Clergy take time off for annual gathering

BUNDU TUHAN – Clergy of the three arch/dioceses of Sabah took time off for their annual gathering at Bundu Tuhan on 18-20 Jan 2016.  The clergy of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, Dioceses of Keningau and Sandakan make it a point at the onset of the new year to come together in a spirit of sacramental brotherhood to rekindle old friendships forged throughout the years in formation and ministry.

The gathering of the Sabah clergy is done twice a year: one in January and the other in September (retreat), usually at the Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre as it is located at the centre of the three arch/dioceses.

On the first night two cakes were brought in to commemorate the anniversaries of prelate and priests which fell in January.  After dinner, the clergy shared their experiences in the ministry during the course of the past year.

On the following day after a hearty breakfast, they had an holy hour followed by a short break.  Then the clergy of the three arch/dioceses assembled in their respective arch/dioceses for sharing.  Those from Sandakan Diocese grouped together with those of KK Archdiocese as most of them originate from there.  They took the opportunity to have Bible sharing.

The sharing was kept short as those from Keningau Diocese have a long way to go home.  After these had left, the meeting resumed in the afternoon for the rest.  It began with the Office of Readings, then broken off for the Eucharistic celebration.  It resumed the next morning and concluded with Mass.  The gathering ended with lunch.

The discussion covered everything concerning the life of the archdiocese as a whole, the different commissions, the parishes and their peculiar problems.  Emphasis was also given to the planning of the programme for the archdiocese in line with the Year of Mercy and the just-concluded PAX Assembly. – Fr Rhobby Mojolou