Author Archives: Ken Wong

MIRI: Around 45,000 Christians marched through the city of Miri on Saturday, December 9 for the tenth annual Miri Christmas March. Christians from 20 different churches — Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Evangelicals and others, processed to the Miri City Fan, an outdoor venue with seating arranged around four sides of a square stage, where they worshipped despite heavy rainfall.

The Deputy Chief Minister of the State of Sarawak, which covers the north-western corner of Borneo, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and the Mayor of Miri, Adam Yii, were amongst the VIPs who took part in the event.

Saturday’s event, with the theme Glory to God, was the biggest since the annual event began. It was a true ecumenical affair with Christmas carols from members of the Anglican churches kicking off proceedings, before a “lively” praise and worship session led by a Roman Catholic church band, traditional dances by a group from the Borneo Evangelical Mission, a Seventh Day Adventist Choir and a contribution by the Sarawak Baptist Church.

The Anglican Bishop of Kuching, Donald Jute, preached. The Assistant Anglican Bishop of Kuching, Solomon Cheong Sung Voon, chaired the organising committee on behalf of the Association of Churches in Sarawak.

At the end of the speech, Uggah announced an allocation of RM50,000 from himself for the Miri City Parade Committee. Also contributing to the committee for the parade were Lee (RM20,000), Gerawat (RM20,000), Ting (RM10,000), Dennis (RM10,000) and Anyi (RM10,000), making the total allocation received by the committee for the evening at RM120,000.

Meanwhile, Yii, who spoke earlier, said the increased number of participants in this year’s parade proved that Christians in this city recognised the importance of the event.

“It is not just a parade but a union of all the denominations of Christians in Miri,” he said.

The first Miri Christmas Parade started with 5,000 participants from seven churches in 2008 and was hosted by the Methodist Church.

 

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Be Disciples of Hope was the main theme for this year’s feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated from December 7 to 12, at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Different priests preached during the six-day celebrations, with the daily sub-themes revolving around ‘hope’.

The highlight of the celebration was a candlelight procession in honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Some 1,400 faithful, from far and near, converged on December 9 evening for the Novena Chaplet to Our Lady and Mass. After Mass, the icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe was placed on a beautifully decorated 4WD, followed by the assembly and priests along several roads surrounding the parish. The Rosary was recited during the procession.

Fr Charles Chin from Kedah was the preacher on December 9, with concelebrants parish priest, Fr Albet Arockiasamy and Fr Alan Pereira.

In his homily, Fr Chin reiterated that, biblically and theologically, God is the heartbeat of hope, and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) are the instruments to foster this hope.

Fr Chin quoted Scripture texts to emphasise that we are made in the image of God.

He posed the question: Why heartbeat of hope? He quoted Genesis 3:1-13, saying we are not perfect but are being perfected. Though we are sinners, God still loves us. Just like your child, if he/ she has done wrong, he/she will be forgiven and will still be loved. Fr Chin quoted John 4:10, saying that God still loves us because He sent His Son Jesus Christ to save us. This is the foundation of hope.

He gave the example of Peter, a fisherman, a sinner who denied Jesus three times, who was forgiven by Jesus and became the first pope. Fr Chin called on the assembly to reach out to save those who erred because they need to be forgiven.

“If you were born into a family filled with tender loving care, you will have these qualities. But if you were born into a family where parents always fight, you might grow up to be morose and even violent. But there is hope, for God is hope and He can transform us.”

Fr Chin said there is hope in a BEC, when love is practised. Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there.” But, Fr Chin cautioned, we must gather only in Jesus’ Name and not others. He mentioned that he has seen certain BECs gather for business purposes or food (Amway, Cosway and Subway), and this is not right. He asked the faithful to check in whose name they have gathered in the BEC gatherings. He quoted John 13:34: “A new Commandment I give unto you: to love one another, just as I have loved you.” This is the only law to guide the BECs, otherwise they will not function well.

In conclusion, Fr Chin said we need to live a life of prayer, sharing the Word and praising God. “If you are a good organist, you must use your talent to praise God. Otherwise, we become too proud. Just like St Augustine of Hippo who said, ‘Our hearts are made for You, O Lord, and our hearts will be restless unless they rest in You.’ For God is love. Thus, our BECs must be the heartbeat of His love.”

After Mass, Fr Albet thanked Fr Chin for presiding and preaching and Fr Alan for his presence. He also commended all who were involved in the feastday preparations. After the procession, all adjourned to the Church grounds for a dinner fellowship.

 

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PENAMPANG – Around 90 pastoral workers of Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese attended the annual pre-Christmas gathering at the Catholic Archdiocesan Centre (CAC) here on 23 Dec 2017.

The workers came from the CAC, Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish Office Karamunsing, Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang, and St Paul Dontozidon.

In attendance also were Archbishop John Wong, Archbishop Emeritus John Lee, Father Paul Lo, Father Joshua Liew, Father Max Hontor, Father Charles Chiew of Keningau.

Activities included carol singing by groups (8 groups), a Christmas skit, a sharing based on the theme Agape  (or unconditional love) by Anne Lasimbang, exchange of gifts, a reflection on the theme by Abp Wong, cake-cutting by the clergy, and lunch.

The objective of the gathering is for the workers to get to know each other and to have fellowship together twice a year – Christmas and Easter.

 

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Over 3000 people turned up to celebrate Christmas with Archbishop John Wong at his open house on the afternoon of 25 Dec 2017 at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre here.

The visitors including priests and religious came from all walks of life, from nearby parishes. Gracing the function as well was 84-year-old Archbishop Emeritus John Lee who would be celebrating 53 years as priest on Dec 27.

Abp Wong did not sit still but went around meeting and greeting as many people as he could in this one function of the year where he acts as host.  Throughout the year, he is often entertained by those who invite him to this or that function.

The visitors were entertained by carol singers from various groups and individuals, notably from the Archdiocesan Social Communications Commission, the SHC-CMI pastoral councils,  the Chinese, Filipino and Indonesian groups, and from the seminarians. The food was prepared by the Women’s League, with many food stations for the visitors – young and old alike.

The ‘Open House’ is a unique tradition found throughout Malaysia. Family, friends and even strangers are welcomed into homes or suitable venues with goodwill and camaraderie during the many varied festivities enjoyed in this country.

In the archdiocese, the open house of the archbishop has been organised since 1992 for the faithful to share the Christmas joy with him through good food and carol singing by various groups.

 

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – The Christmas Midnight Mass is one of two times in the year when overflowing crowds are seen in churches across the archdiocese.  The Sacred Heart Cathedral here has two Masses on Christmas Eve in order to accommodate the faithful: 6 pm BM Mass and 9:30 pm English Mass.  The overflowing crowds were accommodated on the square and at the parish centre.

The English Mass on 24 Dec 2017 was preceded by a cantata performed by the Sacred Heart Cathedral English Choir and Friends themed Our Lord Emmanuel Has Come under the direction of choirmaster Frederick Wong and organist Nicholas Lee.

The term ‘cantata,’ invented in Italy in the 17th century, refers to a piece of music written for voice or voices and instruments. It applies broadly to works for solo voice, multiple soloists, vocal ensemble, and with instrumental accompaniment of keyboard or instrumental ensemble. It can be a single movement work or consist of multiple movements, and the text can be either sacred or secular.

Archbishop John Wong presided at the Mass, concelebrated with Father Joshua Liew.

In his homily, he stressed that Christmas is actually about “our identity as sons and daughters of God in Jesus.”

The rite of blessing of the manger was done after the Mass. After the final blessing the clergy and faithful processed to the foyer of the parish centre for the blessing.

After a short prayer, the prelate blessed the manger with holy water and incensed it.  At the end of the blessing, he greeted all those present a blessed Christmas.

This year’s nativity scene was done by the Light of Jesus Christ Covenant Community (LJCCC).  The life-size statues were shipped from Vietnam last year.

 

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – After two weeks of carolling home-to-home, the carolling teams of Sacred Heart Cathedral and Church of Mary Immaculate culminated it with the annual Carols by Candlelight at the parish centre foyer on 17 Dec 2017.

Thirteen groups in four languages – English, Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, Kadazan – took part in the choral performances.

As usual, the event began with an opening prayer and  Gospel proclamation by Father Max Hontor and a short welcome address by Archbishop John Wong.

After the fourth narration and eighth carol sung, Abp Wong lit the candle symbolising the light of Christ while the medley “Glory/Let There be Peace” was sung.

The candles of those present were then lighted up by the flame of the Christ-candle.

After the 12th narration and 27th carol sung, all the groups gathered on stage to sing Feliz Navidad, wishing all present a blessed Christmas and New Year in the four languages.

All adjourned to the left side of the foyer for light refreshments after the closing prayer-blessing by Abp Wong.

Among those present were Archbishop Emeritus John Lee, Father Paul Lo, Father Joshua Liew, the religious, and members of the Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council.

The backdrop and theme “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14) were done by the BM Prayer Group while the Nativity Scene (right side of foyer) was prepared by the Light of Jesus Christ Covenant Community (LJCCC).

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

BUKIT PADANG – The subparish children’s party was organised jointly by the social committee and the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) of the Church of Mary Immaculate here on 17 Dec 2017.

Held at the canteen, the annual pre-Christmas event attracted 47 children who came with their families despite the inclement weather.

After lunch, a group comprising Cayla, Zoey, Cameron, Jewel, Nigel and keyboardist  Christian sang two carols in English while another group – Janice and Janelle Chang, Crystel and Amber Lee – sang in Chinese.

Two siblings Jonathan and Angel gave a dance performance.

Chubby the Clown and his partner Bryan the Clown gave out balloons to the children and organised two games while Santa Claus and Santarina gave out gifts to them.

Father Paul Lo was on hand to open the event, bless the food, and close it with a prayer-blessing.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – The Sacred Heart Cathedral parish children’s party drew over 300 participants on 16 Dec 2017.

Themed Jesus Our Hope, the participants with ages ranging from 4-12 years came from the three-language communities – English, Chinese and Bahasa Malaysia.

Divided into 10 groups, the children had fun blowing up balloons, colouring blank decors and wrapping up gifts for the Christmas trees.

They also enjoyed eating their simple food and queuing up for vico drinks from the truck.

For entertainment 12 children performed some action songs.

The highlight was a skit on the Gift of Hope by the youth – which was explained by Father Paul Lo – the Gift of Baby Jesus who heals and reconciles people.

The annual event closed with the presentation of gifts to all the children by Fr Lo, Parish Pastoral Council Chairman Jason Joenoi, and Social Committee Head Marcus Wong, followed by  a prayer-blessing from Fr Lo.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

SIBU: Bishop of Sibu Right Reverend Bishop Joseph Hii calls on young Catholic to have courage to answer their vocation as priests.

Addressing the congregation before the end of the Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday night, he said the Diocese of Sibu is in need of more priests especially when some priests are transferring elsewhere or to further their studies.“Do not be afraid to answer this vocation.  Give it a thought to become priests,” he said.

He also encouraged the parents to give their sons to God as priests. “You might think that you would have to give up your sons to God, but you will get much more.  That sons of yours will be forever your sons,” he pointed out. He urged all Catholic to pray harder that God would provide more priests for the diocese.

 Meanwhile, in his homily, he pointed out that Catholic are priestly community, the anointed one to build the church. He said Jesus was the anointed one to be Christ and Lord by the Holy Spirit while Catholic was also being anointed by the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of baptism. He said the chrism oil that being used to consecrate priests was also used in baptism, anointing catholic as priestly people. “We thank you for praying for your priests.  We are called to pray as priestly people, not just for the priests, but the whole world,” he pointed out.

 He also said that is one of the most important celebrations for the Catholic church as it was the beginning of the Triduum.He said the Chrism Mass was supposed to be celebrated on the morning of Maundy Thursday, but circumstances prevented the celebration to be celebrated on Thursday.

 

Article reproduced from Diocese of Sibu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article reproduced from Diocese of Miri