By Linda Edward
KOTA KINABALU — Another year has passed for the young men aspiring to be priests as the academic year 2023 for the Initiation Year (IY) seminarians and Preparatory Year aspirants closed on Dec 14.
The Holy Mass for the closing was presided by Archbishop John Wong at the chapel of St Peter’s College KK, and concelebrated by Fr Mattheus Luta, Director for the IY Formation House, and Fr Isidore Gilbert, Director for the Aspirancy Formation House.
The people who have been journeying with them throughout the whole year were present at the Mass in support of the young men; they were the lecturers, benefactors, religious sisters, Catholic Women’s League of Sacred Heart Cathedral and many others.
Six seminarians and eight aspirants are now on year end break until the end of January 2024 and will go back to their respective parishes.
Fr Isidore in his speech advised the young men to talk to their bishop and parish priest and to not skip Mass as “not attending Mass is a great crime in formation” he said, emphasizing the importance of relying to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.
Meanwhile Fr Mattheus advised them to never give up and never stop believing, that they will never walk on their own and to always trust in Jesus. He shared with the audience three questions posed by the rector of St Peter’s College in Kuching that help the seminarians in their vocation discernment: 1) Do you have a vocation? 2) If you have a vocation, how have you responded to the formation? 3) Can I (or the bishop) entrust you with a parish with 2,000 parishioners?
Archbishop Wong said he is filled with gratitude for every progress in the formation houses and thanked the two directors for their dedication and hardwork. He said taking care of a seminary is not easy as directors must deal with various matters. He also congratulated the seminarians and aspirants for completing another year and to the people whom are supporting for their generosity.
Clive Leo Singki of the Initiation Year, will adjourned to Philosophy Year in General College Penang next year. He said being in the formation house, one needs to “allow yourself to adapt to any situation.” He felt that the beginning was hard but now that the academic year is closed, he felt much lighter and grateful.
Velerian of the Aspirancy Year said he is grateful for all the opportunity given in the formation house for two years that he was there.
“Coming from the interior Nabawan, being in the formation house, I’m grateful that I can improve my English language, and get to know God from the formation process. What I’m most grateful for is that my spiritual life is being put into proper order,” said Velerian.
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