Tawau Chinese faithful gather for Lunar New Year Mass

TAWAU – The Chinese faithful gathered for a thanksgiving Mass on the first day of the Lunar New Year to thank God for His blessings for the past year, and to acknowledge that He is also the source of blessings to come for the new year on 28 Jan 2017 at Holy Trinity Church here.

The Mass presided by Fr Charles Chiew was concelebrated with Msgr Nicholas Ong and Father Phillip Muji.

In his homily, Fr Chiew reminded the parishioners of God who provides and who is faithful to His promises, from Mt 6:31-33 “Therefore, do not worry saying ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we wear?’  For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

At the Presentation of Gifts, five groups representing LOM, Bible Sharing Group, Children’s Liturgy, Sunday Faith Formation and Prayer Group brought the gifts to the altar.

After Mass, mandarin oranges were blessed and distributed to the parishioners by the priests.

The Lion Dance performance after Mass lent a festive air to the celebration. – Edward Koh