Obituary - Fr. O.C. Lim

Born: 26.08.43 Ordained: 01.05.92 Departed: 05.06.20

It is with profound sadness that we announce the demise of Reverend Father Anthony Lim Ooi Chai, better known as Fr O.C. Lim who passed away on 5th of June 2020 at Pantai Medical Centre. He was 77.

Fr O.C. Lim was admitted to hospital in early May and had been showing signs of improvement during his post-surgical care. His sudden passing was due to his earlier aortic dissection and aneurysm. His death has come as a shock to all.

A legal practitioner for 14 years, he joined the Society of Jesus on 1st of March 1985 and did his Novitiate in Petaling Jaya from 1985 to 1987. He professed his first vows on 2nd of March 1987. He studied philosophy and theology at the Ateneo de Manila University and Loyola School of Theology respectively from 1987 till 1992. On 1st of May 1992, Fr O.C. Lim (then aged 49), was ordained to the priesthood at the Church of St Francis Xavier in Petaling Jaya. Five years later, he professed his final vows on 1st of May 1997.

One of his first appointments was as Director of the Catholic Research Centre (CRC) and Editor of the Catholic Asian News (CANews), a post he held from 1993 to 2009. During his tenure, he continued to further develop not only CRC but also CANews This monthly magazine provided thought provoking reflections for many to read and reflect. Under his direction CRC focused on bringing about a critical awareness to Christians and others of their role in the Malaysian society in its socio-politico, economic and religious context.

In 1992, he was appointed as the first Spiritual Director for the newly established Catholic Lawyers Society Kuala Lumpur, a role which he relished with much gusto for several terms over a span of almost 18 years. An outspoken advocate for justice, Fr O.C. Lim gave courage to those fighting for just causes, always advising them to “stand up and be counted.”

Fr O.C. Lim also fulfilled other responsibilities as follows:

  • Regional Superior of the Malaysia-Singapore Region of the Society of Jesus from 1998 to 2004.
  • Local Superior of the Jesuit Community of the Residence of St Francis Xavier, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, for various periods until 2009.
  • Honorary Assistant Secretary of the then Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS) from 1993 to 1996.
  • Honorary Assistant Secretary of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) from 2009 to June 2010.
  • Director of the Maranatha Retreat House from 1996 to 2009.
  • Served as Assistant Parish Priest of the Church of St Francis Xavier, Petaling Jaya during various periods for a total of about 9 years.

In 2009, Fr O.C Lim went on medical leave after undergoing heart surgery.

Fr O.C. Lim applied for incardination into the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and this was accepted by Archbishop Julian Leow on 19th of November 2019.

The eldest son of the late Royal Dato' Selawatang Lim Foo Yong and late Datin Chu Yin Mooi, Fr O.C. Lim leaves behind his siblings Ooi Beng, Ooi Teck, Bee Lian, Dato Ooi Kong, Bee Hong, Bee Bee, in laws, nephews, nieces and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.

Details of the wake and funeral service are as follows:

Venue: Nirvana Memorial Center (Parlour 21), Wisma Nirvana, No 1 Jalan 1/116A Off Jalan Sungei Besi, 57100 Kuala Lumpur

Wake Schedule:

  • Mon, 8th of June: 1.00 pm to 9.00 pm
  • Tues, 9th of June: 10.00 am to 9.00pm

Please note that visitation is limited to a maximum of 12 people at any one time for a duration of 10 minutes only.

The funeral service will be held on Wed, 10th of June at 10.00 am and will be streamed live via https://Tv.ArchKL.org. Due to MCO restrictions, the funeral service and burial will be conducted privately among immediate family members.

Those who wish to offer condolences to the family members, may send their messages to admin@lfy.com.my

His Grace Most Reverend Julian Leow, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and the clergy of the Archdiocese extends condolences to the family of the late Fr O.C. Lim in this time of loss and are united with them in prayer and support.

 

[signed]

Revd Fr Michael Chua
Chancellor
Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur

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