KK Archdiocese Celebrates 27th WDCL

PENAMPANG – Over 250 religious men and women of the archdiocese converged at St Michael Church here on 2 Feb 2023 for the 27th World Day of Consecrated Life (WDCL).

Present were the Gabrielite Brothers, the Marist Brothers, the Korean priests, the Franciscan Friars, the Daughters of St Paul, the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, the Secular Carmelites, the Secular Franciscans as well as the Montfort Associates and some parishioners. A pleasant surprise was the participation of 18 diocesan priests for the first time in the WDCL history.

The Mass, presided by Abp John Wong, was preceded by the blessing of candles outside the stone church followed by procession into the church.

After the homily, Fr Andrew Kim, chairperson of the Council of Religious, led his fellow religious in the renewal of their commitment of service to the local church.

In his speech after the Mass, Abp Wong thanked the religious for their life of consecration and commitment and reminded them to reflect the presence and light of Christ through their life-witness and prayer life.

In his turn, Fr Kim exhorted his fellow religious to be charitable and encouraged them to persevere in their vocational journey.

The archbishop then announced the official presence of three Order of Friars Minor (OFM) priests in the archdiocese: Friars Cruzender Alex, Gerald Terence, and Arul Mariadass.

After the speeches, the congregants adjourned to the parish hall for a fellowship meal prepared by the parish Catholic Women’s League.

Photo Credits: Catholic Sabah