Compiled by SOCCOM Archdiocese of Kuching
It was late morning on that fateful day 29 MAY 2021 when news broke in RCSC WhatsApp chatgroup of the passing of His Eminence Cornelius Cardinal Sim, DD of the Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam. Everyone reacted with shock and sadness.
Cornelius Cardinal Sim was President of the Regional Episcopal Commission for Social Communications (RCSC) of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
He had arrived on 8 May to seek treatment for cancer at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Sadly, he succumbed to his illness at around 8.28 AM on 29 May 2021.
The Cardinal, aged 69, was the eldest of six children and was ordained a priest in 1989. He was named bishop in 2004 and was one of 13 prelates given a red hat by Pope Francis in November 2020, making him Brunei’s first cardinal.
Cornelius Cardinal Sim was laid to rest after a Requiem Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Assumption, Bandar Seri Begawan on 15 June 2021.
The Cardinal’s last communication with RCSC members was on 16 May, World Communications Day (WCD), when he posted:
"Dear RCSC members, thanks for all the initiatives around WCD 2021. My general health has also not been great all through the last few months. My cancer has spread and my liver is quite swollen causing me tiredness and lethargy ++++ 😥."
RCSC Members were happy to be able to chat with him, wishing him a speedy recovery, and assuring him of our prayers, never imagining those would be our last conversations with him.
As we remember him…
Message/Tribute from RCSC members & friends of RCSC
“Jump into the water like Peter”
One of my most impactful encounters with the late Cardinal Cornelius Sim was in 2002 during my seminary formation in St. Peter College, Sarawak. Upon the completion of my formation, I requested for an extension of two years for priestly discernment in a parish. Nearing the end of the two years, I remained undecided and contemplated of extending for another year or so. He stared hard at me, smiled, and nodded.
I explained to him that one of my greatest concerns was that of my academic limitations where I may be more of a liability than an asset to the parish. Looking straight into my eyes, with a subtle smile, he said “Jump into the water like Peter!” What!!! But from the look of his endearing and assuring eyes I sensed that it was as if the Lord Jesus Himself was saying that to me. The rest is history.
His Eminence, to me, was a man of great faith in the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd who had encouraged and inspired me in many ways. Indeed we, members of RCSC, are truly blessed to have served with Cardinal Sim as he always stressed on the spirit of Team Work. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (John 6:68).”
– Fr Thomas Madanan
Church of the Blessed Sacrament Labuan
A Personal Tribute
BISHOP CORNELIUS SIM: A GOOD FRIEND OF THE MEDIA
Joseph Leong Sai Ho, better known as Joe Leong, head of the Social Communications Commission (SOCCOM), the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, pays tribute to His Eminence Cornelius Sim, Cardinal of the Apostolic Vicariate, Brunei Darussalam.
CATHOLICS in this region of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei are filled with sadness to receive news of the passing of His Eminence Cornelius Sim, Cardinal of the Apostolic Vicariate, Brunei Darussalam, on May 29, 2021 in Taiwan.
As a Catholic writer, I have had the opportunity to meet and interview Bishop Cornelius on many occasions. He was truly a good friend of the media, having full understanding of our need as journalists. Bishop Cornelius was very savvy with the social media and always make it a point to respond to our requests for his opinion on current events and issues related to the Catholic Church in this region.
No matter how busy he was, he never failed to find time for the media. From my personal experience, the views he expressed reflected his wisdom and intellect. His opinions depict the deep knowledge and understanding of the topics under discussion. He had a very creative mind and expressed thoughts from outside “the box”. This quality is a delight to any journalist, for the views he offered each time became solid substance for a good news story.
Cornelius Sim, a faithful servant of the Catholic Church, served for many years as President of the Regional Episcopal Commission for Social Communications (RCSC) of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Being head of a similar commission of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, this writer had the opportunity to work closely with him on matters related to social communications in recent years.
I wish to pay tribute to this outstanding leader of the Church by recalling some of the things he said that truly reflected the depth of his thoughts and wisdom. For instance, at the annual general meeting of the Commission held online using Google Meet, attended by about 15 SOCCOM officials from across the region, he gave his opinion on the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cornelius Sim, advised Catholic communicators that during this time of uncertainty, they should not wait for certainty but to enter into a moment of creativity and search for opportunities.
He suggested they use the image of a fisherman who might be more appropriate for the current situation. For, a fisherman is far out in the open sea faced with violent storms, afraid, and without familiar landmarks to navigate by.
“It is during these challenging times, while many simply wait around to see familiar fixed points re-emerge, SOCCOM members are called to be resourceful, imaginative and to identify new directions,” he said.
Describing the state of fear that people are in whilst forced to stay indoors in order to stay safe, he said that, instead of shuttering doors, they should make sure that as Christians, they do not shut Jesus Christ out of their homes and hearts.
“It’s also a time to reflect and to pray fervently, examine the state of our faith, and let the energy of the Spirit lead us out into a new day,” he told Catholic social communicators.
The Catholic Church in this region has truly lost the service and leadership of a good shepherd filled with the Spirit of God and wisdom.
– Joe Leong
SOCCOM Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu
Condolence Message On The Passing Of His Eminence Cardinal Cornelius Sim
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of His Eminence Cardinal Cornelius Sim, on 29 May 2021. His Eminence was a strong advocate of the importance of Social Communications of the Catholic church. He was the President of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communication for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
He was well known for his simplicity, good sense of humour and being tech savvy, keeping himself up-to-date with the latest communication technologies that can be useful to promote social communications in the community in the region.
His passing is a great loss not just to the clergy but for the laity, whom he often empowered to lead the social communication works in their respective localities.
His Eminence had always supported the works of SIGNIS Malaysia and had on many occasions shared his expertise in our works and outreach.
SIGNIS Malaysia extends our heartfelt condolences to family, clergy and fellow community of Brunei for the passing of our dear friend Cardinal Sim.
Yours in Christ,
– Karen Arukesamy
President, SIGNIS Malaysia
CORNELIUS CARDINAL SIM: THE HIGH BAR
As head of the Regional Commission for Social Commission (RCSC) for Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore, Cardinal Sim conscientiously met with all its members every year and kept track of developments. Where there were none, he never failed to be supportive and encouraging; where there had been progress in programme implementation, he was always the first to cheer. More than anything else, he understood the complexities of communication, and never expected others to do what he was not capable of doing himself. But make no mistake; he set the bar high nevertheless because he was very capable indeed! What set him apart was how he understood that at its core, communication works only when it touches people, and makes a difference in their lives.
– Majella Gomes
SIGNIS Malaysia
Catholic Nurses Guild of Malaysia (CNGM)
We the Catholic Nurses Guild of Malaysia (CNGM) were blessed to have Bishop Cornelius Sim (before his elevation as Cardinal on 28th Nov 2020) in charge of pastoral healthcare under the Bishops’ Conference for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei from 2012 to 2018. The CNG was under the health care ministry and had a close relationship with His Eminence (HE) especially during our AGMs and retreats.
HE Cornelius was very committed in caring for all of us nurses and was fully available during our 3-day retreats and AGMs.
As a member of the Nurses Guild, I was in close contact with His Lordship Bishop throughout his tenure with us.
I clearly remember an occasion when I attended the 2015 CNGM retreat in Sibu , when I approached HE on the last day and asked for confession. Instead of going into the hall, HE asked me to take a walk with him outside the retreat building. It was such a beautiful moment in my life when he put his hand on my shoulder and we walked while I made my confession. I felt so unworthy: who am I to walk with the Bishop.
For him, “Bishop” was just a title and always showed humility in treating his community, and I felt as if he was my friend and father.
I will always remember his way of serving, so down to earth and full of wisdom and love.
At another time, I was given the responsibility of giving him a ride from Emmaus home at Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) for a retreat for Malaysian CNG leaders in Kokol Menggatal in November 2019. HE was our retreat Master.
I was so nervous being in the car with such a VIP and worried that I would feel uncomfortable as I was just an ordinary lay person compared to him.
Once again I was wrong. He was so soft spoken and open to me and treated me as if we were close friends. HE ever shared with me his biopsy result which was done a day before his flight to KK. That trust HE showed me made me respect him all the more.
His Eminence Cardinal Cornelius Sim was another resemblance of Jesus to me, approachable, kind and loveable to those who knew him.
I am so blessed indeed that in 2015, I encountered problems and the only person that came to my mind was HE. From then on, every time I was desperate and in need I texted him, and he always replied, consoled and prayed for me. My relationship with him remained close, even during his illness when he went to Taiwan on 7 May 2021.
HE always replied though he was very sick. His last words with me on 21 May 2021, “ Yes, have to trust the Lord who knows what He is asking of me.”
HE totally surrendered his life to God, and though HE was very sick, still had time for me.
I will really miss HE Cardinal Cornelius Sim very much and will always keep all the sweet memories with me.
– Agnes Moniu CNGKK
You are our inspiration, manifested in your keynote addresses, in the retreats and talks you conducted for the healthcare workers during your tenure as Bishop in charge of pastoral healthcare of the Bishop’s Conference for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 2012 – 2018. In great trials you remain steadfast giving us sound advice and beautiful and uplifting messages for the healthcare workers.
His Eminence stressed in no uncertain terms that the life of a Catholic nurse is centered in the Eucharist, ‘to be taken, blessed, broken and to be given’. These will be ingrained in our hearts.
Rest in peace Your Eminence Cornelius Cardinal Sim. Your Eminence will always be remembered.
– Sr. Francisca Malantin
Former President of CNG, Malaysia, 2006 – 2018
I only started having a personal relationship with him when he was our invited speaker at Catholic Nurses Guild of Malaysia (CNGM) Leaders retreat on 28-30 November 2019, as Catholic Nurses Guild of Kota Kinabalu (CNGKK) was the main organiser.
During that time, HE struck me as humble, flexible, accommodating, down to earth, who allowed things to be conducted and organised freely. Despite his newly known health issue, he continued to conduct the session well into the late nights. We wanted to adjust the schedule to give him enough time to rest but he would not hear of it. After each session, he found time to join the nurses for lunch and dinner and shared in our stories and concerns and nurses chatter. I also came to know that he loved taking pictures and loved the top of Kokol Hill overseeing the beauty and nature of God’s creation.
I remember his talk about reaching the heights of the mountain to meet God, to pray for everyone and to come down from the mountain to be a gift for all. We should ask ourselves what peaks do we want to ascend, what do we want to achieve. On the mountain we are able to see clearly, to expand our mind, to be in solitude with God, to pray for everyone and see the beauty of nature. He invited us to be disciples by following the master daily and share the joys and discipleship with others.
Thank you Our dear Cardinal Cornelius Sim for the friendship, messages, relationship, involvement with the nurses despite your busy schedule and for always keeping us in your prayers. We will miss your spiritual wisdom, your presence and guidance very much.
– Rosalin Maria Sulit
Present Chairman of CNGKK
You were a gift to all the world and brought joy to everyone.
You were a friend, a brother and a spiritual dad to me: you were so special and who was loved so very much.
And you brought so much happiness to the many hearts you touched.
You will always remain a beacon of light and will never be forgotten. Missing you always.
– Sylvia Richard
Vice Chairman, CNGKK group
On behalf of the Daughters of St Paul, I would like to express our deepest condolence to Msgr Robert Leong and the Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam on the demise of our dear Cardinal Cornelius Sim. We lost a good Shepherd!
The late Cardinal C. Sim was a good friend to many of our Sisters especially those who are directly involved in the pastoral work of the media across the circumscriptions of the Philippines-Malaysia-Brunei and Singapore. Working together with him as a team and proclaimers of God’s Word and Love through the media of social communications was enjoyable. I can testify this being the chairperson and His eminence as the president for a few years.
His good examples in the pastoral work of social communications will never be forgotten. These good examples will shine and bear fruits in time and space under the loving Good Shepherd, Jesus the Divine Master and Shepherd of souls.
Through the prayers of the faithful, may his soul have a pleasant journey towards the Eternal Home where there is no more pain and suffering. Rest in peace Cardinal Cornelius Sim.
– Sr Rosalie L. Lojiu, fsp
Daughters of St Paul
His Eminence (HE) Cardinal Sim, ada lah seorang yg peramah ,baik hati, rendah hati dan bertimbang rasa. Walaupun ada ikatan persaudaraan saya terasa segan bercerita dengan dia. Pertama kali saya berjumpa dia di Bookshop Daughters of St. Paul, saya pernah memanggil dia “uncle” kerana saya belum tahu bahawa dia adalah seorang Bishop…Pemandunya lagi menegur saya Dan Bishop tersenyum saja….lalu saya cepat mengambil tangannya untuk meminta maaf dia langsung tidak marah malah berkata it is okay dengan suara nada yang lembut…Bukan sekali tetapi ada tiga kali saya memanggilnya uncle pada setiap perjumpaan di bookshop Daughters of St. Paul. Setiap kali dia berada di Kota Kinabalu, dia selalu datang ke bookshop sekali atau dua Kali setahun.
Dan kalau saya tidak silap pada tahun 2019 atau awal tahun 2020, Kawan saya Agnes Moniu bawa dia ke bookshop untuk kasih jumpa saya dan Sr.Maggie….cerita punya cerita saya dan Agnes menyatakan padanya Grotto saya sedang dalam proses untuk siap. Dan segera Bishop bagi respon dia sendiri yang akan datang memberkati Grotto tersebut dengan suaranya yang lemah lembut. saya dan Agnes terkejut Dan saya amat bersyukur dengannya. Dia Bishop ulangi lagi, katanya apabila Grotto itu sudah siap tolong panggil dia untuk memberkati…Tetapi kehendak Tuhan siapa juga yang tahu…Dia telah pergi sebelum melakukannya tetapi saya percaya dia sudah melakukannya dalam roh sucinya.
– Sylvia Edward,
Staff, Lay Mission Partner of the Dsp
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