By Datin Dr Ho Eu Len
JOHOR — Fr Francis Lim Lian Swee, OCSO, celebrated his 25th sacerdotal anniversary with Mass at the Chapel of St James, MAJODI Centre, August 5. Bishop Bernard Paul was the main celebrant, with Fr Francis, Fr John Chia CDD, and Fr Benedict Yee concelebrating.
Sr Maria Goretti Heng from the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary (CSCM), and Sr Josephine Thong, of the Franciscan Sisters of The Holy Infant Jesus (OSF), along with Fr Francis’ relatives and friends formed a congregation of about 70 which filled the chapel to its brim. It was a beautiful celebration, filled with God`s presence and grace, as the devout community gathered to commemorate and honour the unwavering dedication of Fr Francis’ faithfulness to God.
Led by the prelate, the community offered heartfelt prayers for the 84-year-old’s continued good health, protection, and blessings as he continues to serve in the Lord’s vineyard. Apart from the joy of witnessing the event, the congregation was touched by the way Bishop Bernard physically held and assisted the frail Fr Francis during the whole celebration.
Before Mass started, Bishop Bernard assisted Fr Francis in vesting his new MJD 50th Anniversary vestment, depicting the icon of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the Diocese of Malacca Johore and Fr Francis’ patron saint.
Fr Francis’ religious journey began in 1966, at age 26 when he was ordained as a Gabrielite Brother. He worked in the Gabrielite’s Missionary schools, teaching and guiding young minds to the Catholic faith, as well as empowering them with the knowledge to be good citizens of Malaysia.
Answering God`s further calling, Fr Francis joined St Peter’s College and was ordained as the first deacon of the diocese in 1983 by the now-late Bishop James Chan Soon Cheong. For nearly a decade, he passionately carried out his pastoral duties in a few parishes in Johor and Melaka, sharing the message of love and compassion with the faithful.
In 1992, guided by a profound calling, Fr Francis joined the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (also known as “Trappists”) at the Our Lady of Joy Monastery, Lantau Island, Hong Kong where he embraced a life of contemplation and asceticism. The culmination of his dedication, patience, and perseverance came on June 28 and 29, 1997 when he was ordained as a monk and a priest, respectively. These sacred ordinations marked a momentous milestone in his journey of faith, signifying his complete devotion to God and the Cistercian tradition.
In 1999, Fr Francis received a profound mission to serve as the Superior in The Holy Mother of God Monastery at Shuili, Taiwan. Leading with compassion, wisdom, and humility, Fr Francis nurtured the spiritual growth of his fellow monks and the local Catholic community in Shuili, creating a haven of prayer and tranquillity.
Throughout the years, Fr Francis’ life has been characterised by simplicity, selflessness, and dedication to prayer and contemplation. His daily routine of spiritual practice served as an inspiration to those around him, fostering an atmosphere of peace and serenity within the monastery walls and beyond. Besides his immediate community, Fr Francis’ impact has reached far and wide, touching the hearts of people across different walks of life. His teachings, grounded in the Cistercian tradition, have offered guidance and solace to individuals seeking spiritual enlightenment.
As the community gathered to celebrate his sacerdotal silver jubilee, they were filled with immense gratitude for the life and ministry of Fr Francis. His unwavering commitment to his calling has been a source of inspiration for the faithful and a testament to the transformative power of faith.
At the Mass, Fr Francis shared how, through his prayers, silence and solitude, he experienced God’s grace, particularly in moments of physical weakness and spiritual dryness. He touched on how he is drawn closer to God, discovering His presence, love, and divine mercy. He encouraged the congregation to treasure the Gift of Life and to embrace their Catholic faith wholeheartedly.
May the example of Fr Francis’ devotion illuminate the path for those who seek to deepen their relationship with God.
