by Evelyn Jock
Beloved Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Pongking has passed away after a long illness at age 64. He was called to eternal rest with the Lord at 3:00 am on 8 December 2023 at the local hospital in Lahad Datu, Sabah. A prayer vigil and mass was held from 8-9 December 2023 at St. Dominic’s Church so that the parishioners there could pay homage to him. His remains was later brought from Lahad Datu to St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan and placed in the Cathedral where a wake was held. A single bell toll was pealed slowly several times to mark the passing of Fr. Marcellinus at the funeral mass on 11 December 2023. In view that he had served for many years in the Sandakan Diocese, he was interred in the Catholic cemetery at Sibuga, Sandakan.
Fr. Marcellinus hails from Kg Raganan in Kiulu which is situated in the Tamparuli District about 48 km from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He was born on 13 July 1959, ordained as a Deacon on 1 May 1994 and later installed as a priest on 17 February 1997. He has served in the various parishes in the Sandakan Diocese, however he served the longest in St. Dominic’s Church, Lahad Datu. This priest comes from a family of 11 people. He is the eldest among his siblings of 9 people. He never expected to be a priest as he had always wished to be a teacher. As a young man, he loved hunting, fishing and playing football. He started his seminarian days in 1988. The dearly departed is survived by his mother of 86 years and 8 siblings, nephews and nieces.
One of Fr. Marcellinus’ sister related that, as the eldest, he took great care of his parents and siblings. A fellow priest described him as friendly, down to earth and always close to the parishioners. He was also very committed and passionate about his priestly ministry.
Sandakan Diocese bids final farewell to a priest who has fulfilled his ministry in quiet fidelity and love. The funeral mass on 11 December 2023, saw over 600 people, from the various communities in the St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish, religious sisters and parishioners from Lahad Datu, Kunak, Tawau, Tuaran, Papar, Kudat, Kota Marudu, Beluran and Telupid coming in solidarity to pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Marcellius and also extending their comfort and support to the late priest’s family. Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom was the main celebrant of the funeral mass which was concelebrated by priests from the various parishes within the Sandakan Diocese. Monsignor Nicholas Stephen representing the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu was also present at the mass. Many of the priests in Kota Kinabalu were unavailable in view of the Advent Confessions conducted during this time.
Bishop Julius’ homily was endearing and heartfelt. He expressed that it was a very sad day for each and everyone present that day, especially the family of the late Fr. Marcellinus who had attended to him in his long illness. The prelate thanked the community of Kunak and Lahad Datu for the manifested love and undivided attention that they have shown. Bishop Julius shared that the late priest was a person who was filial to his priesthood ministry and he was passionate about manifesting God’s love first above his health. Even when his health was failing, the deceased continued to serve outstation to administer the sacraments to the parishioners. The prelate had advised him not to go outstation any more but to look after his health, but Fr. Marcellinus was adamant and continued administering his priestly duties, (“Saya masih boleh bah, Uskup.”). The prelate deduced that amongst the many sacrifices of the deceased as a priest was his zeal to continue to serve even in his prolonged illness. 16 years ago when the Diocese of Sandakan was first established, the late priest was amongst the many priests who volunteered to serve in this Diocese. His passing was greatly felt by Bishop Julius and his fellow clergies. In the words of Bishop Julius, he was a virtuous priest who could never be replaced, one that is committed, dedicated, and good.
Even though we mourn the loss of Fr. Marcellinus, as Catholics living out our faith, we believe that there is life after death, a life that will never end. In our sadness we believe that the departed died to be born again to everlasting life for this is the mystery of life and death. Life is not ended but changed. We shall rejoice knowing that the beloved priest’s life will changed for the better so that he could live in eternal rest with God.
Fr. Marcel experienced a lot of pain and suffering in his later stage of life but we know that through this suffering we come to realise the meaning of carrying the cross of Christ. Just as God had not left Jesus, so too we know that He will not leave us and neither will He leave Fr. Marcellinus alone. God will send His angels to accompany the dearly departed towards his everlasting life. The life of Fr. Marcellinus is not wasted for we know that God had prepared him for his life that has changed.