[NEWS UPDATE ~ Diocese of Sandakan] DOUBLE SACERDOTAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
DOSPO
Article by: GerardCSH
Photo by: GerardCSH and Leonard
Sandakan Parish: On 30th of December 2018, a meaningful night for Rev Fr. David A. Garaman and Rev. Fr. Christopher Ireneus as they celebrated their 8th and 2nd Sacerdotal Anniversary. A joyful and auspicious dinner hosted at a local restaurant joined by priests, religious and parishioners. This dinner was organised by Parish Pastoral Council (PPC).
In his opening speech, the PPC Chairman, Mr Pilis Malim, recalled that Fr. David is the first seminarian in the newly erected Sandakan Diocese ordained as Deacon on March 19, 2010 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan. And that same year, ordained as priest on Friday, 31st December 2010, at St. Dominic Church, Lahad Datu. Whereas, Fr. Christopher’s deaconate ordination was on July 18, 2016 and priesthood ordination on 28th December 2016 at St. Martin’s Church, Telupid. He thanked them for visiting the sick, the poor and the needy of our community.
The help and support of the community, paved the way for the priests to serve devoutly in our parish and our church. They contributed in strengthening their vocation and enlightening their service to serve continuously in and outside the parish, Bishop Julius Gitom said.
In response, Fr. David thanked the community of St. Mary’s Cathedral for giving him their support along the years. The 8 years of priesthood indeed were a blessing. He thanked God for giving him a good family, a good bishop in the diocese, and good parishioners of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan. He commended the cooperation and commitment of every community since they have done better in the past years. With the new Vision and Mission of the diocese, he hopes that the community could continue to work together and do their best to achieve the desired church in the future.
Lastly, Fr. Christopher shared his 2 years priestly service in the church which he welcomed and enjoyed working together with all the communities. He humbly acknowledged that he was not exempted from having to face numerous challenges, either physically or mentally. Fr. Christopher also convince that in the future there will be more new challenges which has never been seen or never been encountered before this. They as priests would like to ask for our support and guidance from us the community so that they can serve us in the will of God and together we all can work in building our parish. Without the help from the community, they wouldn’t be able to make the parish a success. Before he ends his speech, he would also like to give thanks to all for the love and support from the community to all the priests who serve in this cathedral. And he hoped that the priests will be further strengthened in order to continue the service on the God’s field.
The dinner ended at 9.30 pm with a closing prayer led by Rev Fr. David A. Garaman.