CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR THANKSGIVING MASS AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Julita, SOCCOM Tawau

Tawau :  Holy Trinity Parish Tawau ushered in the Chinese Lunar New Year with a Thanksgiving Mass on Friday, 31st January 2014 at 9.00 am. The mass was presided over by the rector, Msgr. Nicholas Ong and con celebrated by Fr. David A. Garaman and Fr. Johnny Raju. Some 400 Chinese parishioners together with other parishioners from the different communities attended the celebration.

Msgr. Nicholas began his homily with warm greetings of a Happy and Prosperous Lunar New year to the congregation.  He said, 'Your attendance today at this Thanksgiving Mass indicates that you have a priority in your life journey. Having a thankful heart is always a blessing, for you know whom to thank for this gracious moment~ the Lord the Giver of Life and Love. You will receive wonderful and meaningful graces by thanking and glorifying the Lord for all the blessings and goodness you have received for the past year.'

He continued, 'God knew all of your needs. The riches of the world can never satisfy your desires, as the Gospel in Mark 4 : 26 -34 says, Do not worry about what to eat and what to wear but we must first seek the Kingdom of God for the rest will be added according to your needs. Be satisfied with what you have and never cease to thank God.'

He called on the parishioners to build and nurture a strong relationship with the Lord. This will give us the strength to share and to  spread the Good News among our family members and friends.

In conclusion, he said, 'May the Good Lord continue to shower His blessings upon us always not only this year but till the day when He comes down for us. Once again, a Happy and Prosperous New Year.'  

L-R : Seminarian Stanley, Fr David, Msgr. Nicholas Ong and Fr Johnny Raju

Right after mass, the celebrants blessed the oranges and gave them out to the parishioners.

The rector, accompanied by the religious sisiters, chairmen  of the Pastoral Council and the Chinese Pastoral Community ( CPC ) made visits to a few Chinese families as a way to foster better relationship bond, instilling a sense of belonging within the community.