By Sibu Soccom
SIBU (2 Feb 2026) — “A Celebration of Consecrated Life and a Sacred Moment of Continuity: The Handing Over of the Key of the Tabernacle to Rev Fr Joseph Sebastian, New Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral.”
On this day, the Church commemorates the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple, when Mary and Joseph, in obedience and humility, entrusted Him completely to God. In this sacred mystery, Christ is revealed as the Light of the World—a light that brings hope, guidance, and salvation to all nations.
Moved by this revelation, we are reminded to offer our own lives to the Lord with trust and faith, allowing His light to shine through us in our daily journey. As Christ illumines our path, He becomes our strength, our peace, and our guiding light in all that we do.
In this spirit of thanksgiving and dedication, the community gathered on Monday, 2 February 2026, to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in conjunction with the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life. United as one family of faith, we gave thanks for Christ, the Light of the Nations, and prayed especially for those who have responded to God’s call through the vocation of consecrated life.
The celebration continued with the Eucharist and fellowship, deepening our communion with one another and strengthening the bonds of our parish family. The occasion was further marked by a profound and symbolic moment of trust and continuity, when Bishop Joseph Hii handed over the Key of the Tabernacle to our new Rector, Rev Fr Joseph Sebastian, entrusting him with the sacred responsibility of shepherding the parish.
As we joyfully welcomed Rev Fr Joseph Sebastian into the parish of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, we pray that the Lord will guide and sustain him with wisdom, courage, and grace, so that under his pastoral care, the light of Christ may continue to shine brightly in our community.
