397 Catechumens and Candidates Welcomed into the Catholic Church

Article by Dalius LL and photos 
by courtesy of SOCCOM Sandakan
Sandakan : Fr Thomas Makajil, the rector celebrated Easter Vigil the beginning of Easter at St Mary's Cathedral 4th April 2015 at 7.30 pm which ended at 11.15 pm. The Cathedral was packed with more than 2,000 faithful.

In his homily, Fr Thomas said, 'The readings this Easter Vigil remind us of our true identity, our creation in the image and likeness of God. When God created the universe, He said that it was good, but when He created mankind in His own image,  He said that it was “very” good.  We should be proud of the extra word “very” good. God gave us the command to multiply, meaning to share His power to conquer the earth which is a responsibility entrusted to us by God. In John 3:16 we know how much God love us and by giving us His son Jesus to redeem us. Today's celebration is very fundamental, a fulfillment of redemption through the Cross. Let us continue to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection.'

62 catechumens both from the BM and English Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) were initiated into the Church. St Mary's Cathedral Parish welcomes 150 neophytes to the Catholic Church.

ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL SANDAKAN

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH TAWAU

Photos by SOCCOM Tawau

Fr Phillip Muji with 38 neophytes at Holy Trinity Church, Tawau

ST. DOMINIC'S CHURCH LAHAD DATU

Photos by SOCCOM Lahad Datu

Fr Simon Kontou, the rector, celebrated Easter Vigil at St Dominic's Church, Lahad Datu where 138 catechumens were initiated into the Church

ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH TELUPID

Photos by SOCCOM Telupid

Bishop Julius with 71 neophytes at St Martin's Church, Telupid

This year around, the Diocese of Sandakan welcomes 397 new members through both RCIA and RCIC. Out of which, 150 were from Sandakan, 138 from Lahad Datu, 71 from Telupid and 38 from Tawau.