Sandakan : Pope Benedict XVI has declared the ‘Year For Priests’ beginning with the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on 19th June 2009. It is a year long dedication to all priests throughout the Universal Church.

Happy Feast Day

The Secular Franciscan Order of St Mary’s Cathedral in responding to the declaration of the year for the priests took the opportunity to organize a fellowship on Friday, 3rd July 2009 in conjunction with the Feast of St Thomas as a tribute to Fr Thomas Makajil , rector of the Cathedral, recognizing with gratitude his pastoral work and the witness of his life. The fellowship was held at the Father Mulders’ Catechetical Centre and attended by about 60 members and well wishers.

Sr Appolonia FSIC in her welcoming speech

Sr Appolonia Gumpu FSIC, the spiritual adviser of the Order in her opening speech called upon all members of the SFO and supporters who were present to pray for our priests that they might always be faithful to their sacred calling.

Sr Lilian FSIC and Sr Lilianna FSIC

As members of the Church, we undoubtedly love our priests and want to see them happy, holy and joyous in their apostolic labor.

Members of the SFO together with Fr Thomas Makajil

Fr Thomas in his words of appreciation

Fr Thomas Makajil expressed his appreciation to the Franciscan Sisters and the members of SFO as well as well wishers for their initiative and thoughtfulness of their priests. He urged them to work in collaboration with the priests and religious ensuring that the fundamental mission of the Church is fulfilled.