SHC organises 3-in-1 celebration for pastors

KOTA KINABALU – Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) Parish here organised a three-in-one celebration for its pastors on 10 Sept 2017 at its parish centre.

The gathering consisted of bidding farewell to Father Mitchelly Kiun (transferred to St Catherine Inanam on Sept 1), welcoming his replacement Father Paul Lo (transferred from St Catherine Inanam on Sept 1), and celebrating in advance the 7th episcopal ordination anniversary of Archbishop John Wong (the actual date falls on Oct 1).

Around 600 people from both SHC and sub-parish of Church of Mary Immaculate (CMI) turned up for the event.

Among those present were Archbishop Emeritus John Lee, Msgr Nicholas Ong of Sandakan,  Father Mattheus Luta, Father Joshua Liew, Father Max Hontor,  the religious, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) members and Parish Finance Council (PCF) members.

In his welcoming remarks, Jason Joenoi, SHC PPC chairman, welcomed those present and expressed his hope that the parish will organise more such gatherings in the future.

On the other hand, Clarice Moiji, CMI PPC chairperson, thanked Fr Kiun for services rendered to CMI whenever there was a need and expressed her hope of closer collaboration with Fr Lo.

In turn, Abp Wong also thanked the organisers for organising the event and the people for turning up in support of their pastors.

After his speech, the honouree cut his anniversary cake, flanked by the priests, the religious, and PPC chairpersons.

After dinner, both Fr Lo and Fr Kiun were given time to express their sentiments.

For entertainment, CMI English choir rendered two songs – (1) I will glory, (2) Upon this rock – while to the delight of those present, the following sang a song each:  Franciscan Sister Anita Lintanga (Lea Salonga’s The Journey), Fr Hontor (Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World), Fr Liew (Josh Groban’s You’re Still You) and Fr Kiun (Emil Chau’s Peng You) – the last with a backup from the youth.

The event closed with a prayer and blessing by Abp Wong.