CMI bids farewell to assistant pastor

BUKIT PADANG – The Church of Mary Immaculate here organised a farewell meal to bid their assistant pastor au revoir on 17 July 2016 at the church canteen.

The event was organised by the Parish Pastoral Council for Fr Jeffri Gumu who would be taking a three-year-break for licientiate studies on canon law at the Pontifical University of Sto Tomas Manila, Philippines.  Fr Gumu has been serving them since his ordination in 2012.

In his homily during the Mass, the priest said he was struck when one of the youths told him not to forget to pray during his studies.  That is because normally it would be the priest who gives that advice to the faithful.  He said it was a sign of spiritual maturity on the part of the youth.

In an interview, he said he is happy to be given a break and looking forward to his studies in Manila.  Currently, Fr Clement Abel of Keningau is taking up MA Philosophy at the same university and has another two and a half years to go.

Over 30 people – members of the various groups/ministries – turned up for the fellowship.  Parish priest Abp John Wong graced the occasion as well, lending support to the honouree.