Newly ordained priest and deacon with Bishop Cornelius Piong, Keningau clergy and religious sisters of Putri Karmel and CSE brothers
By Didiroy Joneh
Feb 23 2021
TAMBUNAN – The Diocese of Keningau witnessed a double ordination on Feb 6 at Pertapaan Karmel, Kaingaran, Tambunan. Kevin Joseph Simbikol, 31, was ordained as a priest while Rayner Bin Sagulu, 29 was received and ordained as Deacon by Bishop Cornelius Piong. Also present were Fr Rudolp Joannes, Fr Harry Dorisoh, Fr Giovanni C. Sugau and Deacon Wilfred James.
Kevin Joseph Simbikol, who chose as his religious name Sharbel Francisco de Karem’ Ei, CSE, is the second pastor ordained into the Congregation of the Carmelitae Sincte Eliae (CSE) in the diocese, the first being Fr Geovanni C. Sugau, in 2012.
Bishop Piong said, “you will play an important role in the Church’s healing and rebuilding of our society in the wake of this deadly disease that has swept away so many of our certainties and securities.”
“God continues to call us, hence we must be attentive and learn to listen to His call, do not close our hearts and ears with the worldly matters only,” said Bishop Piong.
Fr Sharbel chose “I have summoned you by name; you are mine. I have called you by your name, you are mine” from Isaiah 43:1 for his ordination theme.
Fr Sharbel said. “I am grateful for all of the prayers and support I have received during this journey and feel I am prepared to serve the people as I continue to trust in God.” He said that each of us has a story of our own calling, but at the heart of that story is a call of love that leads to an experience of love with God himself.
“I learnt about the CSE congregation at the age of 17 after attending a spiritual programme at Pertapaan Carmel Kaingaran. I was attracted and wanted to know more about the spirituality and life of the CSE brothers and sisters.
“I was attracted to the hermitage life but had no knowledge that Catholics also had a congregation which lives the contemplative or secluded life.”
Fr Sharbel shared that God’s call is for everyone regardless of age. He advised the younger generation to listen to His call and to be brave enough to step out from their comfort zone.
Fr Sharbel began his CSE postulancy on July 16, 2011 and after two years, he received his Religious Hab it and continued his Novitiate formation for a further two years.
He took his First Vow on 2014 and was sent for priestly formation to the Seminary of the Catholic High School St Joseph the Cross (STIKASS), Bandol West Kalimantan, Indonesia to pursue his Theology and Philosophy studies.
From 2015-2017, he served at St Theresa of the Child Jesus, Archdiocese of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia for immersion in pastoral work prior to being installed as Lector and then Acolyte.
On Sept 7, 2019, Sharbel was received into the order of deacon at the Bandol Carmel Spiritual Centre, West Kalimantan, and then assigned as deacon at the Archdiocese of Pontianak.
At the same celebration, Rayner bin Sagulu was ordained as a Deacon. His theme is, “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Eph 3:12. – Herald Malaysia
