By Joseph Tek Choon Yee
Sacred Milestones and Serendipitous Encounters
Rooted in Africa, refined in Rome, Fr Albert moved through Sabah with the grace of one who madespace for everyone. His sabbatical was meant to be a rest but it became a pilgrimage of presence.
His time in Sabah turned into a journey of Eucharistic celebrations, gatherings, feasts and funeral, each act flowing not from duty, but love. Whether at the altar, bazaars or over meals, he met people where they were, offering prayers and blessings, laughter and warmth. His “Selamat pagi”, “makan dan minum” and cheerful “Tuhan Memberkati” won hearts everywhere.
He concelebrated Masses across KK, Sandakan and Keningau, paid heartfelt respects to local shepherds too, calling on Archbishop John Wong and joining Bishop Julius Gitom at the altar in Sandakan. Though Bishop Cornelius Piong was away, Fr Albert’s reverence never wavered. In every church, every home, every space, he offered more than prayers, he offered presence.
He marked two milestones during his time: his 7th priesthood anniversary on Jul 7 and his 35th birthday two days later. In his native Ugandan Swahili, “Sabha” (pronounces Sabah) means seven. So 7/7 in Sabah felt divinely choreographed. A stole embroidered “SABAH 7777” commemorated the moment. Grace stitched in fabric.
Another stole, “Do whatever He tells you,” born from a home joke, became a theme. Based on the wedding in Cana, its six water jars – symbolising incompleteness, pointed to a deeper truth: with God, even six becomes seven.
At the Carmelite Monastery in KK, after an overslept morning rerouted us there, Fr Albert concelebrated Mass and launched a meaningful encounter with the members of Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). He later serenaded the OCD sisters with “Indabo Za Mariya,” (Flowers of Mary), a Ugandan Marian hymn. No one understood the words but everyone understood the spirit.
Thereafter, a local seamstress turned Fr Albert’s vestment shopping into sacred “retail therapy.” Friends sponsored, discounts were given, and Fr Albert used his angpows to buy vestments infused with memories.
One night after dinner, he looked around and said quietly, “Now I know what Sabah hospitality feels like, it’s not just welcome. It’s homecoming.” He came as a guest and visitor, but he left as family.
