SHC Catholic Women’s League: RM100K anniversary gift to Catholic Centre

KOTA KINABALU – Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Women’s League (CWL) pledged RM100K to the Catholic Centre, as announced by Anita Tunggolou, Head of Archdiocesan Women Commission at their 47th Anniversary thanksgiving dinner Nov 14.

The 80-table gala dinner, held at the Putera Ballroom, was attended by Archbishop Emeritus John Lee, priests and religious sisters, seminarians and aspirants, CWL members and their families, friends and benefactors.

On stage to receive the mock cheque from Tunggolou was parish priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Fr Paul Lo in the presence of Archbishop John Wong.

The magnanimous gesture made by the women’s apostolate was reflective of their spirituality: love and service.

Helmed by the earlier pioneers, and Tunggolou (for 31 years), CWL has lasted 47 years through faith in God’s faithfulness, unity, perseverance and hard work.

Besides being able to afford their generous anniversary gift to the Catholic Centre, CWL was able this year to top another RM10K to last year’s donation of RM70K to the Seminarians’ Fund (totalling RM80K) without neglecting their usual donations of flour for making communion hosts, to the Hearing Impaired Ministry, the Campus Ministry, etc.

Their big-heartedness was attained from the sheer hard work and sacrifice of the members, and staying united in vision and mission.

Describing them first as “Martha”, Archbishop Wong said they serve mostly through the kitchen, which they are definitely good at.  Secondly, they resemble “Mary” for they too listen and share the Word of God among themselves, praying and interceding for their own family, for the parish, and for society, revealed the Archbishop.

Using the occasion as the opportune moment to encourage the faithful, the Archbishop acknowledged their service in many ministries and apostolates to help build the faith community.

But there are those who could not give themselves to service in the Church, a fact noted by the Archbishop.  To these lay people in the world, he calls them to live their Catholic faith seriously by their words and actions, witnessing the existence of God and proclaiming His love and mercy wherever they find themselves.

Bearing in mind the occasion of the praiseworthy service of the CWL, he presented a challenge to all present “If CWL can last for 47 years in service for the Church, what can I do to show my love for God?”

Tunggolou reminded that CWL started with only seven members, but today they boast of 150 members, and counting.

Earlier in the evening, the new line-up of Committee members took their pledge of service for the term 2018-2021 before Archbishop Wong during the Thanksgiving Mass at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.  The new Committee consists of both senior and new members. 

     Tunggolou revealed that as a result of the League’s call for “new blood” last year, several women signed up as new members.  She urged more young and committed women to heed the call to “love and service” as there is still much to be done for the parish and Church. – CS