Handing Over Ceremony ~ Diocesan Pastoral And Worship Centre

BY DS

 The Diocesan Pastoral And Worship Centre

Sandakan : The handing over ceremony of the Diocesan Pastoral And Worship Centre from the Building Committee to the Diocese of Sandakan held Tuesday 5^th March 2013 began with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom con celebrated by all seven diocesan priests. The prelate in his homily said that God has much to offer us in moments of trials especially in this season of Lent, putting ourselves completely in His hands. He will take care of us like the three young men in the Book of Daniel put in the midst of fire. He reminded us that a truly repentant heart will win God’s forgiveness, putting ourselves totally at the feet of God’s mercy and compassion.

Blessing the Chapel

Reading from Daniel 3:25.34-43 and the Gospel reading from Mt 18:21-35

Bishop Julius blessing the vessels

He urged us to be grateful to God for all the blessings, graces and mercies showered upon each and all. A genuine reflection of oneself by spending more time with the Lord will lead us to a deeper conversion of hearts. May this season lead us to a renewal of heart, mind and faith as we prepare for the coming of Easter.

Right after mass, the 45 faithful present, revisited the process of planning, construction and completion of the said Centre through a movie clip presentation. The 8-minute presentation touched on the process of construction in 2009 up till the completion and opening of the Centre in 2012.

Signing the handing over documents

John Pang the Chairman of the Building Committee in his address thanked Bishop Julius for placing the trust and faith in him and his committee to undertake the construction and completion of the project. He extended his appreciation to all who had chipped in to contribute to the cost of the building and the many people who had offered their technical expertise and strong support in making the Centre a reality.

The handing over

Bishop Julius gave thanks to the Lord for His abundant blessings and said, 'unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labour in vain.' He expressed his gratitude to John Pang and his committee for a job well done. He also thanked Anthony Wong, Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee for his strategy in raising more than the targetted amount of RM3.5 million within a span of one year. He hoped that the Pastoral Centre will be effective in ministering to her people.