First Advent at St Mary's Cathedral

Msgr Nicholas Ong with Fr Thomas and Fr Peter Kim

SANDAKAN : The first Advent Eucharistic Celebration Mass was con celebrated by Msgr Nicholas Ong, Fr Peter Kim, SJ and Fr Thomas Makajil at St Mary's Cathedral during sunset mass, yesterday 28th November 2009.

Lighting the 1st Advent candle

Msgr Nicholas Ong, rector of Holy Trinity Church Tawau was here to attend the formation seminar for PPC members while Fr Peter Kim, SJ attached to the Catholic Major Seminary in Yangoon, Myanmar was back home to attend the St Mary's Secondary School Class of 1955 - 1959 reunion event. Both priests were born in Sandakan.

In his homily, Msgr Nicholas Ong called upon everyone to stay awake, that is to be vigilant and pray always. Advent is a time of waiting, waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ continues to come at every Christmas as well as His 2nd coming in glory and majesty at the end of time.

He urged everyone to be prepared as Christ instructed in the Gospel reading of the day. The people are to be constantly prepared watching that their hearts will not be hardened by self indulgence, pleasure and drunkenness, and the cares of the world. In other words, one must always be aware of the realities of the world and be prepared to face the challenges using the basic skill of life base on the teaching of Christ.

DS & photo by Bell