More than 200 came for the Epiphany Sunday Mass Jan 8 in Woorijib and celebrate sacerdotal anniversary of the Korean priests
By Linda Edward
Jan 13 2022
POTUKI, Putatan – As we marched further into the new year, the Catholic community once again celebrated the priestly anniversaries of the Korean missionaries serving in Sabah under the Penampang parish.
More than 200 people gathered at the open Maria Hall Woorijib, for the Sunday Mass of the Feast of Epiphany of the Lord and to celebrate the sacerdotal anniversary of their home priests Jan 8 at 10.00am.
Fr Lawrence Kim celebrated his 23rd anniversary meanwhile it was the 6th anniversary for Fr Andrew Kim.
Both priests were grateful with the support of the local faithful especially those of the Potuki Catholic Community for celebrating the important event with them.
In his speech, Fr Lawrence said for him, part of being a priest is like being a father-figure to the 17 students who are staying in Woorijib.
“For me, a life like a parent who laughs and cries with the students is more precious than anything else in the world.
“Some children went back to their homes as they could not adapt to living in Woorijib and there were also children who left homes (and come here) due to irresponsible judgement (by the adults).
“And there were also times when we are more than happy when our children study hard and get good grades.
“Maybe I’ll never have children, but I always treat our children like a father,” shared Fr Lawrence.
In his turn, Fr Andrew said, “Sabah is my first place to serve as a priest. I don’t know what God has in store for me. If He asks me to go back to Korea, I would. But perhaps like the missionary priests in the olden days for example Msgr Wachter and Fr Dapoz, God wants me to serve the Sabahans until I breathe my last.”
Fr Andrew said he plans to continue to learn and be good in both Bahasa Melayu and the Kadazan language, to serve the community better.
The Church communities celebrate Fr Lawrence (left) and Fr Andrew
The fathers also asked the people to pray for them and for all priests, as the priests are also praying for the people.
Fr Lawrence Kim Jinsu hails from Wonju, Korea, was born on 25 Nov 1970 and was ordained on 6 Jan 2000. Meanwhile Fr Andrew Kim Youngjung was born on 27 Nov 1987 in Jeonju, Korea and was ordained on 11 Jan 2017. Both were ordained at The 103 Korean Saints Martyrs Memorial Church, Mirinae under the Suwon Diocese.
