The Star Online (http://www.thestar.com.my)
Sarawak’s pioneer missionary dies at age 60, 22 August 2009
by STEPHEN THEN
MIRI: One of Sarawak’s pioneer and most notable local priests Rev Father Anthony Wan died on Thursday night at the intensive care unit at Miri Hospital.
Father Anthony, 60, was hospitalised three days ago after having breathing problems while he was in Batu Niah town, some 120km south of here.
His death is a great loss to Catholics in the state as he was one of the most dedicated Sarawakian priests and a noted spiritual healer.
There are more than 60,000 Catholics in the Miri Diocese in northern Sarawak.
The Miri Diocese encompasses Lawas, Limbang, Miri, Baram, Niah, Bintulu, Belaga and the Bakun interior.
Father Anthony had helped to spread Christianity to the far reaches of the remote jungles of northern Sarawak, living in isolated settlements among the native ethnic groups, especially among the Orang Ulus like the Kayans, Kenyahs and even the Penans.
Father Anthony often had to travel long distances on rugged and rough timber roads, enduring long journeys each time.
All these he did despite suffering multiple ailments that had caused him great pain.
Father Anthony always preferred to serve poor natives in rural Sarawak despite his physical suffering and had been reluctant to be stationed in the cities and towns for long periods.
His last posting was in the remote settlement of Long San, seven hours by timber road from here.
Father Anthony was multi-lingual. He was proficient in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin and some of the natives’ ethnic languages.
Father Anthony had served almost 40 years in the priesthood.
During a grand 60th birthday celebration two months ago organised by parishioners for him, Father Anthony spoke at length on the need for people to forgive one another.
“Forgive readily from our hearts those who have hurt us,” he said.
Ironically, during the dinner, he also spoke about how he would face death with confidence and inner peace.
Father Anthony will be laid to rest at the Catholic cemetery here after a mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Miri on Monday.
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