Archbishop Julian Leow laying his hands on Deacon Michel Dass
By Gwen Manickam
Jan 4 2022
TAMPIN, Negeri Sembilan – The sacerdotal ordination of Deacon Michel Dass was held at the Church of St John Marie Vianney, Wednesday, December 29, 2021. It was the first priestly ordination at the 65-year-old parish.
Some 30 priests, 20 seminarians, deacons, religious, laity and members of Deacon Michel’s family were physically present in church while thousands watched the ceremony online. Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Most Rev Julian Leow was the main celebrant.
In his homily, Archbishop Julian expounded on the role of a priest — embodying the example of Christ and serving the people.
After the ordination rite, the newly ordained Fr Michel went on to concelebrate his first Mass with Archbishop Julian.
Following the multilingual Mass, chairman of the ordination committee, Dr Dominic Goh, addressed the congregation before expressing his thanks to Fr Michel’s parents with a few words in Tamil.
The celebration ended with the new padre addressing his fellow brethren, family, and congregation.
Fr Michel Dass
After observing a moment of silence, he gave all praise and honour to God Almighty for “this blessed day, as I was ordained a priest to the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Thank You, Jesus.”
Speaking in Tamil, he introduced his parents and siblings before thanking them for instilling faith and love for God and church in him from a young age.
“I was blessed to have mum and dad, and my family as the backbone of this vocation because, if they had been selfish, I would not be here. Remembering all the pains and struggles we went through with only our father working and mum a housewife, yet we were always well fed and never went hungry.
“Thank you for the sacrifices,” said the young, tri-lingual priest. He also acknowledged and thanked his 92-year-old grandmother who was present.
Fr Michel thanked the Tampin community, parish priest Fr Peter Anthoney and parishioners, especially the youth of a church named after the patron saint of priests. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Archbishop Julian, his initiation director, for ordaining him. – Herald Malaysia
