Cathedral parish hosts farewell dinner for outgoing rector

KOTA KINABALU (CS) – Eight hundred parishioners gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral parish hall to say “goodbye” to Msgr Primus Jouil Sep 29, as he prepares to take up his new posting as rector of Stella Maris parish effective Oct 1.  He has put in a total of 13 years of faithful service in the cathedral parish.

Present for the occasion were Archbishop John Wong, priests and deacon of the cathedral, Mother General Sr Grace Deosing, Religious Sisters and parishioners from Sacred Heart Cathedral, Church of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and nearby parishes.

PPC Chairman, Dr Damian Lee’s farewell speech was read by his vice, Jason Joenoi, as he was out of the country.  He expressed the Cathedral’s grateful praise for the 13 years of cordial working relationship between Msgr and the parish, and commended Msgr who had always portrayed a fatherly figure as a parish priest, and had been generous with his time and care in responding to the needs of the parish.

In his turn, Msgr Primus expressed his appreciation and admiration for all the working committees and group ministries for having actively served alongside him. It struck him that he has served in the busiest parish.

As he recalled his arrival at the Cathedral parish in June 2001, he remembered distinctly that he came with a trembling heart whether he could last.  Before he realized it, he was kept so busy that he didn’t have time to think about getting himself transferred out!

It also gladdened his heart to be privileged to experience an incessant flow of seminarians coming to the cathedral for their pastoral immersion, and for the opportunities of friendship with them.  In relating with them, it has helped him to grow and overcome his own weaknesses and shyness.

The long-time serving leaders who have served for as long as he has been in the parish without complaining to him have also inspired him and spurred him on.

In concluding, he asked for forgiveness for his shortcomings and spoke of his need for prayer to be able to serve the people of God until his retirement, of which he hoped the parishioners would oblige. – Linda Edward