74th FSIC foundation anniversary celebration, Holy Trinity Church.

Tawau : Twelve Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) gathered at HTC on Saturday, 26 June to celebrate the 74th founding anniversary of their order, with the theme” In gratitiude, we go forth.”

The celebration started with a thanksgiving sunset mass, presided by Msgr. Nicholas Ong, concelebrated by Fr. Fundes Motiung of Stella  Maris Church Tanjung Aru. In his homily, Msgr. Ong told the parishioners that the Franciscan Sisters were doing exactly what our Lord Jesus had asked us to do—give up everything and follow him.

“They gave up all material wealth and family to follow Jesus Christ in order to save souls.” He said

He further added,” But they will be rewarded as they will find joy that no money can buy, as in Psalm 15: And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad” he said.

In her address, at the fellowship dinner held at the parish hall after the mass, FSIC Superior General, Sr Grace Deosing  thanked the over 250 parishioners present for giving her religious congregation such a big celebration.

She elaborated, “Although we are celebrating our 74th founding anniversary, we in fact have started a year long celebration of our 75th founding anniversary a week ago. We want to thank, praise and glorify God for all the years of gifts to our congregation. We want to thank all of you for your help. Do continue to pray and support us in our vocation.”

Mother Aquinas, a former Superior General of FSIC, in her sharing told those present that she had always felt a special bond in her relationship with the religious order as she was born 74 years ago on the date of its founding

Throughout her many long years of her ministry in various places of Sabah, she had experienced God’s love of giving her the strength to carry out her work, one that could be said to be overcoming one crisis after another.

“Yes, a religious life may not be a bed of roses,” she said, “but I have always thanked God in letting me to be his instrument in giving Him glory.”

 A power point presentation of the history and ministries of FSIC was given by 2 of the religious.

Also in the program were presentation of dances and singing by the parish youth and BEC communities.

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