by Evelyn Jock
The St. Mary’s Parish of Sandakan organised a 3-in-1 celebration for the Sandakan Diocese on 10 October 2022. The Diocese of Sandakan which was established on 15 October 2007, comprises of 5 parishes and 1 mission district. His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, DD celebrated his 15th Episcopal Anniversary. He was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Sandakan on 15 October 2007. The Sandakan Diocese is 15 years old. On this day, 10 October 2022, parishioners and clergies of the various parishes also celebrated Bishop Julius’ 65th birthday on 10 October 2022.
The cathedral was not able to organise any celebration for 2 years because of the Covid 19 pandemic which has affected the world globally. This year the cathedral was able to celebrate on a smaller scale. Priests and parishioners from the 5 outstation parishes namely, Holy Trinity Church, Tawau; St. Dominic’s Church, Lahad Datu; St. Martin’s Church, Telupid; Our Lady of Fatima, Beluran and St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, Paitan Mission came together in solidarity with the priests and parishioners of Sandakan and joined in the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated at the St. Mary’s Cathedral and lunch reception at a local restaurant.
Bishop Julius called on the people to express their gratitude to God for all that they have received from Him as an individual, as members of His body and as a Diocese. They should express their thanks through prayers and participation in the celebration of the Sacraments. He reminded that the Lord demands for them to build up the body of Christ, grow and journey together as a community, to learn and to support one another. Bishop Julius stated that as they move forward, they should thank and remind themselves to be part of the growth of the Church as a Diocese.
Mrs. Evelyn Jock, the Vice Chairperson for Sandakan Parish Pastoral Council giving out her speech.
Rev. Fr. David Garaman, Sandakan Parish Priest handing over a birthday gift to Rt. Rev Julius Dusin Gitom
The 3-in 1 celebration is special and very meaningful for St. Mary’s Cathedral which has gone through difficult times during the pandemic as some people have tragically lost loved ones, people lost jobs, source of income, and it is during these times that one sees the best of humanity, people learning to care and look after each other. The people are now able to live their normal life once again and resume their activities. Bishop Julius mentioned that this is a time to praise and glorify the Lord for all the blessings that they have received and that it is time to look back and examine themselves especially their relationship with the Lord and with one another, their commitment to move forward as a diocese and that if they are sincere to themselves, they will certainly find that there are areas in life that they need to improve.
Handing over the appreciation gift for all the Priest in Sandakan Diocese
For the last 15 years of the establishment of the Diocese, Bishop Julius mentioned that it has managed to improve some physical structures in the parishes. In terms of spiritual development, the Sunday schools have continued to be a place where the catholic children receive religious education. He reminded the people that faith formation begins in the family. In addition to this, the Diocese has also organise various seminars to enhance the faith of the people. The Diocese will also activate the comprehensive pastoral plan which was drawn up in line with the vision and mission of the Diocese in the spirit of the church as a synodal church. This plan takes into account the proposed pastoral activities which will be undertaken within the next few years in preparation of the Pan Malaysia Pastoral Convention in 2026 involving clergy, religious and laity.
Bishop Julius urges the people to participate actively in pastoral activities to achieve the vision and mission of the Diocese. He also encourages the people to move forward and not revert back to prepandemic times which are already history. He asks the people to pray with him to their heavenly Father and to Mother Mary to pray and accompany them in their journey of faith and at the same time move forward as a family in a synodal church.