The welcoming team |
The Eucharistic celebration |
Sandakan : The Secular Franciscan Order Fraternity of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan was canonically established on Sunday 26th September 2010 with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Thomas Makajil, the rector of the Cathedral and con-celebrated by Friar Arul Mariadass, OFM the Regional Spiritual Assistant of the SFO.
In his homily, Fr. Thomas congratulated the SFO members for their eagerness and effort to live the teaching of Christ in accordance to the Rules and Constitution of the Secular Franciscan Order. He also hoped that, the SFO members will work hand in hand with the members of the other communities in the church to ensure the success of its pastoral plan and vision.
Members of the newly established SFO fraternity with Sr Appolonia fsic |
The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) is a community of Catholic men and women, who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Secular Franciscans are members of the Third Order of St. Francis founded by St. Francis of Assisi 800 years ago. Originally known as the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, the Order is approved and recognized by the Holy See by the official name of Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis (OFS).
Dympna sfo as a witness |
Luise sfo as co-witness
|
After the homily, Friar Arul read the Document for the Canonical Establishment of a Local Fraternity in the National Fraternity of Oceania signed by the Regional Minister SFO Ms. Patricia Tan Huat Neo, Permission of the Friar Custos Friar Michael D’Cruz, OFM and the the Permission of the Local Ordinary, Rt. Rev. Julius Dusin Gitom, Bishop of the Diocese of Sandakan. The same document was signed by Friar Arul, witnessed by Dympna Richard, sfo and Luise sfo.
Members of the SFO fraternity of St Mary |
Sr Appolonia fsic receiving the appointment as the SA
Sister Appollonia Gumpu, fsic was appointed as the Spiritual Assistant and Adriana Lina Sampog as the Local Minister for the Secular Franciscan Order Fraternity of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan.
|
Gathering at the Parish Hall for the fellowship |
The joys of the SFO followed with a fellowship lunch at the parish hall participated together by the SFO brothers and sisters from the Fraternity of Limbahau, Papar, Tuaran, Stella Maris, Labuan, Keningau, Our Lady Fatima, Beluran, St. Mary’s Cathedral and parishioners.
Sr Lilian fsic (4th from left) with regional and local sfo ministers |
“Pax Et Bonum”
Brenda De Guzman