Author Archives: Ken Wong

KOTA KINABALU – The Assunta Integrated Social Services Kota Kinabalu (ASSISS KK) held its first  Christmas gathering for the volunteers on 20 Dec 2017 at the right wing of Sacred Heart Parish Hall here.

Thirty volunteers turned up for the event. In keeping with the Christmas theme, carols singing kicked off the evening.

Patricia Ubing, ASSISS KK Chairman, in her speech, thanked the volunteers for giving their time to serve  the poor through the mobile clinic services.

The clinic is run on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. The current clinic locations are at Kg Timpangoh Laut Sugud and Kg Kaiduan Papar. Other location sites would be added on.

The ASSISS KK core team did the cake cutting, followed by dinner. After dinner, there were games, exchange of  gifts among the attendees and lucky draws.

The fellowship ended with a closing prayer by Paul Isidore and the singing of the Prayer of St Francis. – Catherine Engsun

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

RANAU – The Christian Health Community Ranau (KKKR) brought early Christmas cheer to the staff of Ranau Hospital on 15 Dec 2017.

KKKR’s performance brought cheer to the staff who were not able to be with their loved ones to celebrate Christmas.

KKKR Chairman Dr Clarence D Sirisani said the activity also enabled patients, who had to be  detained in the hospital, to enjoy Christmas Day, regardless of race and religion.

“The activity also serves to bring the glad tidings of Christmas among the Christian community in every unit and to strengthen the relationship among the staff,” said Dr Clarence.

The carollers who entertained the patients, visitors and hospital staff were led by Dr Jason Hendrick, a Medical Officer at the Ranau Hospital.

Meanwhile, Dr Clarence who is also the Director of the Ranau Hospital invited the public to the Ranau Hospital Christmas Open House at the foyer on 12 Jan 2018, starting at 2:00 pm.

“We hold this celebration each year, not only in living our faith and hope as Christians, but also to forge closer ties with those of other faiths here,” he said. – Clarence Dol

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU  – Wesley, Dolores and Caesar got to their feet and  started rocking to the beat of Jingle Bell Rock, oblivious to the stares of those around.

Wesley, Dolores and Caesar were among the 36 “special friends” brought together with their parents and guardians, supporters and benefactors, for their annual pre-Christmas celebration at the basement of Sacred Heart Parish Centre here on 16 Dec 2017.

These ‘special friends,’ as they are known, belong to the Special Ministry for People with Developmental Mental Disabilities (SMPMD), under the care of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish.

Each year, faithful to their tradition, the SMPMD, led by Peter Siburat and spiritual adviser Sister Genevieve Nicholas, organised this much-looked-forward-to event.

The highlights were receiving the gifts and savouring the Christmas food spread.

Though they suffer from disabilities such as William syndrome, down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, stroke, speech and learning disorder, these ‘special friends’ mingled freely and made brief encounters with those present.

Currently ten regular ‘advocates’ take care of them weekly, preparing them for Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.  Among other activities, SMPMD organise Advocate-Children sessions, Bible sharing, and interacting with other communities.

The SMPMD needs more volunteers to respond to be ‘advocates.’   ‘Advocate’ means committing and giving oneself to ‘one-to-one’ care. – CS

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TANJUNG ARU – The 11th KK Boys Brigade Company held their Coy Colours & Flags blessing and award presentation award presentation during the Sunset Mass on 18 Nov 2017 at Stella Maris here with members in full uniform.

Msgr Primus Jouil officiated the rite of blessing before the award presentation.

The  Brigade Award presentation began with the Guard of Honour led by Capt Neil Mah. Before badges were given out, there was a short explanation on the process they have gone through in order to get the badges.

A few members have been promoted into Non-Commissioned Officer (NCOs). Being an NCO is not only a reward and privilege, it is also a responsibility given to the youth to lead others responsibly, exemplary in conduct and speech, and pure and noble motives in service.

Among them are Jenny Hii to Staff Sergeant, Cleve Ryan to Sergeant, Jordan Chin and  Mickalson Veron to Corporal;  Imelda Chin, Nicole Lara, Isaac Ryan, and Joshua Tuining to Lance Corporal.  Pte Mea Devina was awarded the best squad for 2017.

From the Junior Section, Jr Leah Vivian was chosen to be the overall Junior squad leader, assisted by Jr Ryan Summers. For Squad Junior, leaders are Jr Vianny Hii, Jr Moira Tuining, Jr Cosmas and Jr Corinthians. – Jeremy Chin

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PAPAR – Kota Kinabalu prelate blessed the newly-built Pamaladan chapel in Bongawan on 5 Jan 2018.

Bongawan is a small town located between Beaufort and Kimanis, and 70 KM away from Kota Kinabalu. The main attraction here lies in the pre-war and post-war British-colony wooden shophouses built in 1922 and 1950 respectively.

In his first visit to the outstation there, Archbishop John Wong officiated the rite of blessing before presiding at the Mass, concelebrated with Father Thomas Yip and Father Rayner Bisius.

Among those present were seminarians Gilbert Marcus and Freddy (former catechist of Ulu Lumagar), Franciscan Sisters and novices, and representatives from Papar, Limbahau, Bongawan and Kimanis.

In his welcoming speech, Adrian Willy, community chairman, thanked Fr Yip for his efforts in encouraging the community to build the chapel.

On his part, Abp Wong expressed his hope that the community will continue to build itself up into a living community.

The blessing of the grotto took place after the Mass outside the chapel followed by a simple fellowship meal for all.

The construction of the first chapel was mooted by Adrian Willy Lobinting of St Michael Mandahan in 1994.  With the approval of Martin Guti, community chairman,  and the advice of Fr Thomas Makajil, the chapel was completed and blessed by Fr Makajil in June 1995.

On 19 June 2016, it was proposed to build a more sustainable building as the community has grown by leaps and bounds.

The construction of the new 25 ft by 45 ft chapel began on 14 Aug 2017 and completed on 25 Nov 2017 at the cost of RM60,000.00 sponsored by a generous donor from Kota Kinabalu.

The old chapel was closed and the first Mass in the new chapel was celebrated by Fr Bisius on 26 Nov 2017.

The chapel is about 40-minute drive from Papar town.  It has a thriving community and has been a venue for many activities such as RCIA classes, Marriage blessings, recollection for youth from Bongawan Zone (Sept 2001), and the youth outreach programme Belia Masuk Kampung (BMK) in Nov 2001 led by Father Bruno Yasun. – William Charles Mindus, SOCCOM Papar/other sources

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KENINGAU – Perayaan Ekaristi sempena dengan pemberkatan sebuah Gereja Katolik stesen luar Paroki KSFX iaitu Gereja Bonda Maria Dari Fatima, KUK Kilugus telah diadakan. Perayaan ini disempurnakan oleh YM Bapa Uskup Datuk Cornelius Piong pada 09 Disember 2017.

Seramai lebih kurang 150 umat telah menghadiri Misa Kudus ini di KUK Kilugus. Gereja ini dahulunya dikenali sebagai Gereja St. Markus Kilugus.

Perayaan Ekaristi diawali dengan pemberkatan Bangunan Gereja Oleh Bapa Uskup bersama YB Datuk Ellron Angin, UPPM Charles Ikang serta rombongan, Pengerusi MPP Puan Stella Kinsik, Pengerusi Zon, Pengerusi KUK, Katekis dan umat sekitar Zon Minawo.

Uskup dalam renungan singkatnya menyentuh mengenai musim Adven, dimana umat sering kali dalam  kesibukan persiapan perayaan Natal bagi mempersiapkan diri untuk Tuhan, Para Karoles juga sibuk dengan karoling bagi mewartakan kabar gembira. Uskup juga mengajak umat untuk berbelas kasih dengan Tuhan serta bergembira menunggu kedatangan Tuhan. Beliau juga bersyukur kerana umat Kuk Kilugus amnya mendapat Gereja yang baru siap dibina.

Uskup juga menyelitkan tiga pesan dalam ucapannya. Sebagai umat, haruslah berbangga menjadi pengikut Kristus kerana Kristus adalah jalan menuju kepada Bapa di Syurga. Yang kedua, menjalankan misi sebagai saksi Kristus setelah melalui pembaptisan dan sudah mengenal Yesus. Ketiga, membina perhubungan melalui firmanNya terutama dalam teknologi sekarang ini yang memudahkan lagi  mendengar Firman Tuhan dalam penggunaan media sosial melalui Kopi Rohani, Fresh Juice dan Embun Guadete bagi menegakkan keimanan.

Setelah perayaan Ekaristi selasai acara simbolik dilakukan oleh YM Bapa Uskup Datuk Cornelius Piong yang disaksikan oleh YB Datuk Ellron Angin untuk menanam pokok Pinang sempena nama Kampung tersebut dalam bahasa Dusun iaitu Kilugus(Pinang). – Tadius Kilip

Article reproduced from Diocese of Keningau

SARAWAK: In his message for Catechetical Sunday on 21 Jan 2018, Father Michael Sia of Marudi Sarawak writes:

We hope in many ways — depending on who we are, and how our circumstances turn out, the ways we hope are determined by what we place our hope in. And we all need hope in order to go forward in life.

However, sometimes we place our hope in the wrong things. As Christians, we do not hope in things, but only in the person of Jesus Christ. Placing our hope in Christ does not mean waiting around for Christ to fulfill his promises, but rather, how much Christ hopes from us — a dynamic, living relationship to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who challenges us to become missionaries of his love, overcoming selfishness or lukewarmness, and as the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews says, “He who promised is faithful; and let us … stir up one another to love and good works…,” which, in effect, as Jesus said, means we should do all to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20).

As we consider what Christ hopes from us, it is clear from the Word of God that lukewarmness or complacency (mediocrity) is distasteful and therefore one who is lukewarm cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Revelation 3:16). Regular Sunday Mass goers can easily fall into thinking that as long as they stay away from big sins, they are still all right: “Don’t be so hard on yourself, not everything is a commandment, some things are just advised for special situations.” Sadly, this kind of thinking thrives among the majority of us, and this is exactly what Jesus condemns!

St Anthony M Zaccaria expresses it well: “For if you let lukewarmness ensnare you, your life in the spirit will be overcome by the flesh, and, to use the proper word, you will become Pharisees rather than Christians and spiritual persons.

“Now, here is how the lukewarm—the Pharisee—behaves. Having left his old ways, he does not commit big sins any longer but takes pleasure in little ones and does not feel remorse for them. For instance, he stops blaspheming and insulting his neighbor, but he attaches no importance to getting somewhat upset and to insisting on his own opinion rather than giving in to his opponent. Speaking evil of others is no longer a bad habit of his, but indulging quite often in vain and useless chatting during the day is not much of a sin to him. He got rid of overeating and drinking excessively as drunkards do, but he enjoys snacking here and there, between meals, without necessity. The vicious habits of the flesh are a thing of the past for him, but he takes delight in conversations and entertainments that are not so clean. He loves to spend hours in prayer, but during the rest of the day his spirit wanders aimlessly. He no longer seeks honours, but if they are given him, he gloats over them….”

Unless our focus is on Christ and others, self-preoccupation brings the danger of laying heavy burdens on the shoulders of others, without us lifting a finger to get involved or help them (Matthew 23:4). Both, those teaching the faith, and those who receive instruction, can be guilty of excusing themselves from getting their hands dirty in the process of spreading the faith. Pope Francis is well known for challenging pastors to ‘smell like the sheep’ and for laity to ‘get their feet dirty’ walking the streets of the world while evangelising; there is no room for spiritual stagnation if we are filled by the Lord’s hope for us.

Christ is our hope, but whatever we hope for from Christ has already been fully accomplished and given to us in Christ. We should take every opportunity, in society and church community, to receive and respond to the abundance of Christ’s graces found in the Church’s Sacraments and doctrines, daily being converted, from glory to glory, realising that despite sin, grace abounds even more (Rom. 5:20). As the Blessed Virgin Mary deeply entrusted all her hopes to the Lord in her “Yes” (Luke 1:38) to the message of Archangel Gabriel, wholly committed to the life of her Son and Lord, let us do likewise daily, to be more like Christ, in word and deed.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

BECs are to have a greater commitment in justice with the social reality of the area.

— they challenge the egoistical and consumeristic roots of society.
— they are centres for human development and promotion.
— they have become dynamic forces for liberation and development.
— they have produced in many sectors of the People of God an integral liberation and an important starting point in the building of a new society.
— stimulate the BEC … so that they can be more generously leaven in the masses, the commitment to transform the world.
— commitment to the family, to one’s work, in the neighhourhood, in the local community is emphasised.
— Where one lives with a different attitude with regard to material wealth.
— where efforts are made in different forms of organisation and participative structures, capable of blazing new trails towards a more human type of society.
— avoidance of being caught between political polarisation or by ideologies of the day.

Vatican Council II, especially in Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes, restates in new terms the Church — World relation. The Church is understood as the People of God, in service to the world, within the world. The evangelical perspective of being leaven, integrated into the whole, is reaffirmed. Penetrating society, not by virtue of size but rather, by the dynamic force that it contains — the leaven is always less than the flour in terms of quantity but its power is such that it is capable of transforming it.

The Church defines itself as the one who takes on the thirst for justice and liberation of the poor; as the one who ought to create alternatives where it is easier to establish an objective relationship of justice and fraternity. Annoucing, denouncing and convoking all Christians and persons of goodwill to commit themselves to the process of liberation which means concretely creating more fellowship and participation, not only at the personal level but also at the level of the social – economic and political structures, helping the people to be the protagonists of their present and forgers of their future.

This new concept and relation between the Church and the world is translated into ecclesial (Church) practice with specific conditions such as the need:

— to perceive the drama of the people;
— to discover not only the necessity of the poor for integral liberation but also their historical capacity to bring it about;
— to esteem their religiosity, integrating it and purifying it from its ambiguities, that is, creating the Church from the response of the faith of the people;
— to reveal the liberating dimension of Jesus (preach what he preached and act how he acted).

The BEC as the grassroot cell of the Church ought to recognise the responsibility of being questioned by God in the events of history and called to answer that challenge. That means to say that concretely, the men and women who make up the BEC ought to be attentive as a whole to the events that take place in the world, the city, the neighbourhood, analysing them in order to discern what is behind the different facts, the human aspirations, the profound sentiments, to be the efforts of the men and women of today. In faith, the Church knows these events are challenges for her. History is not left to the whim of the moment but, rather, the Spirit of the risen Jesus is there, and the Kingdom of God is already beginning in that reality. Besides, the God of Jesus Christ, which the Church recognises and serves, is a historic God: it is in history that He revealed himself, it is in history that his son, Jesus Christ took flesh and it is through history that He continues speaking to his People.

Source: Basic Ecclesial Community: Church from the Roots By Jose Marians and Team, (National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre, Bangalore, India)

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online