BUNAN GEGA — In the Archdiocese of Kuching, each diaconate ordination brings hope to the people of God, where they look forward to the gift of another priest.
On 23 April, the Archdiocese of Kuching rejoiced over the diaconate ordination of Galvin Richard Ngumbang. More than 2000, including family and friends of Galvin from far and near convened at St Jude’s Church, Bunan to witness the solemn ceremony.
Galvin was ordained into the order of deacons by Archbishop Simon Poh. It was the first ordination ceremony for the new Archbishop of Kuching since he took possession of the Archdiocese.
Born and bred in Kuching, the thirty-four year old is the youngest son of the late Richard Lee Ngumbang and Iris Ulat Pasa. Galvin underwent his primary and secondary education at St Joseph’s school and later graduated from UiTM Samarahan Campus in 2004 with Diploma in Science. Prior to entering the seminary in 2010, he worked as an Assistant Science Officer with the Malaysian Pepper Board in Sibu.
In his speech, the newly ordained deacon encouraged young people to courageously answer God’s call to the priesthood or religious life. “Offer up everything to God, your family and your anxiety. Be assured that God has a beautiful plan for those who totally give themselves to him,” said Br Galvin.
At the end of the ordination Mass, Archbishop Simon Poh thanked the community of St Jude’s Parish for hosting the ordination event. He also thanked the deacon’s mother, Iris Pasa for offering her only son to God in the service of God’s people in the Archdiocese of Kuching.
Br Galvin Ngumbang will continue to serve in St Jude’s Parish, Bunan until further appointment.
Audrey Yu
Today’s Catholic Vol.29 No.1 May 2017
