By Juliana Ringgingon, Soccom Holy Family, Telipok
TELIPOK – “God is impressive.” With these words, Fr Sylvester Wong began his heartfelt vocation testimony at Holy Family Church, Telipok, during the celebration of Good Shepherd Sunday, also known as Vocation Sunday.
Reflecting on the Gospel, he reminded the faithful that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continues to call each person by name. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me,” he said, emphasizing that this call is meant not only for priests or religious, but for all.
A Journey Marked by Healing and Grace
Fr Sylvester shared that his vocation journey began within a moment of family difficulty that became a source of grace and healing.
At the age of nine, his father underwent a surgery, an experience that brought his family closer to God. Through this, his mother, who was then a Buddhist, encountered the Catholic faith and was baptized.
“What seemed like a moment of uncertainty became a path of healing and conversion for our family,” he reflected.
From that time on, he became actively involved in Church life. Through faith formation, participation in the Eucharist, and community life, his relationship with God gradually deepened, bringing clarity, healing, and peace.
The Quiet Voice that Heals and Calls
“I did not grow up thinking I would become a priest. Like many young people here in Telipok, I had my own plans, dreams of a career, a successful life, and the usual hopes we all carry,” he said.
Fr Sylvester described God’s call as gentle, patient, and deeply personal.
“It was not something loud or dramatic,” he shared. “It came quietly, especially during Mass, a voice that did not force, but invited.”
The voice that patiently waited.
He recalled how witnessing priests serve the faithful inspired him, particularly their role in accompanying people in moments of joy, suffering, and spiritual healing-that touched him. These eventually helps develop his personal understanding of God’s call.
That was when the question first came into to his heart:
“Could God be calling me?”
Yet the journey was not without struggle.
“I resisted. I doubted. I felt unworthy,” he admitted. Still, he recognized that even in his fears, God was at work, gradually healing his heart and leading him forward.
Success Without Peace
Pursuing his studies in Singapore, Fr Sylvester graduated in Mechanical and Production Engineering and later worked in Singapore, China and Europe.
Outwardly, his life was stable and successful. Yet inwardly, something remained unsettled.
“I had a good career, a stable income, and plans for the future. But there was a deeper longing that success could not fulfill,” he said.
Each time he returned to Sabah, the call of the Good Shepherd grew stronger, persistent and impossible to ignore.
A Courageous Step of Trust
Eventually, he made the life-changing decision to leave his career and follow God’s call.
“It was not because I was certain, but because I was willing to trust,” he said.
He entered Aspirancy in 2014 and continued his formation at St Peter’s College, Kuching. After years of formation marked by both struggle and grace, he was ordained deacon on Dec 4, 2021 and priest on Jun 25, 2022.
Looking back, he recognized that even moments of doubt were part of God’s healing work in shaping his vocation.
Strengthened by Prayer and Accompaniment
Fr Sylvester expressed deep gratitude to those who accompanied him on his journey, especially his spiritual directors and the Church communities he encountered.
He also acknowledged the powerful role of prayer, particularly from family members who had been interceding for his vocation since his youth. “Their prayers sustained me in ways I only understand now,” he said.
A Message of Hope, Especially to the Young
Turning to the congregation, Fr. Sylvester offered a message of encouragement.
“To the young people, if you feel even a small stirring in your heart, do not ignore it. Do not be afraid,” he said.
He reminded them that God does not call the perfect, but those who are willing.
He also emphasised the role of families: “A family is a fertile ground for vocations. Even if not perfect, by God’s grace, it can become a place where hearts are formed, healed, and strengthened. Family support matters. Your encouragement can open the door for your children to say “yes” to God. So that the youth can respond to their call with peaceful heart and mind knowing that their parents are in full support of their calling.”
“I am very blessed to have a good family to support and encourage me in my desire to be a priest,” he added.
A Church that Prays and Hopes
As the Church marks Vocation Sunday, the faithful were invited to pray for more vocations and for the courage to respond generously to God’s call.
“The most important thing is not where we go, but whether we follow His voice,” Fr Sylvester said.
He preached “We too are sent into the various spheres of life, in the workplace or home or school to witness God’s love.”
Fr Sylvester concluded by asking for continued prayers for his priesthood, that he may remain a faithful shepherd after the Heart of Jesus, serving wherever the Lord calls him and becoming an instrument of healing for others.
The celebration also included an offertory procession involving children dressed as priests, religious, and a cardinal, an inspiring sign of hope for future vocations.
