Bishops' Conference Calls For The Need To "diffuse The Conflict" Engendered By Fundamentalist Groups
JOHOR(Agenzia Fides).- There is an urgent need to work for dialogue and social harmony "to defuse the conflict that fundamentalist groups are trying to ignite in the nation" according to the Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Jan 11.
The Malaysian Church is "concerned and did not expect that the question of the use of the word Allah would be followed by a reaction of this kind, with attacks on churches and Christian buildings.
The biannual conference opened Jan 11 in Johor and was scheduled to last until Jan 15.
According to information sent to Agenzia Fides, the assembly of bishops had already been scheduled for some time and was to address pastoral issues.
The events precipitated in Malaysia have imposed a change of agenda and prelates discussed their impact and the countermeasures to be taken in this situation, which is described as "worrisome and delicate."
As Fides has learned, during the debate on the first day, the bishops stressed that "meetings with civil authorities and dialogue with Muslim leaders are ongoing and will continue in the coming days.
"We must act in harmony and seek the necessary cooperation of the government and the high religious authorities in order to restore a peaceful environment to Malaysian society," they said.
Another reason is because these episodes are "smearing" the reputation of Malaysian Islam, known for its moderation and peaceful coexistence with other religions.
Groups of moderate Muslims have taken turns guarding churches to avoid further acts of violence.
Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Delegate to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, has expressed the solidarity and closeness of the Holy See to the Malaysian Church, stressing the need to "work for dialogue and peace in the country," in collaboration with the civil authorities.
The president of the Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam of Kuala Lumpur, told Fides Jan 9 that new attacks were feared on Sunday, when churches would be filled with faithful.
His fears proved well founded as new attacks have occurred in other cities and other states of Malaysia, far from Kuala Lumpur, site of the first four attacks.
Two churches were attacked Jan 10, one Catholic and one Anglican, in Taiping; a Baptist church in Melaka was soiled with black paint and Lutong Good Shepherd Church in Miri was damaged by stones being thrown at it; SIB church in Seremban has been the subject of an attack Jan 11, the ninth in this series of attacks.
It is this wanton violence which, although manifest in acts that did not cause casualties, has alarmed the bishops.
Christians, they said, "will work and will do everything possible to keep calm, not retaliate, and pray to avoid a dangerous escalation of the violence."
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Thousands Throng Churches For Midnight Mass
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Nearing midnight of Dec 24, a familiar scene was enacted in all the churches in Sabah: thousands thronged the churches for the Christmas Midnight Mass in commemorating the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago.
At Sacred Heart Cathedral, thousands thronged the cathedral building, spilling over into the adjoining chapel and the nearby parish centre.
The same scene was repeated at St Simon Likas, Stella Maris Tg Aru, St Mary's Cathedral Sandakan, St Francis Xavier's Cathedral Keningau, in big and small churches, chapels or Mass centres throughout the state.
"As you visit the crib and look at Baby Jesus, reflect on the representation of that baby. He is Wonder-Counsellor, Almighty God and Prince of Peace who was conceived by the Holy Spirit to set the whole world free from darkness," said Archbishop John Lee in his homily at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
"A Saviour has been born for us. Today we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. It is a great day. Let us ask God to increase our faith..." the archbishop added.
He urged the faithful to welcome Jesus into their lives and worship Him.
In a similar homily at St Mary's Sandakan, Bishop Julius Gitom reminded his faithful that Christmas is "an expression of joy and thanksgiving as we gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
"He came to the world so that we may have salvation. It is a celebration of faith. He is our hope and the light that shines in the darkness and darkness can't overcome the light, the Lord Himself."
The bishop said that Jesus was born, not in comfort but in distress and poverty.
He urged the faithful that in the midst of festivities to give a thought to the less fortunate, the marginalized and the displaced people of God.
Prior to the celebration of the Midnight Masses, there was either a cantata or the singing of Christmas carols by the choir or a nativity play performed by the parish children to prepare the faithful for the event.
The crowds that came comprised not only the usual Massgoers but also those who come to church once or twice a year (Christmas Eve and Good Friday) as well as those who come home from abroad for Christmas and tourists.
In the run-up to Christmas, during the Advent Season, the faithful in Sabah prepared themselves by going to Confession and having Advent-Christmas Family Visits, Carols by Candlelight and Children's Christmas gatherings.
They also organised or participated in ecumenical events like the Gaya Christmas Celebration in Kota Kinabalu wherein proceeds/donations collected from the three-night event went to charitable causes, and Carols by Candlelight in Sandakan and Tawau.
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Hundreds Gather To Celebrate Christmas With Abp Lee
DONTOZIDON(CS).- Hundreds of faithful heeded Archbishop John Lee's invitation to celebrate Christmas with him at his 17th Open House on Christmas Day Dec 25 at Dontozidon.
From 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm a general flow of people from all walks of life, including the clergy, seminarians and religious, came and went.
Three groups of people came to entertain the archbishop and the crowd with carols: the Chinese Children's Choir, the Sacred Heart Parish Family Pastoral Network Carollers and the children from the Korean community.
Enlivening the event were DJ Andrew Lee and his assistant who provided the festive atmosphere with their selection of Christmas carols and music.
Among the many visitors were the archbishop's siblings and relatives and the members of a Chinese association led by St Simon Parish Pastoral Council Chairman Datuk Terrence Chong.
As usual, all enjoyed free ice-creams provided by Sacred Heart Parish Pastoral Council Chairman Dr Damian Lee as well as the food prepared by the Catholic Women's League.
While greeting the people who came with a handshake and a few words of welcome, the archbishop did not fail to greet the members of the Legion of Mary who were busy washing the plates, pots and pans outside the kitchen.
The open house has been an annual event since 1992.
The archbishop has always been a guest of honour at various functions and events throughout the year.
The Christmas Open House is the only time during the year that gives him the opportunity to play the host and entertain his guests.
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KK Hosts National Christmas Open House A Second Time
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Archbishop John Lee of Kota Kinabalu, representing the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC), was among the invited guests who attended the national level Christmas Open House at the Padang Merdeka Kota Kinabalu Dec 29.
The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, which was also graced by Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, Malaysia Council of Churches President Rev Dr Thomas Philips, Plantation Industries & Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok and other state and federal ministers as well as church leaders.
"Nation building means taking values that are good from one religion that can be shared with other religions because they are common values. So the universal values of Christmas are peace and goodwill to all mankind," said the prime minister in his speech.
"This is an acknowledgement to all religions in this country. It shows we respect each race and religion in this country," he added.
His sentiments were shared by Musa who said by overlooking race and religion, the state can achieve unity in diversity.
After the speeches, Ahmadshah officiated the opening of the event by placing a star on top of a Christmas tree, followed by the launching of the "Letter to Prime Minister" contest by Najib and Musa while the wife of Head of State, Toh Puan Hajah Masuyah Awang Japar and wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Rosmah Mansor gave gifts to 20 underprivileged children.
The people were entertained by song and cultural dance performances by local and invited artistes and troupes.
The first time KK hosted the event was on 27 Dec 2003 at the Likas Sports Complex which was officiated by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
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SH Charity Is One Of GXC Charity Donation Recipients
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- Sacred Heart Charity (welfare centre for the needy) was one of the five selected welfare organisations which received the collection of charity donations at the Gaya Christmas Celebration (GXC), an annual event organised jointly by Kota Kinabalu City Hall and the Sabah Council of Churches in collaboration with Sabah Tourism at Gaya Street.
This year, the event was held Dec 15-17 and the presentation of the charity donations was held Dec 17 in a ceremony officiated by Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim to mark the closing of the celebration at Lintasan Deasoka.
The other recipients were Jireh Shelter Home for Youth of SIB Church, Ark Old Folks Home of the Anglican Church, Basel Church Children's Home and Calvary Church Old Folks Home.
Among the heads of churches present was Archbishop John Lee of Kota Kinabalu.
Aside from the collection of charity donations for selected welfare organisations, there were stage performances, street carols (Stella Maris Tg Aru, St Thomas Kepayan, Sacred Heart Cathedral KK [two groups] and Mary Immaculate Church Luyang took part Dec 15-16), Nativity Crib set up by Sacred Heart Cathedral Intercessory Ministry, booth sales (120 out of 200 booths were manned by the churches) and so on.
The event has been recognised and promoted as an activity in the State Tourism Calendar.
It has also gained popularity not only among the city dwellers but also visitors/tourists.
Iliyas took the opportunity to promote the city's Green and Litter-Free campaign and hoped every celebration held at the city-level would be litter-free.
He also thanked Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman for granting RM100,000 for this year's event.
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Putatan Church Bazaar Raises Over RM140,000
TANJUNG ARU(CS).- A fundraising bazaar in aid of the Putatan church building fund held Nov 28 at Stella Maris Church compound managed to raise more than RM140,000.00.
This was made possible by the sheer determination and commitment of all those involved in the fundraising project.
Stall operators included parishioners from Tanjung Aru, Putatan, Kepayan, Duvanson and from a local hotel and restaurant.
The bazaar which started at 8:00 am saw the food, fruit and book stalls patronised by food coupon holders buying their favourite items.
Children had fun and games inside the parish hall with the DJs doing their best to inform the people about the various items on sale.
The hottest item in the sale was perhaps the
sau nyuk (roasted meat). Within an hour of the opening the sau nyuk stall was already empty in spite of the fact that the operators brought five carcasses with them.
Another crowd-puller was the auctioning of several sponsored items.
One of these was the marble table which was won for only RM10.00.
The blessed winner took home a RM2,000 marble dining set donated by Fr Fundes Motiung.
All lucky draw prizes were donated by Francis Chan of Colourfull Furniture.
However, some prizes of the lucky draw are still not collected. The winners are urged to collect them from the Stella Maris Parish office.
Those who wish to know whether they have won are requested to inquire from the parish office or from church representatives of Kepayan and Duvanson.
Bazaar Organising Chairman Stephen Sondoh and his committee wish to convey their heartfelt thanks to Fr Motiung for allowing them to use the church compound for the event, to all donors and those involved in the bazaar, and most of all, to all those parishioners from around Kota Kinabalu, Putatan and Penampang for their contributions and support.
He said the result was beyond expectations.
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Homecoming For Two
SANDAKAN(CS).- An ex-student and an ex-teacher of St Mary's Secondary School made their way to the 1955-1959 class reunion Nov 25.
Ex-student Jesuit Father Peter Kim Se-mang and ex-teacher Father Theo M Feldbrugge mhm later paid a courtesy call on Bishop Julius Gitom at the latter's office Nov 27.
Sandakan-born Kim had his early education at Holy Trinity School Tawau.
He studied at St Mary's Secondary School in 1959 and then proceeded to Sabah College Kota Kinabalu.
He was ordained a Jesuit priest at St Francis Xavier's Church Petaling Jaya on 10 Dec 1978.
He served in that church before getting involved in the pastoral institutes in Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Kota Kinabalu and Johor.
Currently he is attached to the Catholic Major Seminary in Yangon Myanmar.
Feldbrugge first taught in St Mary's Secondary School from 1956-1960. He was then assigned as principal of St Anthony Labuan from 1961-1963.
He left for further studies in Dublin and Glasgow where he obtained his degrees in geography, economics and education (1963-1967).
When he returned to Sabah in 1967 he was posted as pastor and principal of St Francis Xavier Keningau until 1975.
After retiring from teaching, he served in New York, the Philippines and Los Angeles.
He is now a retired priest residing in Holland.
Kim returned to Tawau for a weeklong visit Nov 29-Dec 6.
During his visit there, he met up with a few of his former school mates.
He related how at Holy Trinity, he was put in a class together with boys of various ages due to the disruption of education by the Japanese occupation.
He recalled one of his school mates was Joseph Pairin, a former chief minister of Sabah, and that the late Fr John Baptist Yong was one of his teachers.
Those who attended the weekday Masses benefitted from his insightful homilies. So did the Bible sharing groups.
On the feastday of St Francis Xavier Dec 3, the Jesuit priest shared on the foreign missions of the saint to India, Malacca and Japan and how his attempts to enter China were sabotaged.
The author of Parish Councils on Mission (Benih Publisher KL 1991), Kim gave invaluable comments to a few parish councillors on how they might want to move in the young diocese.
With a degree in botany from the University of Adelaide, Australia, Kim is still attracted to plants.
He visited River Balung Resort with its good collection of vegetation, both indigenous and foreign.
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Keningau Organises Alpha Course Training
KENINGAU(CS).- Around 130 people turned up for the Alpha Course training programme Nov 30-Dec 3 at the Keningau Diocesan Retreat Centre Tatal.
Although most of the participants were from Keningau Diocese, some were from the Archdioceses of Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, Sandakan and Miri Dioceses and from Brunei Vicariate.
The course was facilitated by the Kuala Lumpur Team headed by Fr John Gnanapiragasm.
They first mooted the idea to Bishop Cornelius Piong and with his blessing, went on to organise what is now their blueprint under the Global Alpha Training (GAT) in the context of the Catholic Church.
Normally conducted over 11 weeks, the course was condensed to three days with the fourth day for training in running the Alpha Course in its proper setting.
In his opening remarks, the bishop shared on the pastoral priority of his diocese, that is, building Christ-centred, evangelised and evangelising Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs).
Knowing that the Alpha Course stresses on the Kerygma, he said he is convinced that it would help in the renewal process of his people.
In his homilies too, the prelate kept stressing on the need for the people to rekindle their faith in Jesus Christ and to look to him as the focal point of all their endeavours.
He highlighted the need to have this personal encounter with the Lord in order to have the heart of a missionary, as without Him all else would be meaningless.
In a normal Alpha Course, the talks are delivered via DVD by Rev Nicky Gumbel, an Anglican pastor from the UK.
During the course in Keningau, live talks were delivered by Frs Eugene Benedict and Leonard Lexson from KL, Fr Simon Poh from Kuching, and by some lay leaders from the BM Apostolate of Our Lady of Lourdes Church Klang.
Msgr Gilbert Engan translated the talks from English to BM.
However, training was done in BM by the KL team.
The Alpha Course, originated in the UK by the Anglicans, has been widely adopted by the Catholic Church worldwide.
However, in situating the course in the context of the Catholic Church, Gnanapiragasam stressed that this course, a timely gift of the Holy Spirit, is to be seen as a process rather than a course or a product.
He told the participants that it should be used as a medium to realise the evangelising mission of the Church as mission is its identity.
The Alpha Course, he added, "has much to offer us in terms of re-evangelisation for those who want to re-discover Jesus and to walk an intimate journey with Him."
Engan gave a presentation in BM prior to the talks proper.
He touched on ecclesiology and the three dimensions of the Church: God as Mystery, People as Communion and Church as Mission.
He said these three dimensions are interconnected and interdependent.
This new way of being church, Engan said, calls for a "radical change of mind," and is made possible by us being "Christ-centred and Word-rooted."
Towards this end, by understanding the dimensions of being church today, the Alpha Course can be effectively used as a response to the Church's universal call to mission inter gentes: to re-evangelise the nominal or lapsed Catholics; and to mission ad gentes: that many in the world do not know Christ yet...And it is our primary duty to bring the Gospel to them...while recognising that mission is our very identity, it should not be seen as an imposition on the free will upon those whom we want to reach out...with the Alpha Course it can be as simple as an invitation to "come and see," according to the vicar general.
During the talks on the Holy Spirit and before ministry time (where people were prayed over for the infilling of the Holy Spirit), Lexson gave a talk on repentance while Benedict led the people to repentance and reconciliation.
The participants were given time for individual confession.
Benedict and Poh also led the people to an experience of Lectio Divina (divine reading) based on Luke 5:1-11.
The small group sharing after each session deepened the friendships among the participants and many of them said they relished this group dynamics.
After the training on the fourth day, the participants gathered in groups according to their dioceses, parishes or communities and later gave their commitment to initiate the Alpha Course in their respective parishes.
In his homily at the closing Mass celebrated at the St Francis Xavier's Cathedral Keningau (feast day of the cathedral), Bishop Piong urged all those present to embrace the Alpha Course as a way to experience a deepening of the relationship with Christ, and to bring His love to everyone within and outside the church.
The National Office of Alpha Malaysia, in collaboration with the heads of the Christian Churches in East Malaysia, will be organising an Alpha Asia Pacific Conference in Kuching on 16-17 April 2010.
Interested parish groups and/or individuals are urged to sign up for this event. Around 1,400 people are expected to attend it.
More details can be obtained from its website: www.alphafriends.org.my.
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Closing IY Academic Year Graced By Ex-students
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- The closing of the Initiation Year (IY) academic year was blessed by the presence of four of the first batches of students: Fr Rayner Bisius of 2001 batch; Fr Adrian Kho (Kuching), Deacon Wiandigool Runsab and Deacon Mattheus Luta of 2002 batch.
After the concelebrated Mass, the clergy, students, teaching and non-teaching staff and invited guests adjourned to the refectory for a fellowship meal prepared by the Women's League. The students serenaded the guests with carols; the teachers of both stages of formation were given tokens of appreciation.
The focus of the Initiation Year (IY) is on cultivating a relationship with the Lord through prayer and studies on the priesthood, St Mark's Gospel, salvation history, psycho-spiritual integration, human sexuality, catechetics, the Christian calling, and the human condition.
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BB Band Gives A Boost To Recycling Event
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- The newly launched Boys Brigade KK Division Band gave a boost to the annual recycling event (books, magazines, boxes, alumninium cans, etc) organised by the Sacred Heart Environmental Action Ad Hoc Committee Dec 13 at the parish centre basement. The BB Band, which was launched Nov 29, did their part by playing a few musical pieces. Fr Rayner Bisius was on hand to give out mystery gifts to some of the parishioners who collected 30kg or more.
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CMI Celebrates Feast Day With Marian Procession
LUYANG(CS).- Mary Immaculate Church (CMI) celebrated its feast day Dec 6 with a Marian procession. However, the procession only involved the liturgical ministers which made Presider Archbishop John Lee ask why the general congregation was not involved as it wound its way around the church compound from the canteen, past the grotto to the church. Deacon Wiandigool Runsab was on hand to assist the prelate. It ended with a simple reception at the canteen.
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Fr Felix Chung Celebrates Ruby Jubilee Of Priesthood
KOTA KINABALU(CS).- In conjunction with Fr Felix Chung's 40th presbyteral ordination anniversary Dec 14, the Carmelite Seculars prepared a breakfast for him and the Massgoers after he concelebrated Mass with Mill Hill Father Brian Coogan at the Carmelite Chapel. Chung, 72, was ordained priest at Stella Maris Church Tg Aru on 14 Dec 1969 by Bishop Carlo van Melckebebe. He had served in various places before he was appointed chaplain of the Carmelite Chapel in 2006.
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CWL Holds 24th Annual Retreat And General Assembly
BUNDU TUHAN(CS).- About 200 Catholic Women's League representatives assembled at the Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre Nov 16-19 for their 24th annual retreat and general meeting (AGM) at archdiocesan level.
The assembly with its theme Families centred on Christ began with the opening ceremony officiated by Archbishop John Lee Nov 16.
In his address, the archbishop expressed his happiness to see so many members at the assembly and noted the presence of many new faces.
He said that the women have been holding their assembly for 24 years and now it's time to reflect on those 24 years and to move on from them.
Expressing his pleasure at the chosen theme, the prelate reminded the women of the need to pray always for the priests so that they will remain faithful to their vocation during this Year for Priests.
He also asked them to pray for more priestly vocations especially from their own families.
The women took the opportunity to greet the archbishop on his 76th birthday and Fr David Sham on his 24th ordination anniversary.
The night ended with stage presentations by the delegates themselves.
Early the next morning the archbishop presided at the opening Mass of the two-day retreat facilitated by Sham.
The facilitator gave five inspiring talks on the role of Christian women in the family, especially in their relationship with their children and spouses.
Time was given for personal reflection and confession. Fathers Jalius Sading, Michael Modoit, John Wong and Johnny Raju were on hand to hear confessions.
The delegates held their AGM on the last day which consisted of both parish and archdiocesan reports of activities and finances.
Written reports and audited accou. nts for the period 1 Oct 2008 to 30 Sept 2009 were received from all the parish delegates.
The assembly concluded with a Mass Nov 19.
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Sandakan Organises PPC Seminar
SANDAKAN(CS).- Around 45 Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) members comprising clergy, religious and laity from the four parishes gathered at the Diocesan Meeting Room Church Hill Sandakan for a diocesan formation seminar for PPC members Nov 27-29.
La Salle Brother John D'Cruz of Ipoh facilitated the sessions. He taught for 17 years in schools and was posted to St Mary's Secondary School Sandakan from 1971 to 1975.
He is now fully involved in human development and special education for youth, especially the poor.
In his welcoming speech, Bishop Julius Gitom said, "In moving ahead together, we need to pause to concentrate on the process strategically about parish vitality. Vibrant parishes do not just happen. We need pastoral excellence to steer us. We need competent and committed parish leaders at all levels."
Participants were divided into mixed groups to allow them to experience and develop the skills of building communities.
The focus was on a deeper understanding of BECs as a new way of being Church.
On the first day the participants shared on their understanding of Christian life, the realities of parish life, difficulties encountered in living out the Christian Life and expectations of Community Life.
The next day, the highlight was on living out the Gospel values and community witness.
Paticipants had the opportunity to learn basic life skills and life process using pastoral methods in sharing their life experiences through being aware of the realities and difficulties of living out the Christian faith.
Together they analysed the reasons why such difficulties exist.
They reflected on the responses of Jesus in encountering such difficulties and then made their own responses to the situations.
The sessions were designed to fall in line with the goal and objective of the seminar as well as to meet the pastoral needs of the diocese.
On the last day, the day kicked off with an input by D'Cruz on the Institutional Church and Community Church as a New Way of Being Church.
He showed the participants the process of movement from conventional teaching which focused on results and work values to a new approach in learning based on child development and life values.
Facilitators, he said, are needed to build up individuals and communities.
This time the group sharing was parish-based as the participants shared on development of BECs in their own parishes.
They went through the process of basic life skills in handling situations/issues which included
- increasing awareness (conscious of the situation, realities, difficulties),
- deeper reflection (knowing the life of Christ, a happier way to live, become a better person),
- action possibilities (promote a better communion, bring out the values of Jesus Christ).
The bishop, in his homily at the concluding Mass, said, "The seminar has just ended but actual work in building and sustaining BECs in each parish will have to begin after this."
He urged everyone to be watchful, ie, be more aware of the realities happening within the Church, pray and meditate on Christ's teachings before responding to the situations.
In life process, the bishop added, it is important to share the time, talents and treasure for the growth of the Church.
The prelate also expressed his appreciation to all who had contributed towards the success of the seminar.
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Tawau Organises SPM Bible Knowledge Course For Teachers
TAWAU(CS).- Holy Trinity Tawau School Board organised a one-week teachers' course on SPM Bible Knowledge Nov 30-Dec 5 at the parish conference room. Around 30 participants - mission school and Sunday School teachers, RCIA facilitators, parish leaders - attended to prepare themselves in the teaching of Bible Knowledge to the parish's secondary school students who are taking the subject. Anthony is the SPM Bible Knowledge Coordinator for KL Archdiocese. He gave each participant a copy of the book he prepared comprising the background notes on Luke's Gospel and Acts of the Apostles.
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Holy Trinity Holds Inner Healing And Transformation Seminar
TAWAU(CS).- The English CCR and Filipino Community of Holy Trinity Church jointly organised an inner healing and transformation seminar Nov 8 at the parish hall.
Over 200 people - including those from Lahad Datu, Semporna, Luasong and Bombalai - attended the seminar facilitated by the KK Archdiocesan Service Team with the theme: I am the Lord that healed Thee.
The seminar focused on unforgiveness, relationship problems, hurts and pains, hidden and shameful sins of previous life experiences.
Many participants felt the need to have a longer session next year so that more time could be given for counselling.
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60 Sabahans Attend 2009 Asian Apostolic Congress On Mercy
PENAMPANG(CS).- About 60 Sabahans attended the 2009 Asian Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Manila Philippines Nov 20-22. Among them were Fr Nicholas Stephen and Franciscan Sister Imelda Angang.
The decision to hold the congress in the Philippines was the suggestion of Cardinal Christoph Schonborn at an audience with Pope Benedict XVI after the first World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM) in Rome on 2-6 April 2008.
WACOM president Schonborn appointed Msgr Josefino S Ramirez, continental coordinator for WACOM Asia & Oceania to head the organising committee for the annual event which was first organised in 2005.
The theme for the November event, Mercy, the Face of the Son of Man in Asia, was derived from the papal exhortation and post synodal document Ecclesia in Asia integrated with the recent synodal document on the Word of God and on St Paul in his missionary endeavours.
The theme highlighted Cardinal Schonborn's message at WACOM: Be Apostles of Mercy.
Prominence was also given to the scriptural foundation of the message of mercy, as well as its socio-pastoral dimension in the context of the Church in Asia with its current issues and challenges (Mercy as a way of life), and mercy as a devotion in the liturgy and sacraments centred on the Eucharist. Thus, as a whole, Divine Mercy shall find its full expression in the Asian Churches as Mystery, Communion and Mission.
The opening rites - Mass presided by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila Archdiocese, opening of AACOM by Msgr Ramirez , welcome address by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo president of the Philippine Bishops' Conference, and message by Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Divine Mercy Asia Episcopal Adviser - took place at the Manila Cathedral Intramuros.
In the afternoon, the 1,000 plus participants attended the blessing of the International Image of the Divine Mercy at the National Shrine Marilao Bulacan.
Bishop Jose F Oliveros of Malolos delivered the inspirational message followed by the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the recitation of the DM Chaplet, Procession and Benediction.
The cultural presentation was held at the amphitheater with testimonials by the Asian delegates.
On the second day, the keynote address of Cardinal Schonborn was read to the assembly by Fr Patrice Chocholski, WACOM general coordinator and secretary general.
A series of conferences marked the rest of the day:
1. Call to be an apostle of mercy in Asia by Fr Joel de los Reyes of Guam2. Hopes and concerns in his merciful love for Ecclesia in Asia by Mina Ramirez of Asian Social Institute
3. Dialogue with Culture and Mission by Fr Gerard Timoner op
4. New Mission on Mercy for Ecclesial Communion by Fr Marceline de Pores of India
5. Mary Mother of Mercy by Fr Joseph Roesch mic
6. Mercy in Eco-Spirituality by Telly F Somera PhD.
Bishop Leopoldos Tumulak of Military Ordinariate and rector of St Therese Shrine presided over the concelebrated Mass.
Recapitulation and synthesis was done by Roesch mic which was followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.
On the final day, the delegates attended the Missionary Festival and Launching of Divine Mercy Youth for Asia at AMVEL Sucat Paranaque City where there was visitation of booth displays and exhibits with brief stage presentation of each participating group.
Commissioning of AACOM 09 delegates and presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation were held after the children's street dance and launching of the Divine Mercy Youth for Asia.
A charismatic healing Mass was held with the delegates organised by the El Shaddai Charismatic community.
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BB Launches KK Division Band
LUYANG(CS).- The Boys Brigade launched its ecumenical Kota Kinabalu Division Band Nov 29 at Puteri Kg Nelayan Bukit Padang Luyang.
Among the guests present were State Chaplain Rev Tan Chor Kee of Good Samaritan Church, State Commissioner Hon Capt Henley Liew, Deacon-to-be Wiandigool Runsab and Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish Catechetical Coordinator Monica Chua and some parents.
The 12-member band comprises Band Major Sgt Dexter Lee (4th KK Coy), 19; Flutist Sgt Amadeus Tan (10th KK Coy), 18; Flutist Cpl Claudius (3rd KK Coy), 17; Flutist L/Cpl Peter Woon (3rd KK Coy), 15; Bugler L/Cpl Clement Tham (4th KK Coy), 15; Bugler L/Cpl Theophilis Tan (10th KK Coy), 15; Bagpiper Pte Desmond Ting (10th KK Coy), 17; Flutist Pte Ezekiel Aludah (4th KK Coy), 17; Drummer Pte Felix Liew (4th KK Coy), 15; Flutist Pte Shahriel Aludah (4th KK Coy), 14; Drummer Pte Adele Lu (5th KK Coy), 13; Drummer Pte Daniel Tham (4th KK Coy), 12; Drummer Pte Adam Aludah (4th KK Coy), 13; Drummer Pte Alywn You (3rd KK Coy), 12 and Cymbal Pte Lester Chaw (4th KK Coy), 12, with Capt Chong Woie Ming as Division Chairman, Leong Vui Khen as Band Instructor and Capt Anna Liew, Lt Mary Yee-Ting Kim Mooi and Lt Philip Yong as Officers-in-charge.
Following the speeches of the state commissioner and the state chaplain, Rev Tan launched the KK Division Band and Logo which was followed by a presentation by the band, an Awards Presentation to several recipients, Company promotion and tokens of appreciation given out. The affair ended with a fellowship meal at Puteri where several of the members gave their testimonies.
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