By Evelyn Jock
The St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish in Sandakan joyfully welcomed the return of Rev. Fr. David A. Garaman as Parish Priest on 1 July 2025. A special Pot-bless Fellowship was held on 15 July 2025, marking both his 49th birthday and his return to the parish. The celebration was organized by the Parish Pastoral Council, together with the BECs, ministries, and various parish groups, in a beautiful show of unity and thanksgiving.
Fr. David hails from Kg. Tempenau, Lahad Datu, and was ordained to the priesthood on 31 December 2010 at St. Dominic’s Church, Lahad Datu—a historic moment as it marked the first priestly ordination in the Diocese of Sandakan since its establishment on 16 July 2007. Prior to his ordination, he served as a Deacon in St. Mary’s Parish Cathedral.
This marks Fr. David’s third assignment to St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish. Most recently, he served as Parish Priest at Holy Trinity Church in Tawau. Previously, he had been appointed as Parish Priest of Sandakan on 1 January 2018, where he faithfully led the parish through the challenging pandemic years in 2019. During that time, he implemented livestreamed Masses, conducted online meetings, and ensured the strict sanitization and safety protocols of church premises to safeguard the well-being of the faithful.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom warmly welcomes Fr. David’s return and emphasizes that the assignment and reassignment of priests is a normal part of diocesan service, aimed at meeting the spiritual and pastoral needs of the faithful. He encourages parishioners to work hand-in-hand with Fr. David and his team.
In his address during the celebration, Fr. David expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm and familiar welcome. He shared his joy in reconnecting with the parish community and affirmed his commitment to serve in obedience to the Bishop’s appointment. With the Church’s ongoing emphasis on Synodality, Fr. David called on everyone to walk together — in unity with the Bishop, Assistant Priests, and Parish Pastoral Council — to build a vibrant, inclusive, and spirit-led community.
Let us continue to pray for Fr. David as he begins this new chapter of pastoral ministry among us. May his leadership continue to inspire and unite us in faith, love, and service.