A briefing was given by Matthew Liow, OCDS before the start of election through ballot voting.
By Catherine Wan
May 5 2021
KOTA KINABALU – In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, 23 members (including aspirants) of the Secular Carmelites of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Therese of the Child Jesus (OCDS) assembled for the Community council election, which is governed by OCDS Constitution (Art. 49) at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Center May 1.
The election, held every three years, was preceded with a nine-day Novena to Our Lady of Mt Carmel after daily Mass at the Carmelite chapel. The term of office actually expired in March, but has to be prolonged till May due to the CMCO.
Fifteen members, who have taken definitive (DP) or temporary promises (TP), were eligible to participate in the election process for the new term of Council (2021 to 2024). Sacred Heart Parish rector, Fr Paul Lo witnessed the process as the Carmelite Chaplain (Fr Mattheus Luta) was unable to be present.
The entire process was conducted by Matthew Liow, the incumbent former councillor upon request by the President. Liow read out briefly the concerned article of election provided in the Constitution of the OCDS in order that the election would proceed in an orderly manner.
Prior to the election process, reports were made by the Secretary, Formation Director and Treasurer for the term just ended (2018-2021).
The new line-up of office bearers are:
President: Datin Celestina Kinajil Jinu
1st Councillor: Thomas Chew
2nd Councillor: Mary Lee
3rd Councillor : Agnes Moniu
Reserve (fourth) Councilor : Lucia Udus
(Elected by the new council)
Director of Formation: Matthew Liow
(By appointment)
Secretary: Catherine Wan
Treasurer: Monica Lai
The newly elected OCDS KK Council (2021-2024) with Fr Paul Lo. From left: Agnes Moniu, Lucia Udus, Datin Celestina Kinajil Jinu, Thomas Chew and Mary Lee.
After the council election, the elected councillors held their discussion to elect the Formation Director and to appoint members for the posts of Secretary and Treasurer.
The rest of the members enjoyed their packed lunch fellowship before they reassembled for the renewal of promise for the DP or TP.
The assembly ended with Regina Caeli, rejoicing with Mother Mary for the blessings bestowed.
For the record, the OCDS in Kota Kinabalu have been supportive of the parish fundraising bazaars in aid of the building fund for the Catholic Archdiocesan Centre and the Church of Mary Immaculate extension. They have also organized a number of spiritual talks given by visiting Carmelite Friars in various languages to the parishioners.
