PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF BRO MATTHEW SHING MANG TUN
On January 2, at around 9:30 the procession of the ordination to the priesthood of Bro. Matthew Shing Mang Tun, began moving from the entrance of the church of St. Gemme Galgani’s Shwepyiathar, Yagon. The procession was led by a group of youth interpreting a typical Chin State cultural dance followed by the relatives of Bro. Matthew, the acolytes and the concelebrants who accompanied Bro. Matthew. His Eminence Charles Cardinal Bo, as he reached the altar, made and introduction of the ceremony and the rite of the ordination followed in an orderly manner.
The new Church that had just been finished under the direction of Father George, was well adorned and arranged for the ordination. At both sides of the Cardinal were 25 concelebrants headed by Father Philip the vicar of the Provincial in Myanmar, all the Dominican Priests assigned in Myanmar and three representative Brothers of the communities of Hong Kong and Macau where Bro. Matthew lived during the years of formation. The church was full with a good number of religious sisters, seminarians and religious brothers, plus 450 relatives, friends and parishioners who came to witness and participate at the ordination of Bro. Matthew. The parish choir and the postulants assumed the responsibility of the music and other services including the lunch that was served at the end of the ceremony.
During the homily and through the ceremony His Eminence congratulated not only the ordaining brother but the Dominicans and commended them for the service rendered and the hope that their presence in Myanmar would redound to the benefit of the people of God.
On his part Brother Matthew thank God, the Prior Provincial who had acceded to his request of being ordained, his Dominican professors and formators through the different years of his studies and finally his Eminence, the concelebrants, all those who have taken part in the preparation and arrangement of the Ordination under the guidance and leadership of Bro. George. Finally, he addressed his parents whom he thanked for all the things they have done for him since birth as well as his brothers and sisters who had supported him in the pursuit of his vocation.
Upon request of His Eminence Bro. Solis congratulated Father Matthew on behalf of Father Provincial and all the members of the Province represented by of the Burmese Brothers assigned to Myanmar and indicated that Father Matthew was assigned to the House of St. Joseph in Kowloon where, he, besides studying Cantonese Language, will serve the people of God in the near future. Bro. Philip translated these words into Burmese and then His Eminence concluded congratulating the ordained Brother, his family and the Order and granted Father Matthew faculties for hearing confessions so that his ministry could be more effectively carried out.
After the ordination and the session of picture taking, the concelebrants, the family, the religious and the parishioners shared a good lunch.
Congratulations Brother Matthew! May the Lord give you wisdom, holiness and a fruitful ministry all your life!
Fray Fernando, O.P.
Secretario Provincial