PARISH LEVEL THANKSGIVING MASS FOR HARVEST FESTIVAL CELEBRATION

BY JULITA, SOCCOM TAWAU

Tawau : Holy Trinity Parish of Tawau celebrated the parish level Harvest Festival organized by the TUKAD community on 1st May 2016. The event commenced with a Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr. Philip Muji and con celebrated by Msgr. Nicholas Ong.

More than 1,000 parishioners, mainly from the TUKAD community gathered and offered their thanksgiving to God for the fruits and blessing granted throughout the year.

With thanksgiving and deep gratitude to God Almighty, Fr. Philip Muji, the celebrant, began his homily touching on the loyalty and respect of the KadazanDusun and Murut ( TUKAD ) community in holding on to their tradition and cultural value. Harvest Festival is basically a thanksgiving  celebration. The TUKAD community has much to be thankful  for the many blessings  received throughout the year from the Almighty.

He said, "Your tradition and culture is indeed a gift from God. It is your identity. It reminds all of us that this identity must be protected and pass on to the next generation. You are aware that this tradition has formed you to be a loyal and faithful community of God.  With all the graces and blessings you received, lets continue to trust and hope in the Lord by being prayerful children of God."

 
 

He concluded his homily with a hope that all communities in the parish will respect the culture and tradition of other community for indeed that is the foundation of good relationship, understanding and unity as a way of growing in faith together.

 

After the Eucharistic celebration all parishioners were invited to the Parish Hall for a luncheon fellowship and some entertainment.

Msgr. Nicholas Ong expressed his joy and thanked the TUKAD community for faithfully organizing the Kaamatan event every year. He said, "It shows that the traditions are not merely for entertainment but indeed you believe in the sovereignty of God. May you continue to give thanks for His generosity and prosperous fruits of harvest and be the humble community of God."

Andrew Kiat the PPC Chairman took the opportunity to congratulate the organizing committee for such a meaningful celebration. He said, "As we live in various communities, an activity like this will inspire others to appreciate such ancient tradition. This will also inspire the younger generation to understand and value their culture."

Meanwhile Stephen Juanis, the TUKAD Chairman extended his appreciation to his committee members for their support in ensuring that the event is implemented as planned. He also thanked the representatives from the other community; the Chinese, the Filipino and the Indonesian community. 
He said, "We are one big family and I believe that with this event today we witness the communion among all the communities. On behalf of the TUKAD community, I take this opportunity to thank you for your support and let's  journey together in faith and continue to strengthen our unity."

In between lunch, there were some presentations and lucky draws. The event ended at 2.00 pm with a Closing Prayer led by Fr. Philip Muji.