Seminarian feels emboldened to move on

TAWAU – Seminarian Arthur John has completed his four months’ pastoral immersion at Holy Trinity parish here and feels emboldened to move on.

“My worries about coming to Tawau vanish with your support, friendship, and hospitality. I am more confident, and am strengthened in my calling. I experience God’s love in your acceptance of me and in every task that I do with His help. I am also grateful for the accompaniment of my fellow seminarian Raymond Lee during this part of my journey,”  John said.

John was assigned to serve in the Tawau parish from 18 Jan to 18 May 2017. His pastoral assignments involved assisting the parish priest in the formation of altar servers, in supporting the various ministries such as youth, family life, pre-marriage, etc. He accompanied the parish priest on his BEC visits to families, on his rounds to the migrant learning centre, and his pastoral visits to the Neo-Catechumenate and St Vincent-PHDC apostolates.

Msgr Nicholas Ong, pastor of Holy Trinity, has a good word only about this lad:  “He is fully committed to any given task!”

John gave a parting word to the youth, “Do not be afraid to answer God’s call to the priesthood or religious life. Do not worry about your age. Be brave and step out of your comfort zone!” after assuring them of the reward of answering such a call and how it would contribute to build a better world.

The seminarian hails from Telupid. He is fourth in a brood of five, born to Nuini Tangkim and John Kisong. He entered St Peter’s College Kuching in January 2014 and is currently in his Second Year Theology. – Julita Kantod