Diocesan priesthood vocation seminar draws 172 participants

BUNDU TUHAN – This year’s diocesan priesthood vocation seminar drew 172 participants at the retreat centre here on 19-21 Jan 2018.

Among the participants, 109 were from Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese, 26 from Keningau Diocese and 33 from Sandakan Diocese.

In his homily at the opening Mass, Archbishop John Wong said the participants were called by Jesus just like the first four disciples.  He urged them to listen attentively to the voice of God throughout the seminar.

After dinner, Father Joshua Liew welcomed the participants and briefed them on the programme before Seminarian Morti led them into the ice-breaking session.

The next day, Father Michael Modoit shared on his vocational journey while Father Sunny Chung shared on his priestly ministry.  Time was given for personal reflection after each session.

Participants were given time in the afternoon to speak individually to any of the priests present.  At the same time, Father Philip Obaso of the Mill Hill Missionaries shared on the missionary vocation. Some seminarians also shared their vocation stories.

After dinner, there were Taize prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Benediction. This allowed the participants to listen attentively the voice of God.

A forum with Q&A session was held on the last day, giving the participants time to ask their questions to the panel of selected seminarians.

Father Simon Kontou presided over the closing Mass. In his homily, he encouraged the participants to be daring in responding to God’s calling. He advised the participants not to run away from God’s calling because God is the one who chose us.

At the end of Mass, Fr Liew announced the names of the eight candidates who will join the aspirancy programme this year.

The names of the candidates are:
KK Archdiocese: Evan Alicius Petrus (St Peter Claver Ranau), Corllin Sumail (Holy Nativity Terawi), Joehbeey Bin Majimin (Sacred Heart Cathedral KK), Stanley Bin Kurumbong (St Michael Penampang) and Stephen Johnny (St Paul Dontozidon).
Keningau Diocese: Brad Brandon Bridge (St Peter Bundu Kuala Penyu) and Constantine N Olot (St Theresa, Tambunan).
Sandakan Diocese: Ryennadem Vitalis (St Martin Telupid). – Sem Bradley Belly @ Stephen