SIBU (Herald Malaysia)): The 17th Episcopal Regional Liturgical Commission (ERLC) meeting was held in Sibu Apr 20-23. Headed by Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang Diocese, all the Arch/Dioceses from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei were represented except for the Dioceses of Miri and Keningau.
KEMABONG, Tenom – Keningau Diocese marked its triple celebration in Kemabong on 9 May 2015.
The triple celebration comprising the 22nd anniversary of the Diocese, 22nd anniversary of the Episcopal ordination of Bishop Cornelius Piong and Harvest Festival was held at Bonda Maria Church Kemabong on Saturday.
The joyful celebration began with Mass, presided by Bishop Piong. With him at the altar were Bishop Julius Gitom of Sandakan Diocese, 15 priests from the diocese of Keningau, as well as a visiting priest from Kenya, Fr Josephat.
KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has unilaterally introduced new curbs on the import of the Alkitab, or the Malay-language Bible, under the Home Ministry’s new SOP or standard operating procedures. It also affects the import and use of other Malay-language Christian publications. But Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, the de facto national unity minister who unveiled the SOP in mid April is quick to assure Church leaders that Barisan Nasional is “sworn” to protect their freedom of religion as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
BUKIT PADANG – Church of Mary Immaculate here celebrated Kaamatan Festival cum Mother’s Day on 10 May 2015.
The celebration began with a procession, accompanied by gong beating, from the hall to the Church. Parishioners, clad in their traditional garb, followed in the symbolic procession or “mamanau kampung” (in KadazanDusun) which was led by the cross bearer, altar servers, EMCs, lectors, Archbishop John Wong and Fr Jeffri Gumu.
RANAU – “I thank God that you have the courage to say ‘Yes’ to Him, to serve Him as a priest.” These were the words of Archbishop John Wong as he welcomed the newest member, Fr Abel Madisang, into the presbyterium of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu. Fr Abel, 35, was ordained a priest on Monday, 4 May 2015 at his home parish of St Peter Claver Ranau, after eight years of seminary formation and serving as a deacon in Sacred Heart Cathedral.