The Priestly Vocation Seminar was held recently at the St. John of the Cross Retreat Center in Ulu Dusun.

March 18, 2022

By seminarian Jescie Petrus Petu
The Priestly Vocation Seminar was held recently at the St. John of the Cross Retreat Center in Ulu Dusun.

There was an overwhelming response from the young people of Sandakan with 22 participants coming from St Mary’s Parish, two from Sandakan, five from St Dominic Parish, Lahad Datu, three from Holy Trinity Parish, Tawau, four from St Martin’s Parish, Telupid, and eight from Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Beluran.

This vocational seminar was held for three reasons; foster the call to the priesthood among young men, galvanize them to courageously respond to the vocation to the priesthood, and attract more aspirants to enter the House of Formation for the Year of the Aspirant 2022.

This two-day seminar began with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Christopher Ireneus and concelebrated by Fr. Stephen Esguerra. Deacon Arthur and Deacon Raymond Wong were present to attend the mass.

‘What is a vocation’? And how do I know that God is calling me? were the themes presented by Fr. Christopher during the seminar.

Deacon Arthur shared his thoughts on “What is a Diocesan Priest?” Joining us was seminarian Ricky Boy, who shared his vocation story and invaluable experience in pastoral exposure, as a summary of many of the lectures.

To achieve better engagement, there was a brief cooling off period for participants to reflect on the essence of the talks.

A question and answer session allowed participants to express their concerns. Their questions were answered and hopefully they were enlightened by the answers.

The seminar ended with a Eucharistic celebration. Immediately after Mass, Father Christopher proudly announced the candidates chosen to enter the House of Formation for the year 2022.

A young man by the name of Athanasayleus Aginasius, originally from the parish of Saint Dominic, Lahad Datu was chosen to enter the Formation House (Catholic Archdiocesan Center) in Kota Kinabalu. All the glory to God for the smooth and orderly seminary. –Catholic Sabah