By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — The Archdiocese of Kuching presbyterium welcomed a new priest, Rev Fr Addie Frank Anak Lingge on 20 September 2026. His sacerdotal ordination at St Joseph’s Cathedral Kuching was witnessed by his family, clergy, seminarians and busloads of relatives and friends from parishes he had served during his pastoral emersion. His diaconate ordination took place at St Theresa’s Church, Serian on 20 March this year.
Archbishop Simon Poh told the new priest to “carry out the ministry of Christ the priest with constant joy and genuine love, attending not to your own concerns but to those of Jesus Christ.” He also told him to “keep always before your eyes the example of the Good Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve and who came to seek out and save what was lost.”
Fr Addie Frank, born to Dominic Lingge Anak Payeng and Betty Anyen Anak Nyambu on 29 November 1984, is from Kampung Krusen. He holds a Bachelor of Business with Honours in Financial Management and Banking.
He entered College General, Penang in 2016 and completed his English Year in 2017. In 2018, he began his Initiation Year in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He completed his seminary formation at College General, Penang, and St Peter’s College Major Seminary, Kuching. Archbishop Simon admitted him to the candidacy for Holy Orders on 18 March 2026.
“Remember the Faith of your Family and the Sacrifices they have made”
After his ordination, Archbishop Simon Poh, in welcoming him as a new priest, said: “May the words you have chosen, be a constant source of strength and inspiration for all of us. May you always remember the faith of your family and the sacrifices they have made, and the many ways God has provided for you along this journey.”
He then presented him with his Certificate of Ordination and the keys to a car, followed by a gift to Fr Addie’s parents.
“My heart is filled with Gratitude to Almighty God”
Newly ordained Fr Addie Frank began his thanksgiving speech by praising God. “Today, my heart is filled with gratitude to Almighty God. My priestly ordination is truly a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness. The theme I have chosen for this sacred occasion is from the Book of Joshua, Chapter 1, verse 9:“Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
“This verse speaks deeply to my vocation journey. God has continuously renewed my life through joys and struggles, failures and hopes, doubts and courage. He transformed my weaknesses into strength and guided me gently to this sacred calling,” Fr Addie added.
Thanking the Archbishop, his seminary formators, priests, religious, God and everyone in his life for their presence, love and support, the new priest also thanked his family for allowing him to continue his vocation training.
At the conclusion of Mass, Archbishop Simon Poh invited Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha to join him to bless the newly ordained priest and the congregation.
