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KUCHING - In a simple yet touching liturgical ceremony, Bishop John Ha took Canonical possession of the Archdiocese of Kuching on 23 June at the Office of the Archbishop. Present were all the priests of the Archdiocese, William Chong (Secretary of the Pastoral Council), Sr Flora (Superior General of the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak) and her Assistant, Sr Ignatia, and Raymond Lee (Archbishop’s Office Secretary). 

     The liturgy began with an opening hymn followed by a brief introduction by Archbishop Peter Chung. He was happy to have received the Pope’s letter accepting his application for retirement as the Archbishop of the Archdiocese. 

     After the Gospel reading, Fr Simon Poh who was appointed ad-hoc Chancellor, read the Decree issued by the Apostolic Delegate to Malaysia, Archbishop Adriano Bernardini authorizing the “Most Rev Monsignor John Ha Tiong Hock to take lawful canonical possession of the Office of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kuching”.

     After the decree was read, Archbishop Peter Chung asked Archbishop John Ha for his acceptance, which he did in very simple words. Archbishop John Ha then made his Profession of faith and word of allegiance to all the teachings of the Magisterium and the Pope. This was followed by a gesture of Respect whereby all gave him the sign of peace with a hug. 

     The address of Archbishop Peter Chung followed. “I am very happy to have worked in this Archdiocese for the last 28 years,” he said. He was also happy that the Pope had appointed Bishop John Ha to be his successor and he promised to work with him under his leadership. He was so humble that he went to the extent of asking that he be addressed as “Fr Peter”. His title however still remains as Archbishop Emeritus. 

     Archhishop John Ha next told the gathering that it came as a surprise to him that the Pope had appointed him to be the successor. He said that although the responsibility was great, he was confident that with the prayers of everyone and with their support and cooperation, he would be able to carry out God’s work. 

     At the end, the new Archbishop appointed Fr William Sabang as the Vicar General, Fr Vincent Chin as the Procurator and Fr Simon Poh as the Chancellor. 

     Fr Simon Poh announced that this occasion was not just for the announcement of the new Archbishop; it was also to thank Archbishop Peter Chung for all the work he had done for the Archdiocese. All present also gave the Archbishop a sign of peace and gratitude. Archbishop John Ha then consulted all present for the date of the installation. All agreed to have it on 16 July, after the monthly recollection of the priests, at 7:30 pm at St Joseph’s Cathedral.

     Archbishop John Ha was born on 5 March 1947 in Kuching and educated in St Joseph’s School in Kuching. On completion of his priestly formation in College General in Penang, he was ordained priest on 14 December 1972. He was sent for post-graduate study of Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome where he obtained a Masters degree in 1976. After his return he was appointed to lecture Sacred Scripture in College General in Penang. Later he went back to Rome to continue his study of Scripture and obtained a Doctorate degree in 1984. He came back to Kuching and was appointed to lecture in St Peter’s College in Kuching. He was Rector of St Peter’s College from 1987-1992. He served as the Parish Priest in St Joseph’s Cathedral in Kuching from 1993-1997. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop to assist Archbishop Peter Chung in 1998 and served five years in this office till he was appointed the new Archbishop of Kuching. 

 
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