Provide Space In Our Hearts For Those Who Have Less in Life

BY DS

Photos by courtesy of GBell 
Rogena RS and Sharon Tan

Sandakan :  Our faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basis of our concern for the integral development of society's most neglected members. (Evangelii Gaudium #186) God's heart has a special place for the poor, thus we are called to find Christ in them.

Throughout the four Sundays of Advent faithful are reminded to be aware and to stay focus on anticipating the coming of Christ which is also an anticipation of our spiritual renewal, to be born anew. A way of which to gain newness is to serve others, especially the poor in the community. In preparing for the feast of Christmas, may we be inspired to share who we are and what we have with the needy.

During the Sandakan Christmas Celebration on Sunday 21st December 2014 at the Piazza Sandakan Harbour Mall, Bishop Julius called on all Christians as they approach Christmas to provide space within their hearts for those who have less in life. 
The prelate said, 'Let us share Christ with others. Let His light shine on those in need. Let us go forth to be bearers of hope and light. If we take up the challenge to proclaim Christ, we will experience the genuine spirit of Christmas.'
The event, jointly organized by the Sandakan Municipal Council, Sandakan Harbour Mall and Sandakan Inter-Church attracted close to 2,000 attendees.

Beginning this year, the Diocesan Staff has embarked on a ‘One-Ringgit-A-Day’ program during the 40-day Lenten period, taking the cue from Bishop Julius’ homily, urging the people of God to extend a hand to people who encounter hardship in life. The money collected was used solely to distribute daily provisions to needy families.

This Advent season, again, the One-Ringgit-A-Day program was adopted for the whole 4 - Sunday period.  Apart from that, the pastoral office through the Human Development Commission started the chilly paste project. The diocese has some 70 chilly plants, planted and nurtured by Joseph the gardener behind the Pastoral Centre. The harvest of which are made into chilly paste by Sr Maria Dipal rgs and members of the commission attached to the Diocesan Pastoral Office. 

The product is then marketed at the Cathedral and sub-parishes. The proceed close to a thousand ringgit from the sales and the amount collected through the ‘One-Ringgit-A-Day’ program,  is then used to reach out to the poor and needy; the feeding program for the homeless, contributions of daily provisions to needy families and contributions to the Children Learning Program for children of migrant workers.

Feeding program for homeless people

Twenty-two young people of St Mary's Cathedral Parish Youth Apostolate were out in the streets to distribute packed dinner to some 30 homeless people on Sunday, 21st December 2014. 

Contribution of daily provisions to those in need

Sr Veronica Kandaung fsic led a 4-member team of the Diocesan Pastoral Office, distributed daily provisions of rice, oil, sugar, eggs, biscuits and cereal drinks to 7 families this morning, 22nd December 2014.

Children Learning Program designed for children of migrant workers

Part of the proceed of some one thousand ringgit was given to the Children Learning Program for the purchase of some learning and teaching aids.

Our concern for those who have to undergo hardship and suffering during this Advent season seek us to provide space for them in our heart as we talk about love, about compassion and mercy. This is an occasion challenging us to show and do it, practice what we preach, walk the talk.

Let us channel the time and energy into practical love befitting our baptismal calling. If we paused to search our hearts right now, we would find there a person and situation whose poverty cries out for our response.