By SSFS
KUCHING — The Blessed Sacrament Church was filled with Sisters, families and friends who came to join seven Sisters from the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS) in celebrating their Religious Profession Jubilees on 10 December 2023.
Celebrating their Diamond Jubilee: Sr Ignatia Soon and Sr Anastasia Ruin; Golden Jubilee: Sr Stella Tan, Sr Flora Tingang and Sr Regina Lachau; Silver Jubilee: Sr Martina Nari and Sr Anna Juwin.
The Thanksgiving Mass was presided by Archbishop Simon Poh and concelebrated by Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha, together with 15 priests.
Archbishop Simon Poh, in his homily highlighted that in total, the seven Jubilarians have dedicated their lives to God for 320 years. Celebration of the Religious Profession is to give thanks to God. Prophet Isaiah speaks of how God took care of the Israelites in the wilderness. Though they were small and fragile, God would give them strength and comfort them in times of difficulty, when they were faithful to God.
Likewise, the seven Sisters have experienced that religious life is not a bed of roses; there are difficult moments, doubts and anxieties but they have stood firm and stayed faithful to the promise made on the First Profession in Consecrated Life. And through the Holy Spirit, they were ‘married’ to Christ, their spouse in their Final Profession. Their faithfulness to their Consecrated Life has proven to us that it is possible to dedicate our lives to God’s love and mercy.
As they served in many parts of Sarawak, it is not so much what they have done, but rather thanking God for the gifts and celebrating their faithfulness. This calls forth our commitment, by putting our pride and ego aside so that when Christ comes, we can see God directly. As John the Baptist calls all to “prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight,” for those who have been faithful, there is a promise of a “new heaven and a new earth.”
Archbishop Simon Poh ended with the wish that all the Sisters continue to be a blessing for the Church in Sarawak and the whole of Malaysia.
The Thanksgiving Mass was solemn and inspiring with the spirit of Hope and looking forward to the coming of Christmas.
The celebration continued with dinner as the Sisters and the families of the Jubilarians entertained the guests with dancing and singing.
Superior General, Sr Rose Wong SSFS in her address, expressed her joy and gratitude to all present for making the Jubilee celebration memorable. To the Jubilarians, she thanked them for their years of commitment and dedication to their religious profession. She continued to exalt them to continue to grow in Christ-like love.
The theme of the Jubilee celebration was: “Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks for His wonderful deed”. She said it reflected a deep sense of gratitude to God for His calling, blessings, and companionship throughout their 60, 50, and 25 years as Franciscans and devoted members of SSFS. Despite the challenges faced, they have been faithful to God. This serves as a reminder to all other vocations and every relationship.
Indeed, she said, Jubilarians owe a great deal to the Lord for the call to participate in His missionary life and she invites all young individuals not to be afraid to respond if they feel they are being called to be a Religious Sister, Brother or Priest.
