Initial priestly formation to focus on building strong prayer foundation

KOTA KINABALU – The focus in the initial priestly formation is to build a strong prayer foundation for the 26 young men who were accepted into both Aspirancy and Initiation Year (IY) this year.

This was highlighted in the homily of Archbishop John Wong at the opening Mass – that they are to be men of prayer who have a close relationship with the Lord and be able to discern the will of the Lord for their lives.

It was also given emphasis by new IY Director Father Mattheus Luta in his welcome address at the reception after the Mass.  He said that the Initiation Year is Spirituality Year – the time when the seminarians learn the foundations of prayer and have a living relationship with the Lord.  After his address he introduced the seminarians.

In his turn, recently appointed Aspirants Director Father Joshua Liew expressed his desire that the aspirants would learn more than just the English language – that they would have a faith strong enough to see them through even if they do not become priests in the process.  He then introduced the aspirants after his speech.

In a brief address, Abp Wong thanked the people for their presence and said he count on them to provide not just material help to the formands but also spiritually through their prayers and guidance.

The opening of the Academic Calendar was held at St Peter’s College Kota Kinabalu on 12 Feb 2018.

Joining Abp Wong at the altar were Abp Emeritus John Lee, Fr Luta, Fr Liew, Father Wilfred Atin (immediate past Aspirant Director), Father Max Hontor, and Father Paul Lo.  Father Cosmas Lee came later to join in the fellowship.

Among those present at the event were the teaching staff of the different years, benefactors, members of religious and secular institutes, members of the Catholic Women’s League, and friends.

After the Mass, all adjourned to the square for a fellowship meal where after the speeches, there was a cake-cutting ceremony by the clergy.  While eating, the guests were entertained by the formands with a medley of spiritual songs.

The IY seminarians are: Brywinedren Godon (Beaufort), 27; Jonathan Seah Kang Wai (Sandakan), 23; Timothy Ivan Galisin (Keningau), 29; Gary Aquinas ak Boniface (Kanowit), 24; Addie Frank ak Lingge (Serian), 33; Bonnyface Stephen (Bundu Tuhan), 25; Razali Ikat (Papar), 34; Jescie Petrus Petu (Sandakan), 23; Maxwell Verus (Inanam), 26; Jeremia Duminggu (KK), 24; and Adrian Linus Lojikip (Penampang), 28.

The aspirants are: Corllin Sumail (Terawi), 21; Dasmond Kong (Terawi), 26; Elvis Evisdateh (Kiulu), 23; Evanz Alicius Petrus (Ranau), 21; Heldy Amin (Kiulu), 30; Joehbeey Majimin (KK), 30; Rosterlexson Solaiman (Bundu Tuhan), 28; Stanley Kurumbong (Penampang), 28; Stephen Johnny (Dontozidon), 33; Walter Pukin (Ranau), 26; Brad Brandon Bridge (Kuala Penyu), 28; Constantine Olot (Tambunan), 35; Ryennadem Vitalis (Telupid), 22; Stephen Suhaili (Dalat), 34; and Joseph Lee (Sibu), 42.

Meanwhile six seminarians – Nelbart Peter (Sook), 23; Dannie Luis ak Romanus (Lundu Sarawak), 27,  Francis Pius (Keningau), 23; Yoseph Jup Matthias (Manggatal), 22; Scany Polycarp (Kota Marudu), 25; and Ricki Boy Hasim (Telupid), 25 – will leave for Penang College General for their philosophical studies on Feb 21.