Oct 3 2020 Funeral service presided by parish priest Fr Wilfred Atin together with Fr Jeffri Gumu and Fr Gilbert Marcus at the late Catechist Lawrence Bisuil residence, Kg Maang Penampang
By JJ / Soccom Penampang
Oct 8 2020
PENAMPANG – The cool and grey weather of Oct 3 amplified the mournful ambience for those who bid farewell to the late Catechist Lawrence Bisuil.
Not only to the family members and friends, but also for many of the Penampang faithful who had known him for so long, paying their last respects to this humble servant of God was no easy task.
The funeral service at his residence at Kg Maang, which was conducted by parish priest Fr Wilfred Atin, and assisted by Fathers Gilbert Marcus and Jeffri Gumu, was packed by a limited 300-crowd in strict observance of the pandemic SOP .
The untimely passing of the energetic Penampang catechist, who is also the Parish Pastoral Council chairman, was called by the Lord on the morning of Oct 1 at his home. It was just the day after marking the 130th Anniversary of the Good News to the Penampang parish, as well as the celebration of the parish patronal feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael at St Michael’s Church, Penampang. The sad news came as a shock to many especially Bisuil was seen actively involved in the parish events.
The unexpected loss was keenly felt by the Penampang faithful who, for several generations, have benefited from his tireless commitment of more than 20 years of service to the Church in many capacities involving the Liturgy, Catechetical and mission outreaching programs to name a few.
“We have lost a committed leader, an honest catechist, and a good friend who has been loyal to us. His contributions, coupled with his wide experience, have been for the betterment of our parish…” Fr Atin eulogized at Bisuil’s funeral service.
Fellow catechist Lewis Juit described him as a committed servant of God, fully dedicated in his service, one who is willing to sacrifice his energy, time and money to ensure that all responsibilities delegated to him be meticulously accomplished.
“A humble man endowed with the compassion of God, enhanced by his faithful personal prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He has never been heard to object at any time when required by the church for catechism assignment,” declared catechist Juit of his late confrere.
Penampang Parish Council Chairman, the late Kat Lawrence Bisuil giving his final speech during the 130 years of celebration of Good News at St Michael Church, Sep 29 2020
Catechist Bisuil has served as Penampang Parish Council chairman since 1999 under numerous parish priests including Fr Alex Sipanul, the late Fr Fundes Motiung and current parish priest Fr Wilfred Atin, besides the multiple chair positions for several committees including Worship, Catechists, major parish events namely the 130th Anniversary of the Good News, the Julilee Year 2000, the Parish Kaamatan, as well as events at the diocesan level.
Being a strong advocate towards the use of the Kadazan language in liturgical and eucharistic celebration, and Bible translation, he is committed to the mother tongue preservation initiatives in ensuring its continuous use in the Church’s ecclesiastical mission especially in Penampang, as well as to ensure the preservation of its heritage importance for the coming generations.
The late catechist Lawrence Bisuil, 61, leaves behind his beloved wife Christina Tokuzip, and four children (son Leynord, and daughters Lorna Elena, Amanda Elaine, Annabelle Faustina) and three grand children to mourn him. His remain was brought to the village nearby Bosi Cemetery for his final resting, May his soul rest in peace.
