Bishop Joseph Hii praying over Deacon Johanaz Ling
By Jane Moh
Feb 13 2023
The Diocese of Sibu welcomed a new priest, Fr Johanaz Ling, 34, to the Presbyterate on January 25 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
The ordination ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of Sibu, Rt Rev Joseph Hii, with thousands of Catholics participating at the Mass which started at 3.00pm.
In his homily, Bishop Joseph said that Johanaz entered into the priesthood of his own free will and a clear conscience.
“He was sent to his mission to continue God’s ministry and serve the people of God,” he said. He also hoped that the Word of God would regenerate all Catholics.
Fr Johanaz, from Sarikei, said that the calling to the priesthood started when he was nine years old. However, as a young boy, he did not know what it was, so life continued as usual.
“I was inspired by Fr Thomas Connor, the way he served the Mass and his kindness. I told myself that I wanted to be like him. But I did not realise it was a calling.
“Growing up, my father was very strict, making sure we prayed the Rosary and participated at Masses,” he said.
He said he seriously started to contemplate his vocation in 2011, after his Sixth Form.
He decided to meet Bishop Joseph Hii. The prelate asked him to stay at Christ the King Church in Bintangor for a year to experience priesthood. He stayed with Fr Philip Hu and Fr Simon Lau.
From 2012 – 2013, Johanaz studied at College General Penang, which was a pre-initiation. In 2014, he was sent to St Peter’s College in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and then to St Peter’s College in Kuching for six years.
“I graduated in 2020 and was assigned to pastoral work at the cathedral. I spent one year there.
“On May 26, 2022, I was posted to Mary Immaculate Conception Church, Kapit. I was ordained as a deacon on June 3, 2022,” he said.
He recalled that when he broke the news of his desire to enter the priesthood to his parents, they were very supportive.
“My father said that if God had called me to the priesthood, I should go try it. They encouraged and supported me all the way,” he said.
Now as a priest, he said he could continue his mission to evangelise.
“It is a journey and along the way, I hope to become a better person. I am just continuing God’s mission,” he said, adding that it is a journey he knew he would enjoy despite the challenges and difficulties. – Herald Malaysia
