Categories
Life

The Shepherd

Few Catholic priests in the Philippines are “pure Chinese.” There are many who have mixed Chinese and Filipino ancestry whose families practice the Catholic faith actively, so when they decided to enter the priesthood, the choice of vocation was seen as a blessing. Young Catholics from traditional Chinese families often find it difficult to explain […]

Categories
Life

Ahia Ben, my friend

My ahia Benjamin Sim studied animal husbandry, taught biology in Davao, and became spiritual shepherd to many Tsinoy Catholics. As the first-born son in a Tsinoy family, the path to priesthood for him took determination to follow. Ahia was tapped to join the family retail business, and his choice to become a priest met with […]

Categories
Life

Angkong Ben

The title of “Father” embodies Benjamin Sim, pastor to parishioners in Mary the Queen Parish, where he had served from the 1990s to 2004 and Sacred Heart Parish in Cebu City. He is fondly called Angkong by his many parishioners, people who had served and are still part of his staff and members of communities […]

Categories
Life

Father Ben: lamplighter

In the midst of chaos and despair, a candle burns, giving light to others. This sentiment sums up how people see this octogenarian. The Lim family – Adeline, her sister Gerry, brother Ellery and mom Luz – describe Father Benjamin Sim, 80, as supportive but firm, generous, humble, simple and low key. Other parishioners remember […]