(Bandar Seri Begawan, 6th) The Brunei Catholic Church welcomed a new deacon, Kalentin Ahn, in celebration of National Day. The ordination Mass for the deacon was held on February 23 in the afternoon at St. John’s Church in Kuala Belait, presided over by Bishop Cornelius Sim, with participation from several priests and witnessed by over 700 faithful, creating a solemn and grand atmosphere.
This is the first time since 2008 that Brunei welcomes a new deacon. Kalentin Ahn is an indigenous believer, and his ordination Mass also drew enthusiastic participation from many indigenous faithful, making it especially meaningful.
In the Catholic liturgy, Bishop Cornelius Sim carried out the Deacon Ordination Ceremony for Brother Kalentin Ahn. This ceremony is one of the sacred Sacraments of Holy Orders and is conducted during Mass, including the Laying on of Hands and the Ordination Prayer, symbolizing the deacon’s official undertaking of the mission to serve the church, proclaim the Gospel, and assist in the Eucharistic celebration.
After Mass, all faithful held a celebration in the neighboring St. John’s Hall, sharing the joy together.
In his speech, Kalentin Ahn expressed his gratitude to the late Cardinal Sim for his years of guidance and formation. He said that, during the past four years of training and discernment, he received guidance and encouragement from his spiritual directors, which strengthened his resolve to follow his vocation. He appealed to the faithful to continue praying for him and supporting him so that he may successfully progress on the path toward priesthood in the future.
In the Catholic liturgy, Bishop Cornelius Sim carried out the Deacon Ordination Ceremony for Brother Kalentin Ahn. This ceremony is one of the sacred Sacraments of Holy Orders and is conducted during Mass, including the Laying on of Hands and the Ordination Prayer, symbolizing the deacon’s official undertaking of the mission to serve the church, proclaim the Gospel, and assist in the Eucharistic celebration.
After Mass, all faithful held a celebration in the neighboring St. John’s Hall, sharing the joy together.
In his speech, Kalentin Ahn expressed his gratitude to the late Cardinal Sim for his years of guidance and formation. He said that, during the past four years of training and discernment, he received guidance and encouragement from his spiritual directors, which strengthened his resolve to follow his vocation. He appealed to the faithful to continue praying for him and supporting him so that he may successfully progress on the path toward priesthood in the future.