Category Archives: May 2018

Parish ministry members come together to strengthen bonds

The various ministries from Holy Redeemer Church (BECAT, BECCOT, KUBM, Tamil Apostolate, Family Life Ministry and PIHDM) came together for a teambuilding event on April 28 and 29 to foster collaboration and team spirit among the various ministries in the Church and BECs. As mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, “For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.” The teambuilding took place at the Golden Sands Baptist Assembly, Port Dickson. A total of 39 members attended this fun-filled teambuilding activity that consisted of ice-breakers, talks and interactive games.

Fr Clement Lim, the parish priest, sent everyone off with a blessing and made a surprise visit to the location to officiate the teambuilding session. The team building kicked off with an opening activity by Catherine Lim. This was then followed by a talk and activity from the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission members Joseph and Anita Pragasam. They presented about the different roles we play in each ministry and how to work with them.

Mass that evening was celebrated by Fr Andrew Kooi from the Visitation Church, Seremban. His homily was about love in the family and how we can use that in our love for church. He also spoke about encouraging young people into priesthood and religious ministry, the taboo against it and how to overcome this.

Mass was followed by evening prayers and supper before everyone adjourned for the night. The next morning was filled with teambuilding activities in which everyone was taught that the value of a team lies in how well we work together as a group, not as individual entities.

There was also a session conducted by the parish’s Family Life Ministry about the importance of God in our family life.

The session ended with a debriefing session by BECAT members. By the second day, everyone had developed a relationship which was the initial objective of the team building.

“It was truly a fun filled weekend and we got to know each other better. I think we have been together as Church for a while but only just begun to truly know each other,” a participant shared after the session. All in all, it was a fruitful weekend and one that will definitely be remembered by all.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

 

Regional Liturgy Commission meets in Kuala Lumpur

The 20th meeting of the Episcopal Regional Liturgy Commission (ERLC) of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei was hosted by the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese April 30 – May 4. All but three of the 11 dioceses of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of this region were represented at this meeting with Miri, Kuching and Keningau arch/dioceses extending their apologies.

Once again, the translation works on the Roman Missal, Order of Christian Funeral (OCF), Order of Celebrating Matrimony (OCM), Rite of Confirmation and the status of the Revised Sing Your Praise to God (SYPG) Hymnal were discussed. Fr David Garaman of Sandakan reported that the Bahasa translation of OCF and OCM has been completed. The Tamil translation of the OCM and the Sunday Missal is also completed.

Spencer Klumai of Kuala Lumpur reported on the availability of a Bahasa Malaysia version of the Protestant Bible, Alkitab Versi Borneo. Bishop Sebastian Francis, who is the President of the commission, explained that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei has given Bishop Richard Ng from Miri the mandate on this project. Bishop Ng has a team working with the Protestant group to translate the remaining seven books of the Old Testament (deuterocanonicals) that are missing from the Protestant bible.

The Revised Rite of Confirmation in English is in the midst of proofreading before being sent to the printers. The ERLC proposed that the region start using the Revised Rite of Confirmation beginning from the 1st Sunday of Advent 2018.

The review of the new SYPG Hymnal basically completed and only pending the copyright licences for the hymns. It has been difficult locating the copyright holders. Msgr Leonard Lexson, who heads the committee looking into the SYPG renewal, proposed uploading the list of approved hymns on the ERLC website with links for parishes to buy the songs on their own from the copyright holders. Catechesis on sacred music will be done in order that appropriate hymns are used during the celebration of the Mass.

Dr Steven Selvaraju, the Director of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute who has a doctorate in Catechetics, was invited to give his input on the RCIA. He spoke on the RCIA process as a spiritual journey, rather than a programme. Most of the time, we have set schedules that everyone goes through together even though some may not be fully ready to move onto the next step of their journey. The goal of RCIA is not just about the reception of the sacraments of initiation but maturity of faith and conversion.

Often, everyone is lumped together (those for confirmation, those from other denominations, etc.) with those who are searching for their faith, without consideration on the people’s conversion of heart and nurturing of their faith.

The dioceses also presented their diocesan reports and issues relating to liturgy. Guidelines for celebrating the new Memorial to Our Lady, Mother of the Church, and for celebrating School Masses, were distributed.

Archbishop Julian Leow hosted the Welcome Dinner on Monday, April 30 at Berjaya Hotel.

On the second day, the ERLC members witnessed the triple sacerdotal ordination of Fr Xavier Andrew, Fr Simon Lau and Fr Dominic Tan at the Church of the Holy Family in Kajang.

In the evening, they were invited by His Excellency, Archbishop Joseph Marino, the Apostolic Nuncio, to Vespers and dinner at the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy).

On the fourth day, the ELRC members visited several places of interest: the Sungai Buloh Chapel, the Leprosy Centre, the Welcome Home Community and the Church of St. Jude.

The next ELRC meeting will be held in Keningau from May 6 — 10, 2019.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

 

BEC coordinators improve their emotional skills

The Emotional Skills For God’s People Formation was conducted from April 27- 29 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes with 18 participants. The theme was Growing in Relationship in the Footsteps of Jesus. Msgr Mitchel shepherded the sessions with his ABECAT team.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

The first session began for two days with PART ONE: DISCOVERING THE REAL YOU comprising of:

Module 1 – Discovering Self
Module 2 – Discovering Self & the Other
Module 3 – Discovering Self, the Other & God

The second session continued with PART TWO:DISCOVERING THE OTHER THROUGH THE SELF comprising of:

Module 4 – Gift of Listening
Module 5 – Gift of Discerning

The formation concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist.

After the formation, the participants would be able to: unveil biblical examples for strengthening emotions unlock glitches in relationships and in managing people administer positive emotions in handling community building identify inhibitions of anxiety and anger in unsettled relationships create resources for people in handling emotions.

Using different methods to identify emotions

The participants were exposed to various methods and approaches in identifying their emotions, discovering steps in addressing internal and external issues and learning to manage them adequately. It was through becoming aware of their emotions that they realised the importance of aligning their emotions to eliminate those that brings them down. They were happy to discover how positive emotions enabled them to increase their ability in nurturing peace, harmony and happiness from within. Another eye-opener was that the understanding of the basics of emotional skills posed a great start in their lives. There was a realisation that the need for emotional skills increased with their responsibilities in life especially in the role they played in their parish and community life. Msgr Mitchel expressed the importance of looking into their “blind spots” that resulted in poor relationships among communities. The exposure to Communication Styles Survey unveiled the paths of communications through the four styles that can bring harmony and peace amongst one another when appropriately addressed.


— challenges of dealing with emotions
— recognise feelings to respond appropriately
— managing reactions effectively

Parables used to help participants relate
The use of the many parables enlightened the participants when they were related effectively to daily life stories with creative activities. The session on Discernment was beautifully presented with the opportunity to experience the wonder of God in their lives bringing them all closer to Him and to one another.

Msgr Mitchel was able to touch the many hearts seeking and yearning for real friendship and true relationship with God during the Mass celebration. The receiving of the Eucharist was made momentous with the opportunity to speak to the Lord whole heartedly, for some in pain filled responses. Jesus was recognised as being present with them and emotions were identified.

A pilot programme
The pilot programme was intended as a trial session to collate information on the needs of the people in addressing the three main concerns of the BECs aligned with the Five Year Plan. Therefore, material and activities are still at the stage of being finetuned, revamped and reconstructed accordingly.

The team believes that several sessions will be needed to confirm the entire approach, material and methods before finalising material. Overall, it was a meaningful and insightful session with the unveiling of the Emotional Skills for most of them who were exposed to entrails of Emotional Skills for the first time.

Growing in Relationship in the Footsteps of Jesus paves the path for all to discover emotions for removing obstacles and building coping mechanisms in keeping track of our blind spots in walking with Jesus to build his Kingdom as the ABECAT strives to uphold these objectives.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

 

Use all ways to communicate the Word of God

Most of us are not able to remember much about the homily after Mass. Visuals help us to remember information better. A homily delivered together with visual aids makes a difference, said Fr Dr Gilbert Choondal SDB, in his talk entitled Developing Engaging Communicators. It was facilitated by the Penang Diocesan Pastoral Institute in Penang, Ipoh and Bukit Mertajam from April 4 to 6.

Fr Gilbert is a Salesian Priest of Don Bosco (SDB) and holds a PhD in Catechetics and Youth Ministry from the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome. He is currently lecturing in Kristu Jyoti College, Bengaluru, India.

Fr Gilbert said that we communicate Jesus by being Jesus today. Pastoral communication is God’s work. Communication is sacred and it began with God himself. If he did not communicate, we would not be here. Jesus was an excellent communicator and experienced teachers listened to Jesus and appreciated Him.

St Don Bosco was a very skillful person and he used all possible skills, and even magic tricks, to attract the youth.

Emphasising the importance of pastoral communications, Fr Gilbert referred to Canon 779, which categorically states that Catechetical instructions should use all possible teaching aids and instruments of social communications adopted according to age, culture and conditions of life of the faithful. He added that Catechism should be made interesting and lively, without fear of using new technologies.

Fr Gilbert explained how Catholic statues, architecture, icons and other images which are highly symbolic, helped to communicate the faith in those early days when there was no written Word.

At the weekend stay-in programme on April 7 and 8 at Domus St Anne Bukit Mertajam, Fr Gilbert spoke on fake news and held a workshop on various pastoral communications skills.

Faith may be communicated through media techniques such as songs, movies, videos, media. art, magic, quiz and games. Fr Gilbert provided several examples on each technique. His workshop on Gospel magic and paper crafts was
creative and unique. The participants even learnt to make placards that could pop out with messages.

Today, digital devices like the TV, mobile phone and computers have become ubiquitous and upon whose altar many people worship, their new god. Digital devices have become accessible to the rich and the poor alike. The illiterate share a culture with the literate. People have become so addicted to digital devices until they can’t do without them. That is why Pope Francis in his Amoris Laetitia has advocated that families keep one hour in a week free of digital devices and spend quality time together.

It is our responsibility to teach young people how to use the media responsibly. This is called media education. Media education develops a person’s critical and creative thinking and understanding of the nature, techniques and impact of the message. It is also the ability to be able to discern the hidden agenda behind the message. All this takes time and practice.

We are people of truth, so we must promote truth. If we are not sure, we should not simply forward any messages we receive. We should not forward even chain letters, because our faith is not dependent on curses and blessings. Verify the news first. Where does the news come from? Who created it? Read beyond the headlines. Is it newsworthy? Check the date. Does it have a date? Use web tools to verify whether it is fake.

Fake news is everywhere. Not even the Holy Bible was spared. The crafty serpent created the first fake news by misinterpreting God’s command. Jesus was himself a victim of fake news. Pope Francis has also chosen the theme for this year’s World Communications Day The truth will set you free. (Jn 8:32). Fake news and journalism for peace on May 13.

Fr Gilbert ended his programme with a session on four types of prayer meditation which is a way of communicating with our Heavenly Father. Just saying prayers is infantile. However, meditation is a mature way of praying and we should teach our children how to meditate in Catechism classes.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

 

CAC staff celebrate Kaamatan

The staff and aspirants pose for remembrance after the Mass, Catholic Archdiocesan Centre Penampang, 17 May 2018.

PENAMPANG – The staff of Catholic Archdiocesan Centre here celebrated Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) jointly with the aspirants on 17 May 2018 with Mass and fellowship meal.

Father Joshua Liew presided at the English Mass with Kadazan hymns.  Some of the staff wore Kadazan traditional attire.

In his homily, he said that while there was no harvesting of rice grains, one could harvest God’s will.

After Mass, all adjourned to the dining hall for a fellowship meal of native dishes.

The Kadazan harvest festival or Pesta Kaamatan is celebrated throughout the month of May yearly.  It is developed from custom and tradition that revolved around rice farming and is held for the following reasons:

  • To give thanks to the spirit of the rice called “Bambaazon” for the abundant rice harvest the previous year.
  • To identify the Kadazans as rice growers and with the land.
  • To showcase their uniqueness as a people.
  • To strengthen understanding and unity among the Kadazan people.

The archdiocesan-level Kaamatan celebration will be hosted by St Peter Claver Ranau on Tuesday, May 29, at 9:30 am.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

60 attend liturgy of sending forth, rite of commitment

Pauline Cooperators (L-R) Judy Jipanin, Evelyn Perete, Sylvester Spiji, Valin Tivit and Collaborators Chua Kok Fatt, Michelle Tang and Delliza Sugar stand before Father Paul Lo during the liturgy of sending forth, rite of commitment, Sacred Heart Cathedral Chapel Karamunsing, 16 May 2018.

KOTA KINABALU – Around 60 people attended the liturgy of sending forth at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Sacred Heart Cathedral here on 16 May 2018.

Father Paul Lo presided at the Eucharist with the rite of commitment of four members of the Association of the Pauline Cooperators and three of their collaborators.

The liturgy of sending forth was in preparation of the seven to attend the worldwide gathering of the Pauline Cooperators in Rome May 18-26 as they close the centenary of the association.

In the rite, the seven promised to go to Rome not as tourists but as pilgrims.

The association was founded by Blessed James Alberione in Italy in 1917.  The lay members live in communion with members of the Pauline Family, using prayer, gifts and talents for evangelisation.

After the Mass, all adjourned to the parish canteen for a fellowship meal.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Anwar free at last as Malaysia charts new course

Jailed former opposition leader and current federal opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim (L) speaks to the media as his wife Wan Azizah (R) looks on, after his return to their home following his release from hospital in Kuala Lumpur on 16 May 16 2018.  Anwar walked free on May 16 after receiving a royal pardon, paving the way for his return to national politics as the presumptive successor to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad following a stunning election upset. / AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN

KUALA LUMPUR – Former Malaysian deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has been released from prison and appears on track to become prime minister of the country.

In his first address to the media after meeting the nation’s king and returning home on 16 May 2018,  Anwar said he would not seek an immediate return to politics and would instead spend time with his family.

He also calmed early fears of rifts in a new post-election government alliance by supporting Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s prerogative to form the cabinet.

The early release of Malaysia’s most famous political prisoner is expected to secure a new phase of political and social reform in a country that was becoming increasingly repressive under now ousted leader Najib Razak. On May 9, a coalition that ruled for six decades, dominated by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), was voted out of office.

Anwar assured supporters that reform in Malaysia will not be derailed by anyone.

“People are concerned that the reform agenda might not go through but I have seen at least in the last week there is a strong commitment,” Anwar said during a press conference at his home in Kuala Lumpur.

“It is not about personalities … they don’t decide (the new government’s agenda), we will make sure this reform agenda is not derailed.”

Days before the election, church leaders said they hoped that Malaysians would vote for “leaders who truly care for the people.”

The statement follows criticism of a minister in the previous government who remarked that churches spread lies to put the government in a bad light. Church leaders were outraged by his comments.

The Bishops’ Conference has released a press statement on May 15 calling on the faithful to pray for peace and reconciliation in post GE14 message. ( https://kkdiocese.net/soccom2013/bishops-ask-faithful-to-pray-for-peace-and-reconciliation-in-post-ge14-message)

It has been noted that in the past six decades, several high-profile Malaysian church leaders have publicly called for a change of government.

Mahathir promises to step aside

Anwar walked out from a hospital where was receiving treatment under guard to applause from a large crowd greeted the man who fired-up the drive to reform the country two decades ago when he was sacked as deputy prime minister. Supporters trailed him to Istana Negara, the royal palace where he met Mahathir who last week sought a pardon for him. The pardon was granted, clearing the way for his release.

Mahathir, now 92, has promised to step aside for him to become prime minister within two years.

Anwar, a hugely charismatic public figure, was jailed for a second time three years ago on what he said were trumped-up sodomy charges that appeared to have derailed his political career.

He was seen as leaning towards hard-line Islam in his youth as a co-founder of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia in the early 1970s. In 1974, he was arrested and imprisoned for almost two years — during student protests against rural poverty — under the now repealed Internal Security Act that allowed detention without trial.

After his release he served as a representative for Asia Pacific of World Assembly of Muslim Youth from 1975 till 1982. He is a co-founder of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and in the mid-1980s served as a chancellor of the International Islamic University in Kuala Lumpur. In 1982 he shocked his supporters by joining UMNO, led by Mahathir, who had become prime minister in 1981.

He moved up the political ranks quickly, becoming a minister in 1983 and rising to the office of deputy prime minister in 1993, a post he held until 1998 when he was sacked by Mahathir during the Asian financial crisis when they disagreed over policy. – ucanews.com, 16 May 2018

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Bishops ask faithful to pray for peace and reconciliation in post-GE14 message

Pakatan Harapan supporters celebrate their General Election 14 victory outside the hotel where opposition leader Mahathir Mohamad held news conference in Petaling Jaya, 10 May 2018 (Reuters).

PETALING JAYA – The Malaysian Bishops’ Conference have asked the people to pray for peace and reconciliation in their Post-General Election 14 message dated 12 May 2018, entitled: “Rakyat has spoken, Syabas.”  Below is the full text.

Rakyat has spoken, Syabas

Dear People of God,

We have exercised our democratic right and duty to cast our vote on May 9, 2018.

The Rakyat has spoken. History has been created against all odds. Malaysia has the golden opportunity now to press the “Reset” button. The future is in the hands of the Rakyat.

We, the Malaysian Catholic Bishops, would like to give Praise and Thanks to God for a relatively peaceful GE14 without much incidents. We are grateful and thankful for a mature electorate which has come of age. To all the Election Commission officials, the Polling and Counting Agents (PACAs), the thousands of volunteers and responsible citizens assisting in the background, “Syabas” for an almost incident-free Election.

This was possible because many came out of their ‘comfort zones’ to sacrifice and toil much to make a better Malaysia where freedom and justice are ensured to all. Everyone is enabled to live in peace and harmony without suspicion of one another as fellow citizens — a New Malaysia has emerged! Many people have expressed sentiments of joy in being Malaysian first. This is indeed God’s grace given freely to all!

This was also manifested during the course of this Election. We have witnessed Humility and the seeking of Forgiveness for past mistakes. We have seen Reconciliation offered and received; observed Graciousness in defeat; a love for Peace and Harmony for this country. Let us put into practice more and more the values of the Gospel.

“As long as we love one another, God will live in us and His love will be complete in us.” (I John 4:12)

We all need to continue to pray for Malaysia. We must pray for Healing and Unity among all of us including the Church.

Let the Church also press the “Reset” button and be a Malaysian Church. It is time for us to walk the talk and move away from language divided churches and live this unity in reality. Let us be inclusive. Let us be creative. Let us be bridge builders. Let us build a Malaysian church for a Malaysian Malaysia.

We want to pray for Blessings and Prosperity for all Malaysians.

We would like to propose a time of Prayer and Thanksgiving for our beloved nation during any of these nine days of Novena before Pentecost between May 12-20 or any other suitable day in May, the month of Our Mother Mary. Possibilities are:

  • A Mass of Thanksgiving be offered
  • A Holy Hour of Adoration and Prayer
  • A prayer intention for ‘Peace in our country Malaysia’ during the community/ family rosary prayers
  • A personal commitment to be an instrument of Peace & Unity

May the love of God and the love for this Nation, keep us Malaysians united in Love.

“God is Love and whoever lives in Love, lives in God, and God lives in him.” (1 John 4:16)

Dated: May 12, 2018

Signed by

+ Most Reverend Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur

+ Most Reverend Simon Poh, Archbishop of Kuching

+ Most Reverend John Wong, Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu

+ Rt. Reverend Bernard Paul, Bishop of Malacca-Johore

+ Rt. Reverend Cornelius Piong, Bishop of Keningau

+ Rt Reverend Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang

+ Rt Reverend Julius Dusin Gitom, Bishop of Sandakan

+ Rt Reverend Joseph Hii, Bishop of Sibu

+ Rt Reverend Richard Ng, Bishop of Miri

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Road work of new SFCSS delayed due to rainy weather

The members pose in front of the two completed blocks after the site inspection, 14 May 2018, Bukit Padang.

BUKIT PADANG – The completion of the road work of the new St Francis Convent Secondary School here has been delayed by three weeks by the rainy weather.

This was conveyed to Archbishop John Wong, adviser to the school management board, at a technical briefing cum site inspection visit on 14 May 2018. Present were members of the building committee, technical and fundraising subcommittees, past and present principals, and Sister Cecilia Liew fsic, adviser to the school alumni association, and the consultants.

Sans bad weather, the contractor said he hoped to complete it before June 6.  The members also discussed and decided on a few other related matters before the inspection of the site.

As of this site inspection, the two four-storey blocks – one consisting of 22 classrooms and living skills workshops, and the other of science laboratories,  offices, staffroom, library, and special rooms – have been completed.  The canteen is in the process of completion.

The groundwork for the RM12 million SFCSS building located behind St Francis Convent Primary School in Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu, was carefully laid.

The development plan was approved in June 2014 and the new building plans were approved in August 2014.

The building works contractor, CL Contractor Sdn Bhd began work on 7 September 2015 and the project is scheduled to be completed by 2018.

Future developments include a multipurpose hall, a sports field, and a kindergarten.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Archdiocesan SOCCOM head lauds WCD celebration by Kota Belud

Parish delegates, Catholic Sabah staff, and commission members pose with Abp Wong for remembrance, St Edmund Parish Hall Kota Belud, 13 May 2018.

KOTA KINABALU –  Archdiocesan Social Communications Commission (ADKK Soccom) head Joseph Leong lauded the 52nd World Communications Day (WCD) celebrations for the archdiocese held at St Edmund Church in Kota Belud on 13 May 2018, 7th Sunday of Easter, as outstanding in many ways.

He expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the organising committee headed by Jinuin Victor, chairman of the parish pastoral council, with the support of the parish soccom committee headed by Samuel Joseph.

Leong said the entire event was truly a joyful manifestation of the Holy Spirit at work. It was the Holy Spirit who impelled everyone within the hosting parish to ensure that this universal festival of the Catholic Church at the archdiocesan level was successful.

The most impressive sign, Leong said,  that made the event outstanding is the ability of the organising committee to involve all groups at the main parish, seven zones, and chapels to actively participate by directly handling certain aspects of the programme.

He felt that the collaborative work among all parish groups and communities was done with the close guidance and support of Father Ambrose Atang, the parish priest, and his assistant, Father Florian Marcus, who both paid personal and close attention to various stages and aspects of the preparations.

The youth in the parish, for instance, played a key role in the conduct of the programmes, providing eloquent  masters of ceremonies and presenting a relevant sketch on stage at the parish hall based on the theme for this year’s WCD, Fake News and Journalism For Peace – “The truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32).

The zones within the parish not only set up stalls selling food and local handicraft items around the parish compound but also set up exhibition booths at the WCD expo at the hall.

Such spirit of working together created a very joyful atmosphere of harmony and unity among the people of the parish. The service of a combined choir at the Eucharistic celebration was another outstanding feature appreciated by all present, guests and locals alike.

Most significant and meaningful was the presence of Archbishop John Wong, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration and other programmes at the parish hall.

His homily centred on the universal theme and his concrete advice to members of the local church on the dangers of spreading fake news was appropriate and timely.

The head of the archdiocese advised everyone to exercise great caution when sending to one another messages from unknown sources and to put a stop to the further spread of fake news in our society.

Abp Wong said, “If you do come across an an article that seems to be too good to be true, check its authenticity. If the message involves something concerning our church, check with your parish priest before sharing it. Let none of us, from now on, be a party to the spread of falsehood.”

It was the first time that the head of the archdiocese personally presided over the celebration of WCD since its inaugural celebration in 2001. This made the celebration of the 52nd WCD at St Edmund a historic one.

Another new feature of the WCD programme this year was the official announcement by Abp Wong of the next host parish followed by a simple ceremony of handing over a WCD Host Parish plaque from Fr Ambrose representing St Edmund to Jonal Mogusun, a representative of St John Tuaran.

A factor that made this year’s celebration historic was the presence and support given by Soccom delegations from 11 other parishes. This was not so in the past.

Among parishes present were: Sacred Heart Cathedral, with its sub-parish of the Church of Mary Immaculate  (CMI) Bukit Padang; St Peter Claver Ranau; St John Tuaran; St Michael Penampang; St Joseph Husband of Mary Kiulu; Holy Rosary Limbahau; St Theresa Kota Marudu; Holy Family Telipok; St Pius X Bundu Tuhan, Stella Maris Tg Aru, St Joseph Papar, and of course the hosting parish of St Edmund Kota Belud.

Members of the ADKK Soccom commission were also present in full force: Father Thomas Madanan  (Spiritual Adviser); Joseph Leong (chairman),  Sister Anna Yap (secretary); Gideon Abel (parish liaison); Claudina Wong, (publications and design); Ruben Sario (trainor); Jenney Juanis (translation); and Patricia Regis (documentation). Some of them came with their family members.

The commission had met with the members of the local organising team on Mar 24 to give them some directives and suggestions on the WCD celebration.

The commission has produced an information leaflet with the aim of improving the knowledge and understanding on the role and functions of Social Communications at the archdiocese and parish levels.

So the commission took the opportunity of the occasion to distribute copies of the leaflet to the Soccom delegations from parishes with the aim and hope that it would help parish committees to improve understanding of the role of social communications and motivate them in becoming active in the spread of the Gospel message.

Also present were Catholic Sabah staff: Linda Edward, Lily Akau, and Caterine Musa. – JLeong

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu
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