KUCHING — On Sunday, 21 September 2025, the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Sr Marie Celine Wee and Sr Rufina Bajing with the theme: “Sing joyfully to God with thanksgiving in our hearts” (Psalm 95). The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Archbishop Simon Poh and concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus John Ha and 14 priests.
In the homily, the celebrant highlighted the significance of the Golden Jubilee as a testimony of God’s unwavering love and grace. He commended the jubilarians for their lifelong dedication, perseverance, and service in the mission of the Church, particularly through the charism of the Franciscan spirit.
Drawing from the Gospel passage, “You cannot serve both God and money,” he reminded all present that while wealth itself is not inherently bad, the love of money can blind us to the needs of others. For religious, especially within the context of the vow of poverty, the call is clear: to place God above all else and to use resources generously for the care and support of others, particularly the poor. Finally, the celebrant urged the jubilarians and all religious sisters to continue inspiring others through their joyful service and wholehearted dedication. Their lives, offered in love to God and neighbour, remain a light of hope for the Church and an invitation for others to follow Christ with courage.
The celebration concluded with a fellowship gathering and entertainment, where both jubilarians expressed their gratitude to God, to the SSFS’ congregation, and all who supported them throughout their journey.
Sr Marie Celine was born on 12 October 1950 and received the gift of baptism a month later. From her early years, God planted the seed of vocation in her heart.
In 1972, she entered as an aspirant with the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak. The following year, she became a postulant, and in 1975, she made her First Profession. Five years later, in 1980, she professed her Final Vows, offering her life fully to God. In 2000, she marked her Silver Jubilee with gratitude, and now, she celebrates her Golden Jubilee with thanksgiving.
For 43 years, Sr Marie Celine served faithfully in the mission of education. After completing her teacher training in Sibu (1976–1977), she taught in various schools across Sarawak: Chung Boon School in Mukah (1978–1979), St Rita’s School in Sibu (1980–1991), and Chung Hua School in Bau (1991–2005). Later, she became Headmistress of St Jude’s Kindergarten in Kuching (2007–2013) and St Joseph’s Private School, Kuching (2014–2019). Even after retirement, she continued to serve at St Francis’ Kindergarten, Bau, in 2020.
Teaching for her was never just a duty, but a ministry—a way to form young minds and nurture hearts with love. She embraced every challenge with courage, relying on God’s grace, and often reminded herself: “With that commitment, I dared to face any challenges and difficulties for the sake of my students’ education and future.”
Looking back, Sr Marie Celine recognises how every trial shaped her into the person God called her to be. She gives thanks for the providence and faithfulness of God throughout her journey.
Her life of witness and service reflects the words of the Psalmist: “Sing joyfully to God with thanksgiving in our hearts” (Psalm 95). With humility, she concludes: “To God be the glory for everything I am, and everything I have been allowed to give.”
Sr Rufina Clare Anak Bajing, a native Iban from Nanga Sikat, Mukah, was born in August 1955 as the second of six siblings. Growing up in a humble longhouse community, she was formed in faith within the Catholic parish of Mukah.
Her vocation began in 1966 when the parish priest, Fr July, invited young girls to help the Sisters at St Anthony’s Convent. For five years, she served the Sisters in the maternity ward, kitchen, and household. When asked if she wanted a gold chain, she humbly replied, “I want to be a Sister.” That simple “yes” marked the beginning of her religious journey.
In 1972, she joined the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak as an aspirant in Kuching. Inspired by the lives of St Bernadette and St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, she embraced religious life with joy and trust. Her early apostolate included service at Bethany Convent, Cheshire Home, and later at St Bernadette’s Convent, Marudi, where she faithfully served for 40 years as a school matron, caring for boarding girls and being actively involved in parish life.
In 2019, she was transferred to Yayasan La Salle, Kuching, serving as matron for girls studying at St Joseph’s Private School. Since February 2024, she has been assigned to the Home of St Clara, where she continues to serve with dedication.
Throughout her 50 years of consecrated life, Sr Rufina testifies to God’s faithful love through all trials and joys. She shares: “To me, Jesus is not just my Lord; He is my Spouse, my Everything. He gave His life for all humanity, and I offer my life in return to Him who is my Love.”
Her life remains a humble and inspiring witness, encouraging young women to be courageous in answering God’s call: “Do not be afraid to say yes to Jesus. He knows how to love you, help you, and sustain you.”
Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS)
