Welcoming the parishioners
Holy Trinity Church celebrated Chinese New Year with a New Year mass yesterday, 14th February 2010.
The Eucharist which started at 10 am was celebrated by Fr. John Wong, who came over from Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese for the occasion, and was con celebrated by Msgr. Nicholas Ong and Fr Philip Muji.
Fr. John Wong started the celebration by reminding the parishioners that with the arrival of the new Lunar Year, the Chinese traditionally emphasize on using new things and good words. With that in mind, he urged us to listen well to the readings, as God’s words are always new and good for our salvation.
In his homily, Fr. Wong asked us to follow the gospel reading; that is, to have complete faith and trust in God.
“Have faith in God, not in money, other people or ourselves” he said, “because money and people are themselves created by God.”
“Listen to the psalm of the mass. We will be happy if we put our trust in God.”
Touching on the year of the tiger, he told the congregation that tiger is the 3rd animal along the Chinese Zodiac, and it is meant to signify courage. Thus we are to emulate the tiger, courageous yet passionate, to have faith in God.
As the day is also World Valentine Day, Fr. Wong said “we buy expensive flowers and gifts for our loved ones to show they occupy an important place in our hearts, let us also reserve some space in our hearts for God.”
Getting the oranges in place, blessing and distribution
Before the Eucharist concluded, the rector Msgr. Nicholas Ong thanked Fr. Wong for coming over to Tawau to celebrate the mass for us, as well as wishing all the parishioners a happy and prosperous Chinese New year.
Receiving the CNY scroll and refreshment
Refreshment and a lion dance performance after the mass were provided by the Chinese Pastoral Committee.
Marcus Chin
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