By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — In 2014, two young men despite having experienced working life, took “a leap of faith” in response to “a calling” and entered St Peter’s College Kota Kinabalu, Sabah to begin their Initiation year to priesthood.
Seminarians Davie anak Entalai and Henry anak Jimbey returned to Sarawak in 2015 to complete their ecclesiastical studies in Philosophy at St Peter’s College Major Seminary in Kuching. They completed their studies in the theology cycle, from 2017-2021, graduating in May 2021.
They were admitted to the Candidacy for Holy Orders and took the Rite of Admission, Oath of Fidelity, and Profession of Faith before Archbishop Simon Poh at a private ceremony in St Peter’s College Chapel on 10 February 2022.
Rite of Ordination to the Order of Deacons
The Diaconate ordination of Seminarian Davie Entalai took place in his home parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) in Simanggang on 19 February, and Seminarian Henry Jimbey was ordained Deacon in his home parish of St Stephen’s Church, Bau on 20 February.
The Diaconate ordinations were also live-streamed from OLQP and St Stephen’s Church via YouTube and Facebook.
Holy Mass for both ordinations were celebrated by Archbishop Simon Poh, concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus John Ha, Fr Jerome Juleng and Fr Peter Liston, the respective Rectors of both Parishes, and Priests from the Archdiocese of Kuching who attended the separate ordinations.
After the investiture with stole and dalmatic, both the newly ordained Deacons received the Book of Gospels from the Archbishop who told them, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” Archbishop Simon then welcomed them to the Order of Deacons and presented them to the Priests present and to the community who applauded with clapping of hands.
Archbishop Simon Poh thanked God for the gift of the new deacons and said it was a “joy to welcome” the two new members of the clergy and expressed his hope for a double sacerdotal ordination towards the end of this year.
He surmised it must have been a “challenging” and “long journey of faith” for both newly ordained Deacons since their journeys started, and congratulated them on the “commitment” and “courage in taking this leap of faith” to answer God’s calling. He believed that their seminary formation and pastoral assignments at the various parishes would adequately equip them to serve in the Archdiocese of Kuching.
Archbishop Simon also thanked the parents and family members of the newly ordained Deacons and presented them tokens of appreciation for the “gift” of their sons.
Deacon Davie anak Entalai
Newly ordained Deacon Davie chose the Bible verse “…Unless a wheat falls into the earth and dies…it yields a rich harvest,” as his ordination theme. He was born on 22 March 1984 in KK Pantu, Simanggang to Edwin Entalai anak Chuwat and Catherine Enta anak Lanjat.
Davie is the fourth child in a family of five siblings. He holds a Diploma in Public Health and has been on pastoral assignment at Holy Spirit Church, Lundu since June 2021.
In his thanksgiving address, Deacon Davie dedicated his ordination “to the Glory of the Lord” and thanked Archbishop Simon, Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha, his Spiritual advisors, formators, seminarians and everyone who had helped him on his journey of faith.
“My seminary experiences are the best part of my life – full of challenges, yet it was altogether beautiful, meaningful and fruitful,” he disclosed. He also thanked his parents and siblings for their love and support.
Deacon Henry anak Jimbey
Newly ordained Deacon Henry chose to pray “Speak Lord, your servant is listening,” as his ordination theme. He was born on 29 September 1973 to Stephen Jimbey anak Nyaim and Monica Nona anak Jacob from Kampung Suba Buan, Bau.
Henry is the fifth child in a family of six siblings. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science, a Master’s Degree in Corporate Communication, and holds a Diploma in Education (Mathematics). He has been attached to Our Lady Queen of Peace, Sri Aman for further pastoral immersion since June 2021.
Addressing the congregation after his ordination, Deacon Henry also thanked Archbishop Simon and Archbishop Emeritus John, a long list of priests, formators, seminarians and many more for their “overwhelming love and support”.
He said he was humbled and expressed “thanksgiving to God Almighty” who had played a big part in his vocation. He urged young men and women not to be afraid to serve. He lastly thanked his parents and siblings for their love and support.
