Fr Leonard E Dollentas
On the fourth Sunday of Easter, this year falling on May 11, the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In many dioceses, Good Shepherd Sunday is an opportunity to pray for vocations, to encourage those who might be considering ordained or religious life, for each of us to ask ourselves whether the Lord might be calling us to do some definite service for him, but above all to thank those who have been faithful shepherds of the church. Thus, the Catholic Diocese of Macau celebrated this meaningful day with heartfelt day of gratitude for priests and religious who have reached milestones of their life of service and ministry in the church.
The celebration began with a vibrant Eucharistic celebration at 3:00PM, led by the Bishop Lee and several priests joining. During the homily, the bishop emphasized the importance of priests and religious missionaries, underscoring their dedication to spreading the Gospel and serving the people of Macau.
All vocations are first a response to God, who chose us and called us for the service of His people โ whether as a priest of Jesus Christ or as a religious. Following the example of Christ, one listened, said โYesโ to God the Father, and accepted to do Godโs will even with sacrifice. Although every vocation calls for great sacrifice it comes as well with an outpouring of grace sufficient to answer that call as well. Macauโs clergy and religious stands as witnesses to this grace on their unwavering commitment to the life of total dedication to God. This acknowledgment not only celebrated their years of service but also highlighted personal stories of their journey in faith. Testimonials from parishioners and students illustrated the profound impact these spiritual leaders have had on their lives, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These priests and religious celebrating special milestones of their vocations are the following: Fr Pedro Chong of the Diocese of Macau and Jesuit priest Fr Dominique Tyle SJ, both celebrating the 50th and Golden Anniversary of their priestly ordination. Sister Maria Rosa Vilora RGS the 60th anniversary or diamond jubilee of her religious profession. Sister Lo May Sheung, Maria Germana FMM, the 60th anniversary or diamond jubilee of her entrance to the religious life. Sister Woo Sao Kin FMM, celebrating her 50th and golden anniversary of entrance to the religious life. Sister Yong Pac Hun, Antonia FMA, Sister Cheung King Wai, Angela FMA, Sister Li Shue Ming, Ines OP and Sister Mary Paul Kavungal HCSA celebrating their 50th anniversary and golden jubilee of profession of vows. Daughter of St Paul Sister Seo In Eun FSP celebrates the 25th anniversary of her profession of vows.
A celebration honoring our priests and religious is a time for reflection and celebration, and a time for gratefulness, gratefulness also for our faithful. For it is the people of God, who we serve, and who support us in the vocation that we follow in Christโs Church for their benefit. Unfortunately, today we still lack the vocations we need to adequately serve our faithful here in the Catholic Diocese of Macau. We may never have the number of priests and religious that we had in the past, however, we still are in need of an adequate number of priests and religious to maintain the life of the Church.
Answering Godโs call takes courage, faith, and prayer. Pope Saint John Paul II reminded us that everyone has a vocation to discern, โJesus has a specific task in life for each and every one of us. Each one of us is hand-picked, called by name by Jesus! There is no one among us who does not have a divine vocation! Some are called audibly by God, but the usual kind of call is internal, through the inner working of the Spirit.โ I would add we also have a responsibility to our Church to pray for each other, especially our current shepherdsโthe priests and religious serving in our Diocese.
The celebration which was followed by simple agape was a profound reminder of the love and dedication embodied by our priests and religious missionaries. As we honor their service, we are called to reflect on our own roles in fostering a supportive and nurturing community. By coming together in faith, we can ensure that the spirit of the Good Shepherd continues to thrive within our hearts and our Church. Let us carry forth the message of compassion, service, and love that defines our faith, always remembering to uplift those who lead us in this journey.
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