By Caroline Sarah Petrus
MIRI, Sarawak – The Diocese of Miri in Malaysian Borneo celebrated the ordination of its first priest from the Berawan community on Sep 16, as more than 3,000 faithful gathered at St Dominic and The Rosary Church in Taman Tunku, Miri.
The ordination of Deacon Joel Rut Markus was held on Malaysia Day, giving the national celebration special significance for the Catholic community in the Diocese of Miri, which serves Catholics across northern Sarawak.
Born to Markus Abdon Ajang and Lydia Anyi Ding of Long Jegan in the Tinjar area of Baram, Fr Joel spent four years at College General in Penang and another four and a half years at St Peter’s College in Kuching for priestly formation.
In his thanksgiving speech, Fr Joel recalled an experience about 10 years ago at St Dominic and The Rosary Church that prompted him to consider the priesthood.
He was attending Mass when Fr Guido Gockel, then rector of the parish, preached in Iban, one of the local languages of Sarawak. Fr Joel said he wondered why a Dutch priest had taken the time to learn and preach in the local language while there were so few local vocations.
He began asking who would continue proclaiming the Gospel among local communities in their own languages and cultures.
A simple question took root in his heart: “Why not you? Why not me?”
The question led him to reflect more deeply on God’s call and eventually to say yes to priestly formation.
Bishop Richard Ng of Miri echoed the call to young men to consider the priesthood during the ordination celebration. He said priestly formation requires many years of preparation, as well as patience, perseverance and commitment.
Referring to Fr Joel’s journey, Bishop Richard Ng encouraged young men not to delay in responding to a possible vocation, saying the Diocese of Miri needs more priests.
The Diocese of Miri covers northern Sarawak, one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Its Catholic communities include numerous indigenous peoples, for whom language and culture are important elements of faith and community life.
Following the Ordination Mass, clergy, Fr Joel’s family, parishioners and friends gathered for a fellowship lunch at the church hall.
Fr Joel will begin his priestly ministry at Holy Family Church in Lapok, where he will serve the local Catholic community.
His ordination marks a significant moment for the Berawan Catholic community and adds a new local priest to the Diocese of Miri’s pastoral ministry among the diverse indigenous communities of Sarawak. – Radio Veritas Asia
