Joy marks Fr Cosmas’ ruby jubilee celebration

LIKAS – Joy marked the ruby jubilee celebration of Father Cosmas Lee at St Simon here on 26 Dec 2016.

Sharing in the joy of the Likas parishioners over their pastor’s 40 years of priesthood were several distinguished guests including Archbishop Emeritus John Lee,  Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur, Auxiliary Bishop Simon Poh of Kuching, Msgr Leonard Lexson of Kuala Lumpur,  Father John Yeow of Melaka-Johor, Father Moses Lui of Melaka-Johor, Carmelite Father Daniel Lim, other local and foreign priests,  members of the different religious institutes, and members of the Regional Commission on the Liturgy.

Present also were the jubilarian’s father, Francis,  his ten siblings and their families.

Although Archbishop John Wong presided over the concelebrated Mass, the 66-year-old jubilarian sang parts of the Mass and read out the homily (“jottings”) prepared by his best friend, Father Theo Ryan Marcus of India.

The jubilarian’s siblings took part in the Presentation of the Gifts, including a new chalice for the occasion.

After Mass there were no group photos taken.  Instead the jubilarian took time to greet the faithful.

All adjourned to the parish hall for the dinner reception prepared for around 800 people.  Here,  speeches were given by Anne Wong, chairperson of the parish pastoral council; Abp Wong; and the jubilarian before the cake-cutting  ceremony and dinner.

After dinner, there was a variety of song and dance performances by some groups including St James Primary School.