Telupid church decks out in gold and white for first priestly ordination

TELUPID – Saint Martin Church here decked out in gold and white for its first priestly ordination on 28 Dec 2016.

Deacon Christopher Ireneus was ordained priest by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, witnessed by over a thousand people including Archbishop John Wong of Kota Kinabalu, Father Charles Chiew of Keningau, Father John Chong of Kuching and several other priests of the three Sabah dioceses.

The solemn ceremony was brightened by the festive gold and white backdrop that was done without much interference by the pastor, Father Jasery Gabuk (as he admitted in his speech).

Speeches were given by the organising chairman, Fr Jasery, the neo-ordained and by the bishop.

In their speeches both the neo-ordained and the bishop thanked everyone involved in the formative journey of the new priest.

Father Christopher ended his speech with a request for prayers from everyone while Bishop Julius urged parents not to hinder their children’s vocation to the priestly or religious life.

After the ceremony, all adjourned to an equally brightly decorated parish hall for the reception where the people were entertained by various dance and song performances.

The next day Father Christopher celebrated his thanksgiving Mass at the church before going back to serve in Sandakan where he had been posted as a deacon.