By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — The Presbyterium of the Archdiocese of Kuching welcomed a new priest, Rev Fr Casimir Henrry Anak Umar at his ordination Mass on 1 September 2025 at St Joseph’s Cathedral. His diaconate ordination took place at St Stephen’s Church, Bau on 19 January this year.
Born on 2 April 1983 to the late Benedict Umar Anak Ngoyiang and Mary Jitim Anak Nyayoh, Fr Casimir Henrry is the ninth of ten siblings. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and has been preparing for this day since 2015, after he joined the seminary in Kota Kinabalu for his Initiation Year.
The Sacerdotal Ordination Mass was presided over by Archbishop Simon Poh, concelebrated by Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha, Msgr William Sabang and priests of Kuching Archdiocese, as well as visiting priests who had travelled from other parts of Malaysia to be part of this celebration.
The Cathedral was packed to capacity. Joining the local congregation were Fr Casimir Henrry’s kampung community from Bau, and all six of his remaining siblings. The Mass was also live streamed.
After the Laying of Hands and the Prayer of Ordination, the newly ordained was helped by Fr Adrian Kho to put on the stole and chasuble. He then knelt before Archbishop Simon Poh who anointed his hands with Holy Chrism oil saying: “The Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you, that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.”
Archbishop Simon then placed the paten and chalice in the hands of the newly ordained and standing up, gave him a fraternal kiss of Peace, followed by all the priests present.
A Calling by the Good Shepherd himself
Archbishop Simon, in his speech thanked the Lord for “the gift of a new priest” and described newly ordained Fr Casimir Henrry’s priesthood as a “calling by the Good Shepherd himself.”
He reminded the newly ordained to “always remember that the priestly vocation is never about ourselves. This priestly calling is an invitation to offer ourselves fully and wholeheartedly to serve Jesus in his people.”
Archbishop Simon paid tribute to Fr Casimir Henrry’s late parents for the “gift of a priest to the Archdiocese of Kuching.”
He then presented him with his Certificate of Ordination and the keys to a car, sponsored by St Stephen’s Parish, Bau, followed by a gift to the Umar siblings.
Speech by newly ordained Fr Casimir Henrry Umar
Fr Casimir Henrry began by saying, “It is through God’s grace, love and enduring faithfulness that we are able to celebrate this occasion together today.” It was a day of “profound gratitude and joy – a day that marks a milestone in my spiritual journey. I am humbled by His call.”
Thanking the Archbishop, his seminary formators, priests, religious, God and everyone in his life for their presence, love and support, the new priest prayed that he may “serve with a heart full of love, humility and zeal for the Gospel.”
At the conclusion of Mass, Archbishop Simon Poh invited the Archbishops Emeriti to join him to bless the newly ordained priest and the congregation.
Fr Casimir Henrry Umar will now serve at Holy Spirit Church, Lundu as assistant priest to the rector, Fr Adrian Kho.
