Sandakan – 2018 The New Year Mass held on February 16 at 8 am. A tribute to Bishop Fr Julius, Father David , Father Christopher and Father Thomas.

( 山打根讯 ) 2018戊戍年新春彌撒于2月16日，早上8时举行。由山打根圣玛莉主教座堂Julius主教主祭、David神父、Christopher神父及Thomas神父共祭。

    弥撒开始前有精武醒狮团鼓手鸣鼓迎宾，强劲有力的鼓声象征着充满活力的新一年，也掀开了新春弥撒的序幕。紧接着歌咏团响亮欢乐的歌声，带动了全体教友。手持十字架和蜡烛的辅祭员带领读经、派送圣体员和神职人员在喜气洋洋的新年气氛下步向祭台。

    圣堂内早聚集了一年才回家乡一趟的游子们，与家人一同在这农历新年的第一天到天主台前敬拜天主，接受天主的祝福。

    由Julius主教祝圣新年柑橘后，然后与神父、修女及教友们举行团拜礼；首先向祭台行叩首礼，感谢天主在过去一年的祝佑，然后教友们向神职人员拜年，最后是教友们互相拜年祝贺。华协主席卢姵伶姐妹及圣马尔谷堂华牧主席黄士凌兄弟代表中文组致送红包予主教、神父和修女。过后，主教及三位神父派发红包予55岁以上的长者、孩童、学生及青年们。圣堂内一片欢乐融融，教友们欢欢喜喜地从神父手中领取祝福红包。在派发红包的同一时间，纠察员也将祝圣了的柑橘分发给每一位教友以示祝福。

弥撒后有精武醒狮团舞狮助兴。主教、神父、修女、教友们齐聚圣堂门口观赏精彩的舞狮表演。过后，教友一一向主教、神父、修女们拜年，并赠红包致意。同时，教友们也彼此祝贺。

Article reproduced from Diocese of Sandakan

Tawau : Some 25 children, aged between 5 and 12 years participated in a 2-day Liturgical Camp, organized by the St. Stephen Tass Catechetical team led by Elsie Gabriel and assisted by a few Sunday school facilitators on 3^rd and 4^th February 2018.

The organizing team took the initiative to bring together the Sunday school children to stay overnight at the Church, and in a good way; away from their family to focus and experience a night of being ‘missing’ from their parents and learn to stay with their peers as a small community.

The Camp began with registration early in the morning on 3^rd February, followed by an ‘Ice-breaker game’ called “We Care”. The children were divided into groups of 6. The objective of the game was to nurture the spirit of kindness, working as a team and trusting their companions.

The Co-Chairpersons of the Family Life Ministry of Holy Trinity Church, Tawau, Mario Domingo and Julita were invited to share on some inputs on the flow and meaning of the Eucharistic celebration as well as an affirmation of the richness of the Eucharist. The session is an early overview for the children so that as they grow up, they may appreciate and develop a deeper understanding of the matter.

Julita presented her input session informally which drew the attention of the children, who enthusiastically participated in the talk. She said, “The Eucharistic celebration is much more important than any other celebration in our life as a Catholic.  As you grow up, remember everything what you see, listen and experience during the Eucharistic celebration, by that it will help you to recall, to understand each part of the celebration.” She stressed that, “The most important experience is that you must believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharistic celebration.”

The Children were attentive and participated actively in the 90-minute talk. They asked questions and the answers provided, reinforced their knowledge and understanding on what they have heard and learned.

Imparting the knowledge on the real meaning of the Eucharist to the young is the foremost role of every parent, supported by the Church through the Sunday school classes. Generally, most of the participants were remarkably knowledgeable regarding the flow and meaning of the Eucharistic celebration. This is definitely the fulfilment of the parents’ role and the Sunday school weekly classes.

A topic on “ Me and Sunday School “ was also  presented to create an awareness on the beauty of gaining spiritual knowledge through the weekly classes for the children getting involved in such activity for the first time.

The Liturgical Camp continued with the overnight program, followed with a few more activities for the following day. One interesting recreational activities, was bringing the children under supervision for an excursion nearby.

Article reproduced from Diocese of Sandakan

Sandakan: Every single adult is special and unique before God. They are fearfully and wonderfully made for awesome purposes. The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community had organized their first fellowship dinner for single adults on February 10th.

It is an outreach to invite the single adults especially to those who are from outside the parish. The objective of this fellowship is particularly to reach out to those who are working and not involve in any groups in this parish. Besides, this activity is relevant to the vision and mission of the diocese that is to become a “Christ-centered community, serving one another with love.”

Bro. Philip Mosinoh gives his welcoming speech to the Single Adults

According to the elders, Philip Mosinoh, this spiritual activity has been encouraged by the Rector of St Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Rev. Fr. David Garaman. This activity could also be the platform for the single adults to serve the church as mentioned in Matthew 20:1-16, “we are the workers in the vineyard,” said Gregory Quadra the chairman of this fellowship. He also mentioned during his opening remarks, that their potential talents would enable them to contribute to the church and they can attend such gathering as a family whenever they are free.

Bro. Gregory Quadra

Indeed, the fellowship is organized on a free and easy environment to connect and share with others. It is a place to discover their uniqueness, destiny and rise up to fulfill the wonderful plan God has for them. Conversely, this activity is good for the singles, to build friendship and also be a blessing to others. No matter what story or background behind each adult, they are welcomed to participate

Michael Raj

Dr. Francis Paul

Bro. Philip and Dr. Francis

Dr. Francis Paul, the Director of the Sandakan Duchess of Kent Hospital, a participant of the program shared that the activity is to bring people together through fellowship among the Catholics in the parish. Michael Raj, a final year student in the Polytechnic and currently doing his practical at Sabah Port shared that he attends the fellowship to build up his faith and to continue to come to church.

With this kind of activity, the community is also able to help the single adults to grow in their relationship with God and with others, so they can make a difference by serving in the church as well as in the community. Besides, the program is to recognize the significance and needs of Catholic single adults in the Body of Christ.

Sign of peace and greeting to one another

Fellowship dinner with the Single Adults

Dr. Agnes as one of the single adults who come to this fellowship as well as the secretary of the Single Adults

Therefore, to those single adults who are based in Sandakan, you are invited to come to this monthly fellowship. For further information, you may contact Gregory Quadra (017-8974931) or Dr. Agnes Foo (012- 3615973).

Article reproduced from Diocese of Sandakan

“The faithful crave the Word of God and feel the need to find a link between faith and their lives”. “We have to prepare students for the new evangelization among the many cultures and religions of our continent”. The formation of lay people “fundamental to mission”. Every year there are 3 thousand new baptisms.

By Paolo Fossati
“The faith of the Catholic community in Singapore is truly surprising; the cathedral is always crowded and participation is remarkable in all 33 parishes of the archdiocese; the faithful are very involved and offer great support, witnessing their faith among the last “. Social work, formation of the laity, interreligious dialogue and young people: these are the main “missionary fronts” in which the Singaporean Church is committed. Thus Msgr. William Goh Seng Chye , Archbishop of Singapore, recounts the experience and the witness of the Catholic Church in the city-state. Together with the bishops of Malaysia and Brunei, Msgr. Goh was at the Vatican between February last 4 and 9 on an ad limina visit. Below the third and final instalment in a three part( Part 1, Part 2) interview.

A large part of the Singaporean population identifies with a religious faith. Buddhists are about 40% and Christianity is the second largest group. Thanks also to Western influence, the number of Christians in the country (local and permanent residents) are growing and the approximately 383 thousand Catholics make up 11% of the population, while Protestants are 14%. Next in line is Islam at 18% and Taoism at 14%. “However, and this is a concern for us – declares Msgr. Goh – there is an increasing number of people who claim not to belong to any confession. This is an important group that we must try to approach as a possibility of evangelization”.

The archbishop of Singapore believes social outreach is “the main missionary front for the local Church”. “We have many organizations that assist people in need, such as Caritas Singapore, which leads other 25 associations. In Singapore, the funds and donations collected by our initiatives cannot by law be allocated to foreign projects, unless this is specified before to interested donors. For humanitarian initiatives outside the national borders (Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar), the Archdiocese has established the Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives (Charis). The faithful are very involved and offer great support, witnessing their faith among those most in need”, says Msgr. Goh.

Another focus area for the Singapore Church is interreligious dialogue and the promotion of harmony among the various confessions. “We organize many initiatives – the prelate continues – to share our experiences of faith without proselytizing. We bear witness to what Jesus did in our lives, how he changed them and made the difference “.

The archdiocese pays particular attention to the education of young people. In this regard, Msgr. states: “In each of the over 35 Catholic schools we form the heart of the boys, even before their intellect. We do not want leaders who live for themselves, but people who care about their neighbor. The Christian schools, Catholic and Protestant, have worked hard on this and it is a precious legacy that they leave to the ruling class of the country. If Singapore is a successful nation today, it is also because most of our rulers have attended missionary schools, even though many of them are not Christians. It is also thanks to the teaching of the values of the Gospel that Singapore pays special attention to policies in favor of life and the family, resisting the pressure of the West for the implementation of laws such as those on homosexual unions. Honesty and integrity are virtues that are very close to the Singaporeans”.

Every year, the Church of Singapore welcomes about 3,000 new baptized, but conversions are not the sole purpose of the initiatives of the Catholic community. “Our goal is to build a Church that is vibrant, evangelical and missionary – reaffirms Msgr. Goh – This is also the decree of the archdiocese. My commitment is to make Catholics more aware, not only in Singapore but also abroad. To this end, we created the Catholic Theological Institute of Singapore (CTIS), to prepare students for the new evangelization among the many cultures and religions of our continent, since the formation of the laity is fundamental to mission. The faith of the Catholic community in Singapore is truly surprising, for example the lunchtime mass we organize for workers. The cathedral is always crowded and the participation is remarkable in all the 33 parishes of the archdiocese, where every day there are about 300-400 faithful. They seek peace, comfort in a everyday life in Singapore, which can be quite stressful “.

“Having a high level of education, the Singaporean Catholics are quite demanding – continues the archbishop – So our priests have to give good homilies. The faithful crave the Word of God and feel the need to find a link between faith and their lives, which is why they know how to be critical of pastors whose sermons are lacking. Fortunately we have good priests, who through the Word are able to touch hearts “.

The decline in priestly vocations is a great concern for Msgr. Goh, who says increased lay participation in pastoral works a way to counteract the negative effects of the phenomenon. He affirms: “It is more important than ever to involve the laity in the life of the Church, because in the end it is to them that it belongs. Our schools are directed above all by non-consecrated persons, since the average age of the clergy is always higher. In parishes serving about 6 thousand faithful, we consider a 40-year-old priest to be ‘young’. In every community there is always a lot of work to do and the time we dedicate to young people is always too little. Added to this is the great difference in age between the young people and the pastors, which affects dialogue between them. The risk is that there is no one to respond to the numerous and increasingly demanding questions of adolescents. To find a solution to the problem and provide for the pastoral care of young people, we have set up the Office for Young People (YOP). This initiative assists the youngsters in the search for Jesus and the answers they need “.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has chosen on a theme, “Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt 24: 12) for Lent 2018.

By Fr. George Packiasamy
We have started our Lent season on 14 February 2018, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. This year, Valentine’s Day shares the calendar with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It will occur once again in the year 2024 and 2029. It is an obligatory day of fasting from one or two meals, and abstinence from meat. I hope your Valentine’s Day celebration didn’t interrupt much of your Ash Wednesday observation – pray, fast and penance.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has chosen on a theme, “Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt 24: 12) for Lent 2018. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples at the Mount of Olives before His passion as He was describing to them about the end times where “false prophets would lead people astray, and the love that is the core of the Gospel would grow cold in the hearts of many.”

These false prophets come in various forms to manipulate and confuse human hearts to enslave and lead them astray by offering “easy and immediate solutions to suffering that soon prove utterly useless.” Holy Father added that these false prophets lead our people to choose false sources of happiness for real ones, which is a strategy typical of the devil. The devil, who is a “liar and the father of lies” always confuses our human hearts by presenting “evil as good, falsehood as truth.”

Many children and young people are mesmerised “with pleasures mistaking them for true happiness” and engrossed with wealth “which only makes them slaves to profit and petty interests.” Some turn to drugs as solutions for their life problems, but all these are proven to be pointless. They only lead to violence against human beings and a global selfish attitude of indifference. Their hearts grow cold because of their problems, their sufferings and their lackadaisical attitudes.

We often think that as long as we are relatively healthy and comfortable, we do not have to care about those who are less fortunate. “When a person doesn’t have enough to eat, that’s a form of violence. Where there’s exclusion and inequality in a city, that’s a form of violence. When there’s no respect for the dignity of the person, that’s violence,” the Pope said. The real temptation for us Christians is growing in a selfish attitude of indifference to our neighbours. As Christians we need to confront these attitudes.

During this season of Lent the Holy Father invites us to reflect on three scriptural texts:

— “If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Cor 12:26) which refers to the church;
— “Where is your brother?” (Gen 4:9) which refers to parishes; and
— “Make your hearts firm!” (James 5:8) which refers to individual Christians.

Lent is a time of grace, and it is a favourable time. As Catholics, we should observe Lent by giving up our selfish attitudes of indifference and resist these “great tribulations” which are happening in our Church community and amongst individuals. The Holy Father hopes that we can overcome all these indifferences as “we give alms and share in God’s providential care with those who beg for our assistance.” Fasting “makes us more attentive to God and our neighbours” and “revives our desire to obey God, who alone is capable of satisfying our hunger.”

Lets evaluate ourselves in light of God’s words – merciful, graciousness and abounding in steadfast love. May these words remind us of who God is and what He does for us, inviting us not to be indifferent to violence. We shall be merciful, be gracious and steadfast in love like Him, and not to grow cold towards our parish community and individuals.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan has paid tribute to preacher Billy Graham, who has died at the age of 99 [21 Feb 2018], the Catholic Herald posted on 21 Feb 2018.

Graham was a Southern Baptist evangelical preacher, but his preaching was much-admired by Catholics.

“As anyone growing up in the 1950’s and 1960’s can tell you, it was hard not to notice and be impressed by the Reverend Billy Graham,” Cardinal Dolan said.

“There was no question that the Dolans were a Catholic family, firm in our faith, but in our household there was always respect and admiration for Billy Graham and the work he was doing to bring people to God.

“Whether it was one of his famous Crusades, radio programmes, television specials, or meeting and counseling the presidents, Billy Graham seemed to be everywhere, always with the same message: Jesus is your Saviour, and wants you to be happy with Him forever.

“As an historian, my admiration for him only grew as I studied our nation’s religious past, and came to appreciate even more the tremendous role he played in the American evangelical movement.

“May the Lord that Billy Graham loved so passionately now grant him eternal rest.”

Pope John Paul II was especially warm towards Graham, reportedly exclaiming in one meeting: “Listen, Graham, we are brothers!” Graham, in turn, described Pope John Paul II as the “moral leader of the world.”

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

SANDAKAN – Sandakan Diocese organised a two-day pastoral plan study on its diocesan vision and mission on 11-12 Feb 2018.

Seventy participants comprising clergy, religious sisters, seminarians and lay leaders from St Mary Cathedral Sandakan, Holy Trinity Tawau, St Dominic Lahad Datu, St Martin Telupid, Our Lady of Fatima Beluran, and Paitan Mission attended the event at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre here.

In his welcoming address, Bishop Julius Gitom remarked that the attendance showed the commitment of the participants to realise the diocesan vision and mission.  He expressed his hope that what they have learnt in the two days will be disseminated to all the group leaders in their respective parishes.

The bishop also informed the gathering that the diocesan vision and mission statement was presented to Pope Francis during the ad limina visit on Feb 8.

He said the pope was pleased with it and hoped it will be put into practice.

In fact, the pope had said, “When we pray and act upon it, we are actually revealing the face of Jesus.”

The Sandakan Diocese has adopted their vision as a “Christ-centered community, serving one another with love” to be realised through the following six mission goals:

1. to nurture active church participantion
2. to foster a spirit of unity
3. to intensify faith formation
4. to enhance living the gospel values
5. to promote vocations
6. to foster family values.

The objective of the Study Day is to understand that the Diocesan Pastoral Plan is a tool to help parishes focus on its priorities.

Five sessions were held covering the background and history of the vision/mission statement (Francis Tan), formulation process (Pilis Malim), Way Forward (Sr Maria Dipal rgs), organisational structure, roles and functions (Anna Amandus), pre-implementation and leading role matrix (Fr David Garaman), and documentation of programme implementation, stewardship role, monitoring and evaluation (Eva Siruno).

Each session was followed by parish group discussion based on the questionnaire given which was later presented to the floor.

Mass was celebrated before the final session.

In his closing remarks, the bishop said he was pleased with the active participation of the members. He exhorted them not to worry unduly over its implementation but to rely on the strength of God.

“What is important is that we must first be transformed in our mind, heart, and soul in our spiritual journey. We might not see the fruit of our vision and mission but we have at least planted the spiritual seed and prepared the foundation for others to build on,” the bishop said.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

SANDAKAN –  The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community (SYCC) organised its first fellowship dinner for single adults on 10 February 2018 at St Mary’s Cathedral parish hall here.

The objective of this monthly fellowship is to reach out to those who are working and not involve in any group in St Mary’s Cathedral parish. It is also in line with the diocesan vision and mission to become a “Christ-centered community, serving one another with love.”

According to Philip Mosinoh, one of SYCC leaders,  this activity was encouraged by Father David Garaman, rector of the cathedral parish.

Organising chairman Gregory Quadra said in his opening remarks that the fellowship would be the platform for the single adults to serve the church as their potential talents would enable them to contribute to the church and they can attend such gatherings whenever they are free.

Dr Francis Paul, Director of the Sandakan Duchess of Kent Hospital, shared that the activity is to bring people together through fellowship among the Catholics in the parish while Michael Raj, a final year student in the Polytechnic and currently doing his practical at Sabah Port, said that he attended the fellowship to build up his faith and to continue going to church.

Single adults are welcome to attend the monthly fellowship.  For further information please contact Gregory Quadra 017-8974931 or Dr Agnes Foo 012-3615973.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Over 1000 catechumens have their names enrolled in the Book of the Elect at the Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names on 18 Feb 2018, first Sunday of Lent, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral here.

Archbishop John Wong officiated the trilingual Rite of Election.  The 1,013 catechumens, their 865 sponsors/godparents, 151 facilitators and 17 parish pastors, gathered at the cathedral for the rite.  The catechumens publicly expressed their desire for baptism.  Their names were recorded in their respective parish books which were duly presented to the prelate by the coordinators for his signature.  They are now called the Elect.

The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday, Mar 31, and on Easter Sunday, Apr 1, when the Elect receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

The Elect came from the 18 parishes and two sub-parishes in the archdiocese with Ranau having the largest contingent of 140.  Labuan has its own Rite of Election (47 Elect) due to its geographical location.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

The Dog is the 11th symbolic animal of the twelve terrestrial branches. It is classified as one of the six animals of China (Birds and Beast).

There are different species and kinds of dogs of all sizes and shapes, looking like a bull, lion, monkey, cat and etc. The smallest being about 6 – 8 inches long and with very short legs. Some are very intelligent and have special characteristics. They are employed for various uses to humanity.

The following are some of the types of dogs used for various functions on special occasions:

1. As guardians: to look after and protect the house and the master’s property
2. For “search and rescue” operation.
3. For “discernment” and “intuition.”
4. To carry the torch for their imperial masters in China during ancient times.
5. As a shepherd dog.
6. Just an example from Holy Scriptures in reference to Dog: “The Canaanite Woman”.

1. Dogs as guardians
dog acts as a guard of the house to protect the children, the household and the property of the master. Even in modern times, dogs are employed to sniff out harmful drugs as guardians of society. As Christians and followers of Christ, we should be like the guardian-dog, striving to protect the deposit of faith and the teaching of Christ among the followers of Christ in the Church, with great fidelity and alertness, especially in this age of materialism and unfaith and moral degradation (decadence) of even the Christians and the secular society at large and, in particular, of the sanctity of marriage and of the family that has been severely threatened, violated, and crushed to the point of nearly no return.

2. Dogs for “search and rescue” operation
In times of danger in the icy lands of snow and cold, dogs are employed to rescue people and livestock.

In times of fire or disaster in the homes, dogs have helped to pull their master or children to safety.

Dogs are employed to find the presence of criminals or to find the lost ones. Like this wonderful quality of the dog, we must come to realise and act to be the “Saviours” of peoples from all sorts of danger and harm to their bodies and souls — especially, from sin and Satan.

In Christ, we must be “Saviours” of peoples throughout the world by our care, concern, action, prayer and by mobilising the power of Christ to save them in all situations, especially in the field of sin to be cured, saved and resurrected in Christ, the Lord.

3. The dog and “Discernment”
The dog is extremely sensitive and “intelligent” and quick to know, by intuition, the needs and commands of the master. Dogs are employed at banquets even to seek out the good from the unwanted people.

We must also be quick to discern the will and wishes of our Master and Lord Jesus. If we do have not this gift, we humbly and sincerely ask from the Lord this gift of discernment.

It is very necessary that we can detect or discern in spiritual depth, what comes from the Lord Jesus and what comes from the Devil — the evil one.

Jesus warned the disciples and us to be awake and to be “cunning” as a fox, or else, even the holiest among us would be deceived by Satan (if it be possible). Discern what is from God and accept it and do it. Discern what is from the devil and reject it, as well as warn others to reject it.

4. The dog carries a torch with its mouth to light the way for its imperial master.
This is a beautiful image of us, Christians, who have received the Light of Life and Love of Christ to be the torch bearers of our Faith and of Christ Himself, to be His witnesses throughout the world, to herald His coming to us and to bring us the Light of Christ. The dog barks to warn of dangers ahead so that steps can be taken to avert the dangers. How beautiful comes the thought of the Greatest Prophet of the Old Testament, John the Baptist. We must be like John the Baptist, a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Saviour’s coming to warn people of the dangers ahead, to take measures to repent and be saved by Jesus Our Saviour, from sin and death.

5. A shepherd dog
A dog acting as a shepherd or helping the shepherd is a common phenomenon in countries where sheep are reared. Here is the image of the beauty and faithfulness of a shepherd dog which is so hard working, industrious in serving its master with such exemplary fidelity and loyalty that the master (the shepherd) always treasures, loves and gives the choicest food and the best treatment as a reward for his dog’s tremendous help to look after his sheep with such fidelity and loyalty.

This brings to mind Jesus, as a good shepherd. We are His sheep. He takes care of us. He chooses the baptised to be His witnesses, to be light of the world and salt of the earth. We are like “shepherd dog” to be faithful and loyal to Christ, to look after the sheep of the good shepherd, to help, lead, guide, the sheep (people) to Christ and to protect them from the wolves (devils). Yes, we are to be ‘other shepherd,’ ‘other Christ’ to follow Christ’s example in taking care of His sheep, tending them with great care and diligence.

6. An example in Holy Scriptures in reference to the dog “The Canaanite Woman” — To confirm faith
The Canaanite woman persistently begged Jesus to cast out a demon from her daughter. Jesus said, “It is not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” The woman replied, “Ah, even dogs can eat of the food that drops from their master’s table.” Jesus replied, “Woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you wish.” At that moment, her daughter was healed. The Canaanite woman was considered to be low as a ‘dog.’ But the ‘dog’ believes in its master and is faithful to him. This woman believes and is faithful to her Master and Lord Jesus. She firmly believes in Him and is richly rewarded by Him for her faith and fidelity.

Conclusion:
May this New Year of the Dog 2018 bring us prosperity and happiness to our homes. May we have greater fidelity and loyalty to God’s commandments of love and service to everyone. May we have greater discernment to protect and guide the shepherd and enlighten people, to be torch bearers of Christ and to proclaim Christ to the world, to save and lead many to Christ, the Good Shepherd, to enter God’s Kingdom to live a life of love, joy, peace, harmony and untold blessings!–By Fr Stephen Chin, Rector, Sacred Heart Church, Kuching

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online