SANDAKAN – At the Conference of Catholic Women of East Malaysia, participants were told that women are indispensable because they are placed exactly in a position to evangelise.
Their position in the family, community, parish and the diocese facilitates them in that role and together with their spouse, they are the first catechists and teachers to their children.
It is by God’s grace that we are gathered here today, to continue raising our “Mamangkis” as Anak Negeri of this land. We thank God for the unity of the churches in voicing out our common concerns. Indeed we are at the crossroad of many internal and external challenges to us as a multiracial and multi-religious society, and as a Christian community.
Threats from external forces invading our borders and threats from the huge presence of illegal immigrants have constantly reminded us of our vulnerability. However, many a time, our fears and cries are not seriously taken heed of by those in authorities.
Internally, our nation is confronted with unprecedented threat to our Christian faith. Attack on our religious beliefs and practices, even the language we use in our Bible, literatures and worship are under siege.
LIMBAHAU: Over two hundred Anak Negeri Christians from all churches gathered in the Dewan Fr Amandus, Holy Rosary Church Limbahau, Papar on Aug 8-9 for the “Mamangkis” gathering.
Pastor Esther Golingi of Maranatha church, the overall head of PAN, was present together with other church leaders from Kota Kinabalu and neighbouring districts.
SANDAKAN – Twelve members of the Catholic Campus Ministry of Melaka-Johor Diocese (Majodi) embarked on a 10-day mission trip to the Paitan Missionary Area of Sandakan 22-31 Jul 22-31. The mission field trip was led by Sharon Lee, the Coordinator of the Campus Ministry and accompanied by their Spiritual Director, Fr Matthew Bun, the Parish Priest of St Elizabeth’s Church, Kota Tinggi.
On the last day, the team took a 4-hour drive to reach Sandakan. They joined the bi-monthly diocesan staff mass, which was presided by Bishop Julius Gitom and concelebrated by Fr Matthew, at the Chapel of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre the next day.
Year in year out migrants have thronged our shores for search of a better life. Year in year out various interest groups, including the EMI have taken in cognizance and documented the numerous problems and challenges that the migrant community have faced in the course of finding that better life in our countries. Yet, the issues that plague and oppress the migrant community remain and persist. It would be understandable if proponents of migrant rights feel a sense of frustration in dealing with these issues. Maybe even a sense of failure.
I am reminded of the words of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Theresa) – “We are not called to be successful. We are called to be faithful”. We would do well in taking heed of these words which reminds us that even as the world judges all our efforts in terms of how much ‘success’ we have chalked up, God only requires us to be persistent in carrying out His will including reaching out to migrants and their families in their time of need and desolation.
PAPAR – One hundred and fifty Sunday School and RCIA facilitators from Penampang Zone comprising parishes from Penampang, Terawi and Dontozidon converged for a recollection and catechetical gathering at Pace Bene, Papar Aug 1-3.
The event was organized by the catechetical committees from the three parishes together with the Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission in preparation for Catechetical Sunday which would be celebrated on Sep 21.
LIMBANAK – In conjunction with the local observance of Catechetical Sunday on September 21, the Catechetical Committee of St Aloysius Limbanak, Penampang, together with the Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission, organised an Awareness Seminar at the parish hall of St Aloysius Limbanak on 27 Jul 2014.
Among the 300 participants who turned up for the seminar were teenagers from the Sunday School, Confirmation candidates, RCIA catechumens, SPM and STPM school leavers, those preparing for further studies in higher learning institutes and especially those students going for further studies outside Sabah, parents, Sunday School teachers and other youths.
The Risen Lord Jesus grant you Peace!
The recent events around us do not seem to give us a bright picture of the beauty of creation and humanity. Locally, the religious extremism trends, the unethical means of conversion, the racial polarization, the issue of the usage of the term ‘ALLAH’ and the various forms of injustices can cause a tsunami of fear, doubts and uncertainties. Burdened by these negative feelings one can be driven to question: “Where is God in all these? Where is the Kingdom of God?” One can be disappointed, disillusioned and even despaired.
SANDAKAN – Four hundred parishioners gathered at St Mary’s parish hall on the Feast of Assumption Aug 15 to witness the official launching of the Marian Rosary Corridor of about 700 meters at the Marian Mount, graced by Bishop Julius Gitom.
Exactly a year ago, during the Feast of Assumption, on Aug 15, 2013, Bishop Julius declared St Mary’s Cathedral as the Diocesan Pilgrimage Center. The clergy and lay leaders responded positively and worked tirelessly towards putting in place the Rosary Corridor, in time for the annual Rosary Rally 2014.
