Ex-welfare boss renews wedding vows on golden jubilee
Published on: Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Retired Director of the State Public Welfare Services Department, Patrick J Lai, 75, and wife Agatha Voo, 73, a retired librarian, re-enacted their wedding ceremony on the occasion of their golden jubilee wedding anniversary at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Monday.They were married on April 11, 1966 at the then Sacred Heart Church (now Cathedral), solemnised by Rev Father Bekemer.The duo, then adolescents, first met in Labuan in the early fifties when they were in the St Anthony's School Boys' boarding house and St Ann's Convent Girls' boarding house, respectively.ADVERTISEMENT The couple has two children, Catherine, 48, a sole proprietor, and Charles, 38, a computer analyst, and two grandchildren. Patrick called it a day in 1996 after serving in the Welfare Services Department for almost 30 years.Accompanied by their original bestman Francis Chang, 72, and bridesmaid Cecilia Wong, 72, Patrick and Agatha renewed their marriage vows before Rev Father Francis Tsen who is incidentally Patrick's cousin.In their reaffirmation, they took turns to say, "I take you to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life", culminating in an exchange of rings – "Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity".ADVERTISEMENT Saying the couple is full of joy, peace and gratitude to God, Fr Tsen said: "Let us take a fitting look at Patrick and Agatha as a living example to society of unwavering fidelity in marriage, Christian love and honour."He led the congregation in praying for God's continuing love and care for the couple, their children and grandchildren.
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"We join Patrick and Agatha in thanking God for all the care all these years. May God continue to bless them now, tomorrow and right to the end of their lives. As we grow older, what is really important is God who has given us all the graces for strength of body and soul," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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The special mass was followed by a reception at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Among those present were former Director of the State Public Welfare Services Department, Edwin Lok, former Deputy Director Lawrence Hee, and former Mothers-General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC), Sister Mary Cecilia Liew and Sister Mary Aquinas Vun.An anniversary banquet was held in the evening at Promenade Hotel, attended by 200 people, to mark the occasion.