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TC: Monsignor, now that you have
officially retired, what are your future plans?
Monsignor: I am still considering how
best I can use my retirement to continue my service to the Archdiocese
under the leadership and command of the new Archbishop. I love this local
Church which I have served for 28 years, and I want to see its continued
growth. Obviously, I will only do what the new Archbishop assigns to me.
Only in this way can I make a meaningful contribution to his
Archdiocese.
TC: Looking back over the past 28 years as Archbishop of
Kuching, can you describe the high points? Low points?
Monsignor:
High points:
1. The opening of St
Peter’s College in 1980 as a Major Seminary was an important development
of the Archdiocese. It has given the Church in Sarawak and Sabah some 50
local priests.
2. The establishment of an Archdiocesan Pastoral Council in 1992 as a
permanent structure for coordinated participation of the clergy, religious
and lay people in the up building of the local Church through various
pastoral projects and activities is another important development. I am
very satisfied and proud of this Pastoral Council.
3. I am most grateful to God who has blessed our Archdiocese with the gift
of unity which is found among our Priests and our Sisters, and among our
lay people in most parishes. This is possibly the principal power-strength
for the vitality and growth of our local Church today. How I desire to see
this unity maintained and further strengthened under the leadership and
command of the new Archbishop.
Low points:
1. I am sad and consider it
a great failure that we have had only 14 local priests added to our
Archdiocese in 28 years. I had hoped to have many seminarians from our
Archdiocese when I opened St Peter’s College so that the Archdiocese can
send out missionaries to other countries. Our Archdiocese has never had
many seminarians all these years. At the moment there are only five
seminarians (four in Kuching and one in the Initiation Formation in Sabah)
from our own Archdiocese; 30 others belong to other dioceses.
2. Many material buildings churches, chapels, centres, and so forth, have
been put up in the Archdiocese, but insufficient effort has been made in
providing adequate faith formation in parishes. Thus many young people
grow up without knowing their faith. Currently the Pastoral Council
through its Commission for Faith Formation is looking into this important
matter.
TC: Being a shepherd of God’s little
flock in Kuching, you have led us with zeal, dedication and compassion.
What has sustained your exemplary efforts all these years?
Monsignor: My principal strength, of course, comes from God, the Blessed
Trinity, daily Mass, daily prayers including the Rosary, and daily Holy
Hour. Yes, I have spent much time daily for these spiritual means.
TC: Today’s Catholic would not be
the paper it is today without your vision and support. As the publisher,
please comment on the direction this paper is taking.
Monsignor: I am satisfied with and
even feel proud of this paper comparing it with other Catholic papers in
the region. It has maintained the original aim and objective of forming,
informing and transforming its readers. I am confident in saying that many
readers have indeed benefitted from the regular reading of this paper.
What I have liked about this paper is the balance the paper has maintained
in presenting local news and international news, faith articles for
adults, youth and children and in three different languages too! I hope
the paper will maintain its present form, and content in its faithful
service to readers.
TC: Your Grace, thank you for your
inspiring, leadership and guidance. Our love, support and prayers are with
you as we, the Editorial team of Today’s Catholic, wish you a fruitful
and peaceful retirement.
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