Pauline Sisters celebrate 27th Refoundation Anniversary

KOTA KINABALU – The Daughters of St Paul or Pauline Sisters celebrated their 27th Refoundation Anniversary on 25 Jan 2016 on the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul at their convent chapel here.  Around 40 people – Annunciationists, Pauline Cooperators, benefactors and friends – joined in the celebration.

Neo-ordained Friar Francisco Basnayake ofm presided at the Mass.  After the Mass those presented ajourned to the simple potluck fellowship meal at the compound.  Basnayake was ordained by Abp Wong two days earler (Jan 23) at Stella Maris Church Tanjung Aru.  Earlier in the day, he had celebrated Mass at the Carmelite Chapel at 6:30 am.

Why Refoundation Anniversary?  In 1961 the Pauline Sisters came to North Borneo from Italy and the Philippines at the invitation of Bishop James Buis.  But they had to close the house in 1971 when their visas were not renewed.  It was only after 18 years that the local Pauline Sisters were able to reopen the house and it was this reopening that was being celebrated.