By HNPT SOCCOM
TERAWI – Fr Michael John Modoit, Rector of Holy Nativity Parish Terawi (HNPT), with a grateful heart, joyfully celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass at 7.30pm on Feb 7.
The Mass was presided by Archbishop John Wong, con-celebrated by Fr Michael himself, HNPT Assistant Rector, Fr Bradley Stephen and 18 other priests from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.
The church was almost packed with parishioners from the four churches under HNPT, Holy Nativity Church Terawi, St Simon’s Church Duvanson, St Peter’s Church Tombovo and Our Lady of Fatima’s Church Talang Taun. Four sisters from the local congregation FSIC, seminarians, Fr Michael’s mother, immediate family members, relatives and friends from other parishes also came for the Mass.
After the Mass, the Chairman of HNPT Pastoral Council, Nairom Dony, on behalf of the HNPT community, congratulated Fr Michael on his Silver Jubilee as a priest. He thanked Fr Michael for his humility, strong spiritual leadership, who not only shared the Word of God, but living it. Nairom also thanked Fr Michael for being the source of strength and inspiration especially to members of Pastoral Council, wishing him good health and God’s continuous blessings upon him throughout his priesthood.
Fr Michael in his speech, thanked Archbishop John for his blessing and consent to preside the Thanksgiving Mass. Fr Michael expressed his great joy mentioning the bishop’s care towards his priests, seminarians and religious alike. He also thanked the 18 fellow priests, who came to con-celebrate the Mass Their presence gave him the strength and confidence, being one of the archdiocesan priests, he said. Fr Michael also acknowledged and thanked the attendance of the FSIC sisters, seminarians, his mother, family members, relatives and all present.
Fr Michael praised and thanked God for the guidance, protection and blessings throughout priestly journey of 25 years, which was not short, and was always put to test. He thanked God for the good health all the years.
Finally, Fr Michael thanked the HNPT Pastoral Council, Finance, Women’s League, warden and all the Liturgical Committee members, who had prepared and made the celebration possible.
Archbishop John Wong, in his speech mentioned that all had come that evening with one mission, that is to thank God for His blessings and for keeping Fr Michael throughout 25 long years serving as a priest. He reminded that priesthood is not for individuals but instituted for the community of believers. Archbishop shared his experience last year, celebrating his Sacerdotal Anniversary, where he thanked God for the strength and protection, and he believed Fr Michael would feel the same, sharing his joy with all the community, who are blessed by his priesthood.
Archbishop was happy to note that the parish community had organized a fellowship meal thanking God for the gift of Fr Michael. Thus, showing appreciation for his service as a vehicle of God for the last 25 years. Archbishop urged the people to continue to pray that Fr Michael will be blessed with many more years in the ministry of the priesthood. He also asked them to pray for all his priests that they will remain steadfast in their vocation, especially in the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese. Lastly, he thanked Fr Michael for his love and service to the church and to the people of the parish, and congratulated him for his 25th Sacerdotal Anniversary, wishing God’s continuous blessing upon him.
Photo sessions followed after the speeches, and they proceeded to HNPT Hall for the Fellowship Dinner. The program started with the “Sambut Tamu” dance by the Terawi Youths, followed by the cutting of the anniversary cake. Dinner started after the blessing of the food by Archbishop. Performances by the winners of the Line Dances competition as well as karaoke singing from Fr Michael, Fr Aloysius Fedilis and Fr Postinus Kurup, entertained everyone that evening.
To show upmost and sincere appreciation to Fr Michael J Modoit, for his unconditional love and service to Holy Nativity Parish Terawi parishioners, and to thank God, HNPT had organised another special dinner reception for Fr Michael.
