GOD HAS NEVER CEASED LOVING US

By Julita, SOCCOM Tawau

Photos by Julita and Carlos George

Tawau : More than 1,000 parishioners assembled at Holy Trinity Church to celebrate the  Parish Level Harvest Festival's Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, 10th May 2015.

The KadazanDusunMurut (TUKAD) community took the opportunity to offer their gratitude and thanks for all the graces and blessings received from God Almighty for the fruits of their harvest.

God's mercy and His merciful acts never cease on the human race. Though, at times especially during good moments in life we failed to recognize His grace and blessings. God continues to shower His abundant gift to us at all times and in all circumstances. He awaits us to acknowledge His unconditional love.

The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Johnny Raju, the assistant rector of Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, 10th May 2015 during the 9.00 am Bahasa Malaysia Mass.

In his homily, Fr Johnny said, "God's wisdom has brought us to understand about love. The love of God and its wonders to all human race, and in return we are obliged to love, to worship and to honor Him for all graces and blessings that we have received everyday of our lives; the food, shelter, riches, joy and comfort. So, on this auspicious day and as a gift to God, we must appreciate all His goodness granted to all of us." 

In conclusion, he said "This celebration is acknowledged by the church for it is a form of thanksgiving to the Lord, worshiping and honouring Him."

After the Mass all parishioners were invited to join the luncheon fellowship at the Parish Hall. The event at the hall was lined with some entertainment, lucky draws and presentations.

Stephen Juanis, the Chairman of TUKAD extended his warm welcome to all attendees to the occasion. He thanked everybody present especially those involved in preparing the Eucharistic celebration and the fellowship gathering.

Andrew Kiat, the PPC Chairman congratulated the organizing committee for their initiative and commitment in organizing such a memorable and meaningful celebration. Such tradition and its celebration must be maintained to project the culture of the KDM people. Coming together to celebrate is a mean of uniting members of TUKAD and other communities in the parish.

The programme began with an Opening Prayer led by Sr. Martha fsic and the blessing of food by seminarian Walter.

The symbolic harvest of paddy by Rev. Fr. Johnny Raju accompanied by the religious sisters, seminarian, all PPC members, lay leaders and guests marked the official launching of the Parish Level 'Pesta Kaamatan.'

Also in attendance were the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, UPKO Acting President Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau and Member of Parliament for Batu Sapi, YB Datuk Linda Tsen who happened to be in town on official duty.