Category Archives: July 2017

St Mark here hosted the Sandakan parish-level Kaamatan-Gawai (KAWAI) Festival on 9-10 June 2018.

Kaamatan is a Kadazan-Dusun term for “harvest” and is celebrated for the whole month of May. It is normally celebrated by the ethnic Kadazan-Dusuns, as well as by other related ethnic groups in the state.

While Gawai Dayak is an annual festival celebrated in Sarawak on June 1  by many different ethnic groups such as Iban, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Kelabit, and Murut.

The occasion was marked by traditional games on June 9 while the highlight was the Mass presided by Father David Garaman, concelebrated with Father Phillip Muji the next day.

In his homily, the priest stressed on Christ as the unifying factor in various cultures.

After Mass all adjourned to the open hall for fellowship and entertainment programme such as stage performances, lucky draws, and a children’s traditional attire fashion show.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Assumption Masses will be celebrated as follows:

Mon Aug 14
Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu – 7:30 pm (Eng)
Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang – 7:30 pm (Mand)
St Paul Dontozidon – 7:30 pm (Kad)
Our Lady Queen of Peace Kobusak – 7:30 pm (Kad)

Tue Aug 15
Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu – 6:00 am (Eng)
St Paul Dontozidon – 6:30 am (Eng)
Carmelite Chapel Kota Kinabalu – 6:30 am (Eng)
St John Kopungit – 7:30 pm (Kad)

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

JOHOR BAHRU – Father Vincent Chin reported on behalf of the Episcopal Regional Liturgy Commission (ERLC). He informed the arch/bishops on the completed printing of the Order of Christian Marriages. Most of the arch/dioceses have ordered the books. A suggested date to officially implement this is the First Sunday of Advent.

Fr Chin then gave a short history of the Missal in Chinese which was produced by Carlo Catholic Society. He said the ERLC is only responsible for proof reading the Missal produced by Carlo.

Also with him were members of the Liturgical Music Committee comprising appointed members from the arch/dioceses in the Conference with expertise and knowledge in areas of Liturgy and Music, to report on the progress of the updating of the Sing Your Praise to God (SYPG).

This was the first time that the arch/bishops are meeting the team which was formed in 2014. The bishops were receptive to the report though there were some concerns with projection — the usual book vs projection argument but Bishop Cornelius Sim gave a resounding extempore on the sanctity of a hymnal compared to an electronic device that contains all manner of stuff unrelated to church matters.

The hymnal is to last for a period of ten years before it is revised again.

A list of the selected hymns was also given to the arch/bishops.

Father Jude Miranda informed the arch/bishops that the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese, Melaka-Johor Diocese and Penang Diocese will be the hosts of the Asian Liturgy Forum which will be held in Penang October 2-6. He invited the other arch/dioceses to the Forum.

The reports were given at the Bishops’ Conference on 10-14 July 2017. – heraldmalaysia.com

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

JOHOR BAHRU – Archbishop Julian Leow, President of the Malaysian Catholic Education Council (MCEC), and Kenneth Wong, Executive Secretary General, briefed the arch/bishops and bishops on the Meeting with the Minister of Education on 10 April 2017 at Putrajaya.

The objective of the meeting was to present the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Education between the Mission Authorities and the Ministry of Education Malaysia. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was decided to form a Joint Working Committee comprising representatives from both the Mission Authorities and the Ministry of Education to deliberate on the MOU. It is hoped that this concerted effort will promote better understanding and greater cooperation between the Mission Authorities and the Ministry of Education for the betterment of the Mission Schools in Malaysia.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

SANDAKAN – Catholic teachers in Sandakan were told that the teaching career is a noble vocation when the teacher is able to bring Christ into their career.

Father Christopher Ireneus said this during the Teachers Day celebration on 17 June 2017.

The celebration was organised by the Sandakan Catholic Teachers’ Guild (CTG).  The Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral was presided by Fr

The Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral was presided by Fr Ireneus, while the dinner was held at the Equatorial Seafood Restaurant.

During the celebration, Maureen Lai, CTG adviser,  was honoured as she officially retired from her service at the CTG.

Fr Ireneus reminded everyone that they were not just celebrating Teachers Day, but also celebrating teaching as a vocation.

He encouraged the teachers not to give up easily in the face of all sorts of pressure and obstacles.

He thanked the teachers for their efforts and acknowledged the efforts made by his former teachers at SMK Sandakan.

After the homily, the priest blessed the newly elected CTG office-bearers.

At the dinner, Bishop Julius Gitom called on all teachers to join the CTG, and encouraged them to take the NPQEL course for aspiring principals and/or school heads. – Martha Chia

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

SANDAKAN – Fifty-one newly baptised members of St Mary Cathedral here were told to be bearers of good news at a welcoming dinner at the parish hall on 4 June 2017.

In welcoming them, Bishop Julius Gitom said, “Your baptism does not end here; rather your commissioning to go forth as part of this faith community, to bring the good news of peace and love to others, is just the beginning of your faith journey!”

This year the cathedral parish received 23 adults and seven children from the Bahasa-speaking community, 14 from the Chinese and five adults and two children from the English speaking community. They have all undergone the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) programme for about a year.

The event began with the newly baptised entering the hall,  holding lighted candles, to the accompaniment of a sung hymn ‘Walk in the Light’ by the parishioners who had turned up to support them.

Lionel Randasan, catechetical committee head, thanked everybody for coming in support of the new members, and the organising committee for their tireless efforts in organising the event.

In his speech,  he said, “Practise what you believe, and journey together in faith with the brothers and sisters in the church.”

In his turn, Bishop Gitom expressed his gratitude to the Catechetical Committees, the RCIA facilitators and Sunday School teachers for their dedicated service in the ministry.

He reminded them that it is “the Holy Spirit who is at work in touching the hearts of the neophytes to commit themselves to the Lord” so that no one would take the credit for God’s work.

Quoting St Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, ‘Nobody can say Jesus is Lord….unless the Lord touches his heart’  (cf 1 Cor 12:3), the bishop acknowledged that there is nothing anyone could do unless the Lord touches their hearts.

“I thank the neophytes for responding to the Lord’s invitation,” he said, affirming the newly baptised.

He concluded by encouraging the new members to join the many ministries and communities in the church and to channel their God-given talents in serving the church.

During the dinner, some of the newly baptised shared their personal testimonies. – Dalius LL

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TAWAU – Members of the Holy Trinity Social Communications Committee (SOCCOM) were exhorted to give “good news” to the people.

The exhortation was given by Msgr Nicholas Ong at the Mass marking the 51st World Communication Day on 27 May 2017 at Holy Trinity Church here.

He quoted from Pope Francis’ message for the occasion:

 “I would like, then, to contribute to the search for an open and creative style of communication that never seek to glamourise evil but instead to concentrate on solutions and to inspire a positive and responsible approach on the part of its recipients. I ask everyone to offer the people of our time storylines that are at heart ‘good news.’”

Echoing the sentiments of the Holy Father, Msgr Ong said “You must share good news everywhere through your words, actions and the media. The world today offers constant bad news:  war, killing, murder, suicide bomber, terrorism and so on.  But don’t forget that we are children of the Good News, that is, Jesus Christ Himself.”

He added, “So share your good news with others; of the love, mercy and forgiveness which you have experienced from God. Let the world know and acknowledge that this “good news” offers hope and affirmation.  Without God’s love, guidance and protection, we will be without hope.”

SOCCOM members took an active part in the liturgy as presenters of gifts, readers and commentator.

Msgr Ong introduced the SOCCOM members to the parishioners before the Dismissal of Mass, and expressed his gratitude for their hard work and contribution in the dissemination of faith through various forms of media, as well as updating the documentation of parish activities.

SOCCOM Holy Trinity provides voluntary service, including photography, for all church events.  The photos are documented and kept in the archives of the parish so that the history of the church could be preserved. Reports of events are channelled to church-based bulletins and websites such as the Diocese of Sandakan News Update (DOSPO), Catholic Sabah and The Herald. – Julita Kantod

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TAWAU – The pastor of Holy Trinity Church here said the faithful have been gifted with faith in the Holy Trinity.

“We are all blessed for God has gifted us with the faith of believing in the most controversial statement by most religions,” Msgr Nicholas Ong said in his homily on Trinity Sunday, 11 June 2017.

Msgr Ong explained, “Our faith teaches us very clearly that The Holy Trinity is the mystery of love, communion and peace, which is visible in the person of Christ, our God and Saviour.”

He continued,  “By His suffering, death and resurrection, God is with us in the form of the Holy Spirit. By God’s grace and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we are indeed in communion with God. You do not see the full meaning of the Trinity but you experience it around us.”

The pastor urged the parishioners to share the mystery of the Trinity to others, the mystery that is tangible in “the unity and communion that we build with the people around us.”

Referring to the Vision and Mission of the Diocese, Msgr Ong stressed the importance of unity in diversity, and the need to journey together to achieve the Vision as “One Big Family” of God, which was also the theme for this year’s parish feast day celebration.

After Mass, all adjourned to the parish hall for fellowship, which was spiced up with some cultural presentations by the various groups.

The gathering, which was attended by over a thousand parishioners, also included a short sharing on the Vision and Mission of the Diocese presented by Mario (on the Vision statement) and Julita (on the Mission statement).

The presentation of the Vision and Mission Statement was to enhance the awareness and understanding of the parishioners of its existence and purpose, as well as their role in making the Vision and Mission a success.

In spite of the inclement weather, parishioners gathered from far and near, from the various communities, groups, ministries and the nearby chapels. The participation of St Clement Brantian and St Thomas Bombalai from Kalabakan, and St Jude from Semporna added to the number and merriment of the event.

Msgr Nicholas Ong expressed his gratitude to all parishioners for their effort and unity in celebrating the parish feast day and in fully participating in the liturgy by the various groups. The different colourful costumes were a symbol of the unity, understanding and friendship that exist among the faithful.

There was the usual anniversary cake cutting ceremony, followed by lunch and then games for the families. The parish event ended with a closing prayer by Franciscan Sister Martha. – Julita Kantod

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU  – As part of their programme marking the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests (WDPSP), the Kota Kinabalu clergy took time in the morning to reflect on their priestly ministry on 22 June 2017 at Vianney Home Dontozidon.

The day of prayer was instituted by Pople John Paul II in 2002.  The Feast of the Sacred Heart was chosen because it celebrates God’s merciful love, and that becomes tangible for priests in the Eucharistic Mystery, which they celebrate daily, and in the sacramental pardon which they administer and receive.

Father Peter Abas facilitated the reflection.  He challenged the participants to look into their own priestly ministry – whether they feel the joy, peace and happiness in being a priest, a bishop, while reflecting on the confession of Pope Francis that he not only likes to be pope, but he also “enjoys being a priest in a parish, the rector of a faculty and also a parish priest — I like both callings very much. I also enjoy doing Sunday school, children’s Mass…. I like this. Always, being a priest is something that I have always enjoyed very much.”

Fr Abas also urged them to look for Christ in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation

In the evening, at the homily during the concelebrated Eucharist with the faithful at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Karamunsing, Father Cosmas Lee tied up the reflection with the meaning of holiness for the priest.

“To be sanctified, to be made holy, is to have the heart of God, which is the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the one who is not a hireling that would run away in the face of trial, of inconvenience, danger, but one who would give his life for his sheep,” he said.

Fr Lee concluded his homily with a plea for prayers for the priests.

“Please pray for your shepherds, your priests.  May they be graced to know that to be good shepherds, there is nothing more important than to be holy, and to be holy is to have the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” he said. – CS

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu