Seminarian Jescie Petrus Petu
The unprecedented Priesthood Vocation Seminar was held at St. John of the Cross, Retreat Centre, Ulu Dusun from 21st to 22nd February 2022.
The first time being held, we did not expect to receive an overwhelming response from the youth of the Sandakan Diocese.
The seminar successfully attracted 22 participants from every corner of the diocese. It comprises two (2) from the Parish of St. Mary’s, Sandakan, five (5) from St. Dominic Parish, Lahad Datu, three (3) from Holy Trinity Parish, Tawau, four (4) from the Parish of St. Martin, Telupid, and finally, eight (8) from the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Beluran.
This vocation seminar was held for three prominent purposes, namely to foster the calling to the priesthood among young men, to galvanize them to courageously answer the Vocation to Priesthood, and to attract more aspirants to enter the Formation House for the Aspirancy Year 2022.
This 2-day seminar commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Christopher Ireneus and con-celebrated by Fr. Stephen Esguerra. Deacon Arthur and Deacon Raymond Wong were present to assist the Mass.
‘What is a Vocation’? And how do I know that God is calling me?’ were the topics informatively presented by Fr. Christopher during the Seminar. On the other hand, Deacon Arthur articulately shared his thoughts on ‘What is a Diocesan Priest?’ Joining the alliance was Seminarian Ricky Boy who shared his Vocation Story and his invaluable experience in pastoral exposure as a summary for several of the Talks.
To get a better engagement, a brief period of reflection was given to the participants to ponder the essence of the Talks. Moreover, a Question and Answer (Q&A) session gave the participants to voice their concerns and their perplexity. Their inquiries directed towards the seminarians for the Diocese of Sandakan was addressed and hoping that they were enlightened by their answers.
The seminar concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration on Saturday. Immediately after the mass, Fr. Christopher proudly announced the candidate chosen to enter the Formation House for the year 2022. A young man named Athanasayleus Aginasius, who hails from the Parish of St. Dominic, Lahad Datu was chosen to enter the Formation House (Catholic Archdiocesan Centre) in Kota Kinabalu. All glory to God for the smooth, orderly, and blissful seminar.
