By Elvina Fernandez
In the quiet corners of his memory, Msgr Daniel Lim, who interestingly does not use a handphone, recalls the pivotal moment that set his life on the sacred path of the priesthood. Now 87 years old, Msgr Daniel reflects on his calling to devote himself to Jesus which began in his teenage years; an inexplicable yet profound impulse that shaped his entire life.
At just 18, he entered the seminary, marking the start of a journey filled with grace, challenges, and deep fulfilment. He spent three years in Singapore and six years in Penang, which he fondly recalls as “the happiest time of my life.”
A Calling Fuelled by Family and Faith
When asked about the origin of his vocation, Msgr Daniel explains that it was not the result of a single defining moment but rather, a gradual awakening nurtured by his family’s devout prayer life. His father, who lovingly bought him religious books, and his mother, ever concerned with their spiritual well-being, laid the foundation for his faith.
“Back then, before the age of the internet and social media, receiving religious books from your parents was a significant gift,” Msgr Daniel shared. “One of the most impactful books I received was about the lives of saints. I was mesmerised by their devotion and desired to live a life like theirs.”
His studies at St John’s school, combined with the parish priest’s weekly visits and the practice of monthly confessions, further nurtured his vocation, leading him closer to God.
The Retreat That Sparked a Dream
In 1956, during a retreat in Port Dickson, Msgr Daniel met seminarians Paul Chong and Steven Mudiapo — names that remain etched in his memory. At the time, he was in his final year of secondary school. He recalls vividly, “I remember sitting under a tree, listening intently as they shared their routines, prayer lives, and the importance of a priestly vocation.”
The seminarians’ stories offered a tangible glimpse into the life of a priest, igniting in him an excitement and inspiration to follow in their footsteps. “It was the first time I had a personal conversation with two seminarians. It felt very casual, yet very special. I had the chance to ask them everything I wanted to know about becoming a priest, and they were more than happy to share their experiences with me,” he said.
Despite the excitement, discerning his vocation wasn’t without its doubts. The uncertainty of what lay ahead was daunting for such a young man. However, his unwavering faith, bolstered by spiritual mentors like Fr Christopher Danker and Bro James Chang, helped him navigate those early uncertainties.
“They were instrumental in guiding me through retreats and offering the spiritual mentorship I needed to make this journey,” Msgr Daniel recalled.
The Courage to Take the Next Step
When asked how he made the move toward the seminary, Msgr Daniel shared a poignant memory. As a young man fresh out of Form 5, he realised that his schooling was over, and the time had come to make a decision. “I thought to myself, ‘There will be no school next year. I am done with studies, and it’s time to take the step I’ve been dreaming about since Port Dickson.’”
With courage and clarity, he approached his parish priest to express his desire to join the priesthood. It was time to formalise his decision. He wrote a letter stating his intentions and hopped on his bicycle, pedalling from his home at Imbi Road to the Cathedral of St John in Kuala Lumpur. Arriving around 5.30pm at the bishop’s house, he rang the bell — only to be met with silence. Nervously, he left his letter in the bishop’s letterbox and pedalled back home, caught between the thrill of his dream and the fear of the unknown.
A few days later, to his surprise, the bishop himself knocked on his door. “You came and ran away,” the bishop said, with a hint of amusement in his voice. “Okay, I will write a letter to the Singapore seminary.”
This exchange marked the beginning of Msgr Daniel’s first journey beyond Malaysia. “I had never even been to Cameron Highlands, let alone another country,” he said with a chuckle. He took the night train to Singapore, where a French priest, the rector of the seminary, greeted him at the railway station and escorted him to St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary, now a retreat centre.
A Journey of Faith and Formation
At the seminary, Msgr Daniel found himself among fellow aspirants from Malaysia, Thailand, and other neighbouring countries, all united by the same calling. His time at the seminary, though filled with challenges and uncertainty, was one of profound spiritual growth and a deepening sense of purpose. He fondly refers to this period as “the happiest time of my life,” marked by a deepening commitment to his faith and a growing conviction that he was on the right path.
“Initially, I saw my vocation as a way of sacrificing myself for Jesus. But over time, I came to realise that Jesus gave me the gift of the priesthood,” he shared. “The Catholic priesthood is a meaningful life. I can proudly say that I did not live my life for myself, but as a priest, I live it through the Church, through the sacraments, and for the service of God’s people.”
A Life of Service
Msgr Daniel’s ministry took him to many parishes, including the Church of the Sacred Heart; Church of the Assumption; Church of the Holy Rosary; Church of Our Lady of Fatima and Cathedral of St John the Evangelist. In each assignment, he found great joy in being a channel of God’s grace, offering spiritual counsel, leading others closer to God, and dedicating his life to serving his community.
“As priests, we become instruments of God, reaching out to believers through counselling, prayer, and the sacraments. The more I listened to Jesus, the more I felt used by Him, shaped by Him, and guided by His divine purpose,” Msgr Daniel said.
A Witness to Vatican II
Msgr Daniel also witnessed the transformative period of Vatican II, an era marked by confusion and questions about the role of priests in the Church. Despite the tumult and change, his faith remained unwavering. “I belonged to a generation of priests who lived through Vatican II. It was a time of transformation, and it left many questions about the role and identity of priests. But through it all, I remained rooted in my relationship with God,” he said.
“Annual retreats provided an opportunity to reflect, clarify our mission, and deepen our devotion. Mother Mary, the mother of all priests, must always remain a guiding figure in every priest’s spiritual journey.”
Wisdom for the Next Generation
As Msgr Daniel reminisces on his 60 years of priesthood, he looks to the future of the Church with hope. He encourages young people, unsure of their vocation, to turn to prayer and ask Jesus, “What do you want me to do with my life?” He is firm in his belief that when we pray sincerely, God answers.
Addressing the vocation crisis among young priests, he emphasised the importance of prioritising one’s spiritual life over the pursuit of popularity, laziness, or self-serving behaviour. “For priests, faithfulness to prayer life, regular retreats, fellowship with fellow priests, and observing liturgy hours are essential,” he advised.
Msgr Daniel also highlighted the significance of family prayer life in today’s world. “We must remember who made us and why,” he said. “God made us to know Him, love Him, serve Him, and be happy with Him forever.”
A Legacy of Faith and Service
As Msgr Daniel celebrates the 60th anniversary of his ordination, he remains deeply committed to the spiritual growth of the Church. In his retirement, he continues to find joy in conducting weekday Masses, leading seminars, and participating in parish activities. His life and ministry stand as a testament to the fulfilment that comes from dedicating one’s life to the service of God and His people.
Msgr Daniel’s story is one of faith, dedication, and unwavering commitment; a journey that began with the dreams of a young man and led to a life of purpose and grace. It is a testament to the power of answering God’s call and finding one’s true vocation in His service. – Herald Malaysia
