INDONESIAN PASTORAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATES INDONESIA PROCLAMATION DAY AT HOLY TRINITY PARISH TAWAU.

Article by Julita Kantod and photos by

Julita K, John Wong and Cyril  Thomas

Tawau  :  The IPC ( Indonesian Pastoral Community ) celebrated their 70th Indonesian Proclamation Day with a Thanksgiving Mass on 16th August 2015 which was also the Feast of the Assumption of our Lady during the 9.00 am Bahasa Malaysia Mass.

The Indonesian migrant community, which formed  a major portion of  the congregation of Holy Trinity Church Tawau, has never failed to observe their national independent day. The spirit of patriotism and love of their country runs high in them.

Most members are engaged in the plantation sector while some are employed in small-medium industries and poultry farms. The women work as house maids and shop assistants.

After Mass, parishioners adjourned to the Parish Hall for a luncheon fellowship and some entertainment. Some 800 Indonesian and local parishioners attended the event.

Gabriel Muda, the newly elected IPC Chairman extended his gratitude to all the Indonesian parishioners for their unending support and strong teamwork in making the event  a grand success. In his very touching speech,  he addressed  the crowd with his humble words. 'We are the nomads, migrants in a foreign country. We must endeavor to remain united to preserve peace and understanding among us all. Without genuine commitment we are not able to provide the best of service in terms of our  jobs and the church. Seeking a living in a foreign country reminds us that we must be grateful to God for the opportunity granted us.

He added that the migrant school has contributed much compared to what they have expected. Children of migrant workers have the opportunity to attend school and many have excelled in public exam and are now pursuing higher education in Indonesia. He expressed his appreciation to Holy Trinity Parish for the many facilities extended to the Indonesian  community, pastoral care and  outreach program  to help  and guide them towards a better spiritual life. 

He concluded his speech by thanking all other communities for journeying with them. He said, 'We are happy to be given the opportunity to serve in the parish in the various ministries.'

Fr. Johnny Raju, the assistant rector, in his address said, "Having a good relationship with God must be translated to a wonderful relationship with others. We see others in the eyes of God, so that we do not have to judge them but to accept them as one of our brothers and sisters. As we celebrate today the Feast of Assumption, let us all honor our Mother Mary for her intercessions. Let us continue to pray for peace and protection. No one can ever be compared to our Mother Mary. She is the mother of the Church and  our mother. She prays for all of us and her prayers are for our salvation." 

He continued to say, "As one of the biggest community in this church, let your service be pure and full of humility. We acknowledge your presence in our midst and let us journey together to build the beautiful people of God."

The program proceeded with the cutting of the 70th Anniversary Indonesia Independent Day cake. Performances were presented by the BECs , Migrant School and the IPC main committee.