By Augustine Leeroy Garet
KOTA PADAWAN — All glory to God for another moment in history at St Ann’s Parish, Kota Padawan as we have a newly ordained deacon for the Minister of the Word. Friar Nelson Evarinus Sipalan OFM was called to the Order of Deacons by Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh on 14 January 2024.
The Mass began at 6.00 pm with a traditional dance from the Bidayuh Community of Kampung Seratau at the entrance of the Church. The ordination Mass was also live-streamed via the YouTube and Facebook social media platforms of St Ann’s Church.
The main celebrant of the Holy Mass was Archbishop Simon Poh, and concelebrating with him were Friar Don Don Ramerez OFM (Rector), Friar Derrick Yap OFM (Custos), Friar David Au OFM, Friar Esmond Chua OFM, Friar Gerard Victor OFM, Friar Cosmas Francis OFM, Friar Rowland Yeo OFM, Friar Aiden Peter OFM, Friar Cruzander Alex OFM, Friar Joseph Nasanathan OFM, Friar Crispus Mosinoh OFM, Friar Sixtus Pitah OFM, Fr Stanley Goh SJ, Fr Galvin Ngumbang, Fr Nicholas Ng, and Fr Mark Bonchol.
Friar Nelson is a Sabahan who joined the Franciscan Friars of St Anthony Custody for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. He started his pastoral work in St Ann’s Church for a year in 2017 as part of his formation and since then, it has always been part of his heart.
The Church was filled with St Ann’s parishioners and guests from Sabah, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Witnessing Friar Nelson at his ordination were also his siblings who represented their parents who were not able to come over to Kuching.
At the Mass, Custos Friar Derrick also announced that Deacon Nelson will be taking Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for six months in Penang, to prepare him to serve the people of God better in the future. After Friar Nelson finishes his CPE, his ordination to the priesthood will be announced at a later date.
Later on, all the people celebrated with a fellowship at St Anthony’s Hall. The celebration of thanksgiving was filled with activities such as cake cutting, speeches, performances by the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS), dancing, and food.
Deacon Friar Nelson was overwhelmed by the whole celebration and thanked all parishioners, benefactors, family, and friends who had contributed to or supported him on this special journey.
We continue to pray for him as he embarks on his journey as a Deacon. May God bless us all.
