By Herald Malaysia
June 15 2021
MEMBERS of the clergy are also frontliners as they go out for anointing, confessions, funerals and so on. Hence arrangements were made to have the majority of them vaccinated as soon as possible in Sabah.
Below are the reports from the three Arch/Dioceses.
Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese
KOTA KINABALU – Pope Francis has advocated that everyone should get the COVID-19 vaccine, calling it an “ethical option” performed not only for one’s own health, but for the “love of others”.
Three weeks after receiving the first dose, some 20 clergy and 20 Carmelite nuns, led by Kota Kinabalu Archbishop John Wong and Archbishop Emeritus John Lee, completed their participation by receiving their second dose on June 9, thereby cooperating in the government’s planned vaccine programme to halt the spread of the virus.
The KK prelate thanked the medical team for their special efforts in arranging for the vaccination programme to be made possible at the Carmelite Monastery for the clergy and nuns. He commended them, referring to them as “angels who serve selflessly”, and blessed them.
He cautioned the faithful to “stay home, stay safe and stay healthy”, and advised them on their response to the vaccination programme. “If you are called for vaccination, just go. If you have not registered yet, please do so. Love yourself, and love others.”
Meanwhile, Vicar General, Msgr Primus Jouil, who also received his second jab, advised the faithful not to be overanxious about roadblocks should they encounter them on their way to the vaccination centre. “Just show your vaccination card and you will be allowed to go for your appointment,” said Msgr Primus, who was stopped at a roadblock on his way to the monastery. As for the vaccination, he opined that we should not be too worried to receive the second jab and its accompanying side effects.
Concerned about the low vaccination rate in the State, Fr Johnny Raju, assistant priest of Holy Nativity Church in Terawi, sought to assure the faithful that “the vaccine is a gift from God, just as medicine is for every sickness; and taking the vaccine is indeed a step to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus”.
With the understanding that the vaccine is the key to achieving herd immunity as a way to halt the spread of the coronavirus, parish priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Fr Paul Lo, strongly encouraged all eligible parishioners “to exercise their responsibility to help to build up herd immunity by responding to the government’s planned vaccination programme”. He urged, “Please register with the government vaccination programme so that, together, we achieve herd immunity to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” – By Catherine Wan & Agnes Ramday, Catholic Sabah
Keningau Diocese
KENINGAU – Bishop Cornelius Piong received the first dose of Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine at the Keningau Community Hall on May 26.
Also receiving the first dose on the same day were Fr David Gasikol, Fr Lazarous Uhin, Fr Bonaventure Unting, Fr Joseph Gapitang, the Diocesan ministry community, St Francis Xavier Cathedral staff and Kekitaanfm Online Radio DJs.
In Tambunan (Diocese of Keningau), priests and deacons received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on May 28. The second dose will be on June 19.
The priests/deacon were Msgr Gilbert Engan, Fr Harry Dorisoh, Fr Gilbert James, Fr Giovanni CSE, Fr Kevin Sherbal and Deacon Rudolf CSE.
The other 11 members of the clergy are waiting for their appointment while others will be getting vaccinated in July.
Sandakan Diocese
SANDAKAN – Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom completed both his COVID-19 vaccination doses on May 30. His first dose was on May 4.
Most of the clergy in Sandakan Diocese have received their first COVID-19 vaccination dose. Among them were Fr Stanley Matakim, Msgr Nicholas Ong, Fr Simon Kuntou (completed second dose), Fr Marcelinus Pongking (completed), Fr David Garaman, Fr Stephen Esguerra and Fr Thomas Makajil (completed). They said they received COVID-19 to protect others, which is also the responsibility of every Malaysian citizen.
Fr Stanley, on his Facebook page urged the faithful not to postpone or hesitate to receive the vaccine. He, who did not have any discomfort after being vaccinated, asked especially those who have doubts, to pray and get accurate information on the COVID-19 vaccination.
Fr Simon Kuntou from Lahad Datu, who received both his doses in May urged the faithful to register for the COVID-19 vaccination to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to achieve herd immunity as soon as possible. – Herald Malaysia
