A big do for CNY celebration at St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan

Sandakan : The Chinese Pastoral Committee (CPC) of St Mary's Cathedral Sandakan organized a subscribed CNY dinner at the Cathedral Parish Hall on Sunday, 21st February 2010.

About 600 parishioners from the various communities attended the event from 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm which was graced by Fr Thomas Makajil, rector of the Cathedral.

The event started with a lion dance on stage to bid the parishioners a warm welcome.

David Chung, Chairman of CPC in his welcoming address urged all parishioners to emulate the strong and brave character of the tiger in spreading the Good News to others. The gathering of the various communities within the Cathedral Parish is a good opportunity for community bonding.

Fr Thomas Makajil stressed that the gathering of such magnitude and from such diverse people of God is a good indicator of strong unity flourishing within the Church. Accepting and promoting the different cultures is essential for harmonious co-existence and to interrelate with one another.

The auspicious night was filled with traditional dances, action songs, sketches, fireworks and lucky draw. The colorful presentations from the different ethnic groups captured the full attention of the crowd. The creative sketch presented by the youth from St Mark's Church depicting the ' One Nation' and 'One Universal Church' concept brought home a strong message of unity. The vigorous and smooth flow of the presentation as well as a vast variety of different costumes brought much laughter to the audience.

  

 

Also attending the function were Fr Paul Lo, the assistant rector, Deacon-to-be Brother David A Garaman, Sr Appolonia fsic and religious sisters, pastoral council members and community leaders.

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