Sandakan clergy renewing their priestly vows to Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom during the Chrism Mass Mar 24
By Euthalia | Photos by Soccom
Apr 9 2021
SANDAKAN – The Church is finally able to celebrate Chrism Mass this year where it was not so a year ago at the heightened rise of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning March 2020.
The reduced number of positive cases in the recent updates has allowed the reopening of Churches and other places of worship by the government, taking in all necessary precautions adhering strictly to the SOP.
At this positive progress, Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom presided the Chrism Mass at St Mary Cathedral here Mar 24, concelebrated by the clergy of Sandakan Diocese; Frs Thomas Makajil, Simon Kontou, Phillip Muji, David Garaman, Stanley William Matakim, Christopher Ireneus and Dafrinn Diwol.
Msgr Nicholas Ong and Fr Marcellinus Pongking were not present due to health reason. Meanwhile the three newly-ordained, Deacons Stephen Esguerra, Andy Borine and Arthur John assisted the bishop at the altar.
In his homily, Bishop Julius Gitom recalled back celebrations over the last year which were conducted not in a normal way especially Sunday Eucharist, the Sacrament of Baptism, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders and others, including postponement of ordinations in the diocese.
The pandemic has restricted outreach activities to the sick, the elderly, the dying, and even hospital visits. The prelate was hopeful that this year the church would be able to celebrate the sacraments back in the normal way.
However, this pandemic has opened opportunities such as online business, online courses, online meetings and also online Masses and with this, millions of faithful are able to join the virtual Sunday Mass and other prayer opportunities. A visible symbol that we are in union with the whole Catholics in the world.
The bishop hoped that all parishioners would continue to be committed to God by receiving the Bread of Life and also supporting their priests.
“We should always be thankful to God for the life that Christ had given to us. The Vision and Mission belong to God, but we, as children of God, should live out the Vision and Mission and continue the ministry of the church,” said the bishop.
After the homily, Bishop Gitom blessed the clergy as they reaffirmed their ministry by renewing their priestly promises to him, which were firstly professed at their ordination.
After the blessing, Bishop Dusin Gitom blessed the Oil of Anointing of the Sick, Oil for Catechumens, and the Oil of the Consecration of the Chrism. The oils will be used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick. – Source: DOSPO
