By PZK
KOTA KINABALU – Archbishop John Wong congratulated Fr Gilbert Marcus as the incoming Director of the Aspirancy House, and also Fr Isidore Gilberts as the new Parish Priest of St Edmund Church in Kota Belud. The announcement was made on Dec 12 during the Closing of the Academic Year for both the Aspirants Formation House and St Peter’s College’s Initiation Year Seminary in Kota Kinabalu. Fr Gilbert Marcus takes over from Fr Isidore Gilberts the directorship of the formation house.
The annual event was attended by, among others, Msgr Nicholas Stephen; Fr Mattheus Luta, Director of St Peter’s College Initiation Years in Kota Kinabalu; Fr Gilbert Marcus; Fr Rhobie Mojolou, spiritual director for the students; sisters from the FSIC congregation; the Daughters of St Paul; Secular Carmelite members; the Kota Kinabalu Women’s League members; volunteer teachers; and the Friends of St Vianney, who serve as benefactors for both formation houses.
In his homily during the Mass, expanding on the theme of the Advent readings, the Archbishop said that in proclaiming the Kingdom of God, there must be no compromise. “John the Baptist and Jesus never compromised in their proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Let us reflect on whether we have been compromising in proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Do we proclaim it according to God’s plan, or do we sing to the tune of the world?” asked the prelate. Reflecting further, he reminded the faithful that too often we as Christians compromise our proclamation of the values of the Kingdom of God according to the standards of the world. He also warned that too often we want God to sing to our tune instead of following the rhythm and song that God has laid before us.
Closing his homily, he said that as members of the Church, in carrying out ministries and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, we should not seek worldly appreciation or the satisfaction of others. Right after the Mass, the congregation proceeded to the St Peter’s College Square for cake-cutting and a presentation of items.
Read full story in Catholic Sabah Vol 69 No 01 dated Jan 4 2026.
