BUNDU TUHAN — His desire to be ordained as priest has now come to fruition. Although Wilson Francis’ ordination was postponed twice due to the pandemic, but the grace of God is with him always and now he got to be finally ordained by Archbishop John Wong at St Pius X Parish, Bundu Tuhan, Oct 25.
The Presbysteral Ordination was held in a simple yet memorable ceremony with strict health SOP in place. Nevertheless, Fr Wilson, 31, said for him a simple celebration is not a shortcoming because “the heart of the celebration is the ordination ceremony itself.”
When asked about how he feels, he calmly said, “I am not nervous because I am ready to be ordained as a priest for God. After all, this is a gift from God.”
“I thank God for his guidance and his love.”
“He gave me difficult tests, but he also gave me the courage to overcome them.
“He gave me doubts and trials but also gave me the willpower to emerge from them,” expressed Fr Wilson.
To everyone who has been a part of his life and of this long journey, he said, “I wholeheartedly thank you. Every drop in the ocean counts, and I will never forget those who have helped me sail through troubled waters, for they are God-sent to help me.”
When Archbishop John Wong announced St Pius X Bundu Tuhan as the host of the celebration, parish priest Fr Michael Modoit and assistant Fr Tony Mojiwat, together with the FSIC religious sisters and the community have worked hard hand-in-hand making the celebration a memorable and meaningful one for Fr Wilson.
The number of attendees on that day was less than 200 people, including Bishop Julius Gitom and the Sandakan Diocesan clergy, priests from the KK Archdiocese and Keningau Diocese, religious sisters, representatives of St Simon Likas where Wilson did his pastoral immersion for 21 months, and the people of Bundu Tuhan themselves. Also present was Datuk Dr Jaina Sintian.
Bundu Tuhan, a fertile community for God’s call
Archbishop John Wong has made the decision to ordain Wilson Francis in line with Sabah entering its third phase of the COVID-19 National Recovery Plan.
On that morning, the prelate said, “Bundu Tuhan is a fertile community to heed for God’s call for vocations.
“This parish has produced a multitude number of priests and religious sisters, even a Bishop!” he said referring to Fr Julius Gitom (now Bishop) who was ordained in the same parish 32 years ago in Nov 19, 1989.
To the parish leaders and representatives as well as the lay people here, he said, “You must have been proud to see one of your local sons ordained as priest today,” and called them to continue to help Wilson in his priestly journey.
He also linked this event with the fruits of the missionaries’ efforts who set foot in Bundu Tuhan decades ago, like Brother Ben, “If Brother Ben is still alive, I believe today he will be smiling big,” said the prelate.
The Archbishop announced that Fr Wilson will continue to serve in St Simon Catholic Church Likas with parish priest Fr Cosmas Lee.
Wilson, one who served generously – Fr Cosmas Lee
“At St Simon Catholic Church Likas, we have been given responsibility and privilege to groom him towards the priestly life and ministry in his final ‘pastoral immersion’ since Jan 19, 2020. The immersion was intended to last about four months, but the pandemic has prolonged it to 21 months!
“I do not know anyone among leaders and parishioners who do not like Wilson, whom they have seen as one who serves generously with the loving and sacrificial Spirit of Christ, whether for the lowest or highest of tasks. He is ever-present whatever, whenever and wherever the occasion.
“I have previously been living alone for over 10 years in the parish. Until the pandemic lockdown, I did know how much God loved me until He sent Wilson to accompany me to see me through the pandemic in praying, celebrating the sacraments, reflecting and discussing on pastoral situations, learning about IT, sharing the endless errands and domestic chores, doing walks and even conquering Mt Kinabalu together.
“At my advancing age, I marvel how I could have survived without his partnership. Due to no fault of theirs, many find me harsh and forbidding, but Wilson does not seem to fear me.
“My sincere prayer is that he will remain open to correction and guidance, that he continues to learn and grow, more so now that he is an ordained priest,” said Fr Cosmas Lee.
