri dengan doa penutup dan pengambilan gambar. Meskipun program itu sudah berakhir, para graduan telah meneruskan sesi 'catching up' dalam aplikasi whatsapp Group bacth mereka masing - masing.

Puji Tuhan di atas peluang dan kesempatan yang telah menambahkan satu lagi memori dalam senarai kenangan YPL Keuskupan Sandakan.

Inspiration that leads to Charity

Sandakan - Inspired by the Franciscan Sisters of Kota Kinabalu, a parishioner together with two friends came forward to give a hand by volunteering themselves to sew the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) clothing.

Margarette Sikuit with Elizabeth Ubing and Rosaline Phillip, parishioners of St Paul's Catholic Church, started their mission sewing the PPE clothing on the 7 November 2020 which took place in her own home. It had taken them two weeks to complete 150 PPE clothing that is ready to be used by frontliners at the Duchess of Kent's Hospital Sandakan.

The material had been provided by the hospital that was arranged earlier by the staff of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre and that of the Hospital's Logistic Pharmacy Unit personnel.

On the 27 November 2020, the completed PPE was handed over to the Hospital's Director, Dr. Francis Paul. Aside from Margarette, Elizabeth and Rosaline, also present in this event was Bishop Julius and Deacon Stephen Esguerra.

Dr. Francis expresses his gratitude to Bishop Julius and the church, especially the three Samaritans for their kindness in volunteering to sew the PPE clothing. A report from News Straits Time dated 19 November 2020, Sandakan recorded the highest Covid-19 infections throughout Sabah and was declared as Red Zone by the government. Thus, it is very crucial to have all PPEs in stock for frontliners as they are dealing with increasing numbers of Covid - 19 patients.

Bishop Julius conveyed his thankfulness to Dr. Francis and the hospital for the trust given to the church through Margarette and her companions. It is a blessing to be part of the mission of helping those in need, especially in this time of the pandemic.

Margarette and her team mates are looking forward to any assistance needed. She is assuring that they will be there to help.

A photo-taking together ended the auspicious day.

Sandakan First Virtual Rosary Prayer

by Sandakan Parish Social Communications Ministry

Sandakan:  During this challenging time, where parishioners can not gather, a rosary prayer has been done virtually, through the initiative of the Sandakan Parish Youth Apostolate in collaboration with the Marian Live Streaming Crew on the 23 November 2020 at 8.00 pm.  They are all committed to bringing the church close to the parishioners to have a strong devotion to Mother Mary, by all means, to show that the church cares.

This first virtual rosary prayer led by Justine Marcus (PYA Assistant Coordinator 2) aims to invite the parishioners to meditate on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary with the prayer intentions on issues that the world is facing due to covid - 19 pandemic and prayer for protection from this deadliest virus and for caring our nature and mankind from self-destruction.

The rosary prayer is recited in three languages English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. As for the choir during the prayer was led by Cristopher Aban.

At the same time, all lights are turned off to respond the ‘Earth Hour’ campaign with the theme ‘Use Less Electricity’ that held every 23^rd of the month (PROTEC Campaign held from 31 August 2020 – 31 August 2021).