KK Diocese To Hold Congress On Family
PENAMPANG(CS Online).- In lieu of the PAX Assembly (held every two years) the Diocese of Kota Kinabalu decided to hold a congress on the family on November 7-10 at the Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre.
This is in line with the diocesan thrust to focus on strengthening family life in view of the many subtle and not-so-subtle secular and spiritual forces challenging it.
This came out of the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) meeting held May 19.
At the meeting, Bishop John Lee called for an assembly focussing on the family.
Following this, the DPC held initial discussions and formed a working committee to organise this assembly with members comprising Msgr Primus Jouil, Father Fundes Motiung, Sister Terry Loukang fsic, Sister Dariah Ajab fsic, Anthony Lim, Henry Solibun, Susan Shee, Dominic Lim, Neil Mah and Anita Tunggolou.
The members elected Anthony Lim as chairman and Shee as secretary.
The objectives of the congress are to (a) create awareness on the family situations today; (b) understand the root causes of such situations; and (c) understand that all the parish ministries/committees/communities must work together to address family issues and strengthen family life. It is not the apostolate of the Family Life Committee alone.
On the first day, November 8, the congress will look at root causes of family problems from three perspectives: psychological (issues that can make a family dysfunctional), socio-economic (issues that adversely affect the family) and spiritual/faith (on what the Church say) which will be conducted in both English and Bahasa Malaysia.
The resource speakers on the above topics are Father Charles Chiew of Keningau, Good Shepherd Sister Maria Dipal and Anne Lasimbang.
The thematic discussions on November 9 will be in the form of a 30-minute sharing followed by a 90-minute Q&A and summary session which will be reported at the open forum the following morning.
It is hoped that there will be a representative from each parish to participate in the five thematic sessions.
The topics are on Challenges in Parenting, Strengthening Husband-Wife Relationship, Building Christ-centred Family, Handling the Forces of Globalisation and Dealing with Broken Marriages.
The integrated approach implies that participants of this congress come not as parish representatives but as individuals with the hope that when they go back to their respective parishes with informed knowledge, they will be able to propose and do something.
The parishes will be the ones to decide who will attend the congress.
Prior to the congress, as a preparation for it, a questionnaire on the family situation in the parish will be sent to all the parishes.
The questions are to be discussed and answered by a group of parishioners/parish leaders who are knowledgeable of the situation of the family.
Parish delegates to the congress are to join in this discussion.
The answers to the questionnaire will be submitted to the Organising Committee on or before October 7.
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Daughters Of St Paul Re-elect Superior General
ARRICIA, ITALY(Zenit.org/CS online).- The Daughters of St Paul elected Sister Maria Antonieta Bruscato for another six years as the order's superior general.
The congregation of women religious, dedicated to evangelization through the media, re-elected the superior general on Sept 15 during their general chapter, which ended on Sept 20. It began Aug 20.
Sister Bruscato is a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. She was named to this post by Benedict XVI.
The next day, Sept 16, the chapter delegates elected Sisters Helena Arroyave (Colombian), Anna Caiazza (Italian), Samuela Gironi (Italian), Francisca Matsuoka (Japanese) and re-elected Anna Maria Parenzan (Italian) and Inocencia Tormon (Filipina) as general councilors. The last two had served in the previous government.
The Daughters of St Paul, founded by Blessed Giacomo Alberione in 1915 with the collaboration of Venerable Tecla Merlo, have 2,490 members today, with 261 young women in formation.
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The Gospel And The Media: Paulines Question Themselves
ARICCIA, ROME(CS Online).- The General Chapter of the Daughters of St. Paul opened August 29 at Ariccia (Rome). A congregation of women religious, the Daughters of St. Paul are dedicated to evangelization in the culture of the media. The participants number 71 coming from five continents.
The Daughters of St. Paul, founded in 1915 by Blessed James Alberione, with the collaboration of Venerable Sister Thecla Merlo, today number 2490 members with 261 young women in formation. There are 248 communities throughout the world from which they carry out their apostolic mission through distribution centers, book centers and the production of books, magazines, music, film and internet content as well as critical formation in the use of film, radio, television and other media.
Their model is the Apostle Paul, whose passionate love for Jesus Christ gave fruitfulness and meaning to all his creative apostolic activity.
Today the expansion of the Paulines has extended to 52 nations throughout the world. They are present in first world countries as well as in areas of tremendous poverty; in traditionally Christian nations such as Latin America, and where the Church is in the minority, as in Japan, or in Islamic countries like Pakistan. In the past ten years the missionary foundations include four countries in Eastern Europe, two in Latin America; five in African, and two in Asia, most recently Vietnam. Plans are underway for foundations in South Sudan and Indonesia.
Although the places and cultures are very diverse, all are permeated by a powerful and ambivalent media that challenges the Church to a proclamation of the truth and the values inherent in the Christian faith. For this reason, the Paulines, mandated by the Church, creatively use the media apostolically, according to the situation and possibility. This is, in fact, their Charism.
During their General Chapter, the Daughters of St. Paul are questioning themselves regarding their responsibility to evangelize effectively within the complex and difficult reality of everyday communication; how to reach the very poor with the Word of God; how to intensify synergy and collaboration with the laity; how to define and live meaningful relationships in community; how to give a 'soul' to communication. They are reflecting on their lives as apostles of Jesus Christ and refining their personal and congregational choices in the fire of the Holy Spirit to know how to look realistically at the deeper aspects of humanity and seek new ways to evangelize in the modern areopagus of communication.
The Chapter expects the election of a new General Government and will establish apostolic priority choices for the next six years.
For more information visit www.9cg.paoline.org
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FSIC Jubilarians Celebrate Their Joy Of Consecrated Life At SHC
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Seven Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) celebrated their golden and ruby jubilees with family members, relatives, fellow religious and friends at the Sacred Heart Cathedral here August 11.
Vicar General Msgr Primus Jouil presided over the Eucharistic Celebration which was concelebrated with Bishop Cornelius Piong of Keningau Diocese, Father Moses Lui of Melaka-Johor Diocese and nine other priests of the two Sabahan dioceses.
After the homily, all the jubilarians renewed their vows which were accepted by Mother General Sr Grace Deosing.
The Mass was followed by a reception at the parish hall.
The golden jubilarians were Sister M Regina (Noemi) Majakil Tendahal of Kg Mahau, Limbahau, 71; Sister M Ignatia (Olive Marian) Gomes of Kg Kambau, Penampang, 72; Sister M Patricia (Agnes Shu Yin) Loo of Shantung Settlement, Penampang Road, 72; Sister M Rosalind (Mary Siew Yun) Thien of Tenom, 69; and Sister M Stella (Pamela Evadne Siew Chin) Chin of Jamaica, 71.
The two ruby jubilarians were Sister M Rita (Rose) Chew of Kuala Penyu, 60 and Sister M Imelda (Angeline) George Angang of Kg Tara, Kuala Penyu, 59.
Sisters Stella and Regina entered the congregation together on 25 March 1954, made their first professions on 11 Feb 1957 but took their final vows on different dates: Sister Stella on 11 Feb 1962 and Sister Regina on 15 Aug 1962.
Sister Patricia entered on 1 Jan 1955 while Sisters Rosalind and Ignatia entered on 30 Jan 1955.
The three made their first profession on 4 Oct 1957 but took their final vows on different dates: Sisters Patricia and Rosalind on 20 Dec 1962 and Sister Ignatia on 25 Aug 1963.
All of them celebrated their silver jubilees in 1982 in different places (where they were assigned then).
The two ruby jubilarians entered together on 10 Jan 1965, made their first professions on 15 Aug 1967 and took their final vows on 22 Dec 1972.
They also celebrated their silver jubilees together on 2 Jan 1993 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu.
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Seven Take Definitive Promise As Secular Carmelites
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Members of the Order of Secular Carmelites (OCDS) made history as seven of them took their defintive promise July 28, feast of Bl John Soreth the superior general who wrote the decree on the OCDS in 1452, at the Carmelite Chapel here.
Matthew Liow, Madelein Liow, Datin Cecilia Celestina Jinu, Catherine Pain, Thomas Pain and Datuk Thasius Joeman made their definitive promise while Florence Chen, Justin Paujik and Alex Wong renewed their promise for another year.
James Tiking, who could not make it that day, renewed his promise July 26.
Carmelite Father Aloysius Deeney officiated the event, assisted by Father Felix Chung.
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SHC Bazaar Coupon-sales Meets RM100,000 Target
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- The Sacred Heart Parish Kota Kinabalu fundraising bazaar in aid of the proposed Diocesan Retirement Home for Priests and Religious held at the parish centre August 5 was a big success as its coupon-sales met the RM100,000 target.
Some 60 stalls with a wide variety of food and goods were put up ranging from the ever-popular "ngau chap" to religious articles by the different parish groups, communities and ministries.
It was a bazaar with a difference: almost of a carnival scale.
Rector Msgr Primus Jouil opened the bazaar with a blessing.
The three emcees (English, Mandarin, BM) kept the crowd well informed of what was happening, where to buy what and where to eat what.
The all-day entertainment under James Ansibin kept the crowd happy while they were taking their breakfast, lunch or afternoon coffee.
There was even a stall from a local bank helping out those very busy people who normally can't find time to apply for a credit card.
For the energetic children there was even a horse for them to ride for a small charge.
The hourly lucky draw was a source of excitement because at every draw a handsome three-feet-tall hamper was given away.
Many of those who came waited for the parish celebrities (the rector, Father Michael Modoit, Father John Wong, Sister Carmen Cordova, Dr Damian Lee and Datuk Terence Chong) to sing.
As an appreciation many spontaneously chipped in with cash and coupons to sponsor the "singers."
Among those who set up stalls were the Daughters of St Paul - their 'tamu' stall grossed RM14,535, followed closely by the Chinese Pastoral Care at RM12,158 and the Catholic Women's League at RM6,847.
The rector's support was seen when he opened a "Msgr & Co" stall selling green coconuts and coconut products, grossing RM2,567.
The bazaar was a case of the DOPP put into practice because the parishioners, the Religious, the Parish Pastoral Council and committee members, the rector and his assistants all 'journeyed' together for a common cause.
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SHC Starts Its Family Visit Programme
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- The Sacred Heart Parish Family Visit 2007 (PFV 2007) commenced on August 6 as scheduled, blessed with fine weather and high spirit of all the volunteers involved.
Prior to the commencement, the 50 visiting teams had group sharing followed by Mass and commissioning by Bishop John Lee August 2.
A visiting team consists of five persons, including the leader.
The geographical area of the parish is divided into 20 zones, each under a leader.
There are also taman coordinators and cluster coordinators to actively help out.
This time around, there are some 400 parishioners actively participating in the programme.
This programme is one practical way through which parish leaders and fellow parishioners have decided to journey together for a common goal.
The programme will end on October 31.
The parish had held two similar programmes in the past: during the Jubilee Year 2000 and in 2003, being part of the parish centenary celebration.
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Bishop-designate's Coat-of-arms
What is a coat-of-arms? Why does the bishop need to have one?
A coat-of-arms is a device based upon heraldic laws and traditions which represents an individual, a corporation, an institution or a political entity.
Ecclesiastical (church) coats-of-arms are governed by regulations issued by the Vatican Secretariat of State and amended from time to time.
The coat-of-arms of the Holy See is a red shield ensigned with the papal tiara over crossed gold and silver keys.
The coat-of-arms of a particular pope includes the shield with his personal arms surmounted by the tiara and crossed keys.
The arms of ecclesiastical personalities are distinguished by the colour of the ecclesiastical hat (a low-crowned, flat, wide-brimmed hat worn in processions until 1870) and the colour and number of tassels on both sides.
A cardinal's hat is red with 15 tassels on each side, a patriarch's is green with 15 tassels, an archbishop's is green with 10 tassels and a bishop's is green with six tassels.
Behind the shield the processional cross is placed. A one-barred cross indicates a bishop, and a two-barred cross indicates an archbishop.
Since 1969 it has been prohibited to use mitres or crosiers on coats-of-arms. The only knighthoods which may be indicated on ecclesiastical arms are those of Malta and the Holy Sepulchre.
Prelates of the Eastern Churches often use different devices to indicate their rank. Hats of black and magenta with varying numbers and colours of tassels indicate ecclesiastics of lower rank.
Bishop Julius' coat-of-arms
Looking at the bishop-designate's coat-of-arms, the shield, a reproduction of a tribal shield of a Kadazandusun warrior, is stripped with green, yellow and white colours, dividing it into four sections.
The top and bottom sections depict the whole scenario of Sandakan Diocese.
At the centre is a chalice and a host placed against the yellow and white colours.
A cross, red in colour, is placed behind the shield.
Explanation of the coat-of-arms
Hat and Tassels
The hat is the distinctive mark of the bishop's office. The cords and the 12 tassels hanging around the shield represent the rank of the bishop in the hierarchy and at the same time, symbolises the unity of all the bishops whose head is the pope, successor of Peter.
The Shield
The shield is generally understood as a symbol of protection from the evil one. The blue colour engrailed on the edges of the shield is a symbol of love and peace. Thus, the shield is symbolised as leaven to build a harmonious living in the community.
The Cross
The processional cross behind the shield represents Christ who is Lord and Saviour. The red colour depicts the sacrifice of Christ who died on the cross for the salvation of mankind.
The Chalice and Host
The chalice and host depict the Eucharist as the source and summit of our life in Christ.
Palm Oil Tree and Animals
The palm oil tree at the top section depicts agriculture as the main economic activity in the Diocese of Sandakan while the animals at the bottom section of the shield depict the richness of wild life (flora and fauna) in the diocese.
The Colours
The green colour and the pictures of the animals remind us of the Garden of Eden which was given to man to till by God. In accord with God's plan, we have to care for our environment.
The yellow and white colours as found in the flag of Vatican City State represent the papacy. They symbolise the communion between the local Church with the Mother Church.
Motto
The motto: Serve One Another With God's Love is an inspiration taken from John 13:1-15 - the washing of the disciples' feet. Jesus washes the disciples' feet so as to give them a model to follow. Indeed, a humble service rendered, following the example of Jesus the Good Shepherd, is fundamental to the ministry of the local Church.
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