BY DS AND PHOTOS
COURTESY OF BELL & FARNANDES
Lahad Datu : St Dominic's Church, Lahad Datu hosted the 2-day celebration of the 7th Anniversary for the Diocese of Sandakan on 5th and 6th October 2014.
The celebration kicked-off with a subscribed dinner at the Chinese Secondary School Hall on 5th October 2014. Close to a thousand faithful from across the diocese attended the auspicious occasion. All the seven diocesan priests; Msgr Nicholas Ong, Fr Thomas Makajil, Fr Simon Kontou, Fr Jasery, Fr Johnny Raju, Fr Marcellinus, Fr Philip Muji and Fr Bede from the Diocese of Keningau were present at the occasion. Also present were the religious sisters of the FSIC and RGS and the religious brothers of St Gabriel.
In his welcoming speech, Fr Simon Kontou the rector of St Dominic's Parish Lahad Datu bade a warm welcome to all who had traveled from far to participate in the celebration. Distance may separate us but our Diocesan Day has brought us together.
'Tonight's dinner reception is an expression of our friendship, solidarity and unity. However, the great event does not happen this evening. We will share the banquet again tomorrow at the Eucharistic celebration. We want to thank and praise God for His abundant blessings upon our Diocese.'
Our presence here tonight is an acknowledgement that we belong to the Diocese. As members, we have a responsibility to contribute to our Diocese in furthering the Kingdom of God. Let us celebrate the 'ONENESS' with a joyful heart.
Bishop Julius then launched the first local Christian Spiritual Song album recorded by the parish choir. the proceed of which will go towards the proposed Pastoral and Worship Hall Building Fund.
After the cake cutting ceremony for the Diocesan Day, another cake was brought forth for the occasion of the prelate's 57th birthday.
The event was filled with lively and colourful presentations from the four parishes with a medley dance performed by a combination of various communities as the finale of the night.
The youth from across the diocese took to the stage to sing 'Satu Suara' a prayer expressed in song for harmony and unity to prevail in Malaysia.
'Tonight's dinner reception is an expression of our friendship, solidarity and unity. However, the great event does not happen this evening. We will share the banquet again tomorrow at the Eucharistic celebration. We want to thank and praise God for His abundant blessings upon our Diocese.'
Our presence here tonight is an acknowledgement that we belong to the Diocese. As members, we have a responsibility to contribute to our Diocese in furthering the Kingdom of God. Let us celebrate the 'ONENESS' with a joyful heart.
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