Archdiocesan formands begin academic year with opening Mass

KOTA KINABALU – Eighteen formands – two in Initiation Year (IY), six in second year aspirancy, and ten in first year aspirancy – began their formative journey towards the diocesan priesthood with an opening Mass on 4 Feb 2016 at the St Peter’s College Initiation Year Formation House here.

Archbishop John Wong presided at the Mass concelebrated with IY Director Fr Rayner Bisius, Aspirants Director Fr Wilfred Atin, and Fr Thomas Madanan, one of the IY lecturers.

In his homily, the presider exhorted the formands to be open to the working of the Spirit and to invite Jesus to be the centre of their lives as they go through the formative journey.

Among those present at the event were the teaching staff of the different years, benefactors, religious, members of the Women’s League, and friends.

After the Mass, all adjourned to the dining hall for a fellowship meal where after some speeches, there was a cake-cutting ceremony by the clergy and teaching staff.  Two additional staff were recruited to help the second year aspirants prepare for the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) in November. While eating, the guests were entertained by the formands with karaoke singing.

The first year aspirants are: Jeremia Duminggu (KK), 22; Joseph Jup Matias (Manggatal), 20; Paddelyne Francis Pius (Keningau), 21; Freddy Nicholas (Papar), 32; Ricki Boy Hasim (Telupid), 23; Jasryide Gadius (Keningau), 24; Charileo Chari Chali (Membakut), 20; Airon Japilih (Keningau), 32; Switchely Michael (Ranau), 27; and Jescie Petrus Petu (Sandakan), 21.

The second year aspirants are: Nelbart Peter (Sook), 21; Andrewsius Jumil (Bundu Tuhan), 23; Bonnyface Stephen Matthew (Bundu Tuhan), 24; Baxcter Christianus (Telupid), 21; Wendell Wong (Tenom), 21; and Scany Polycarp (Kota Marudu), 23. Three other formands – Maxwell Verus (Inanam), 24; Jerry Joseph (Manggatal), 37, and Ziffyon Minsun (Telipok), 23 – will leave for Penang College General on Feb 15 for a year of intensive English course together with Andreas Jipis (Manggatal), 22 and Aubrey Bidi (KK), 23, who will be going there for their philosophical studies.

The two IY seminarians are Canisius Benjamin (Inanam), 22; and Jesselton James (Labuan), 24.