Christmas Midnight Mass at St Mary's Cathedral

Sandakan : The joyous and glorious Christmas 'midnight' masses were celebrated simultaneously at St Mary's Cathedral, St Paul's Church and St Joseph's Church on Thursday 24th December 2009 at 9.00 pm presided by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, Fr Thomas Makajil and Fr Paul Lo respectively.

The nicely decorated Cathedral both inside and outside befitting the occasion, was packed to the full with many parishioners sitting outside and others had to stand throughout the celebration.

The celebration began with the symbolic carrying of baby Jesus to the brightly lit crib to the accompaniment of 'Hark, the Herald Angels Sing' followed by the blessing of the crib by the celebrant, Bishop Julius.

In his homily, Bishop Julius reminded the 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.

He shared 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.

Diocesan calendar on sale

by DS and photos by Bell